How to setup AirDrop on Android (first with Pixel 10 series)

We’re still processing the fact that Google randomly announced that it had figured out a solution to airdrop to and from Pixel 10 phones with all of Apple’s devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. This really just came out of no where and it barely got much of an proclamation.But look, it’s real and we’ve been toying with it – this stuff works both ways and it’s pretty awesome.

There is some setup, tho, so if you were trying to send pics or videos or files from your Pixel 10 Pro to an iPhone or your Mac computer and were running into issues, we thought a little walk-through of our setup might help.

1. To start, you’ll need a Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro or 10 Pro XL, or Pixel 10 pro Fold

*Google says they are adding more devices in the future, but for now this is a Pixel 10 exclusive feature

2. You’ll also likely need to be on the latest Google Play System update, plus you may find an update available for Google Play Services.

*You can update Google Play System by heading into Settings>system>Software updates>google Play system update
*You can update Google Play Services by tapping this link from your phone

!AirDrop on Pixel 10 setup

AirDrop to Android: It Actually Works on the Pixel 10!

For years,Android users have looked on with envy as Apple’s AirDrop made file sharing incredibly easy between iPhones,iPads,and Macs. Now, thanks to some clever engineering and Google’s continued openness, AirDrop functionality is coming to Android – and it works beautifully on the new Pixel 10.

Here’s how you can use AirDrop to send files to your Pixel 10 from an iPhone or Mac.

What you’ll need:

• A Pixel 10 (or potentially other recent Android phones, but we’ve confirmed it on the Pixel 10)
• An iPhone or Mac
• Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network and have Bluetooth enabled.

Let’s get started:

1. On your Pixel 10, open Swift Share. You can find it in your Quick Settings panel (swipe down from the top of the screen).

2. Tap the settings icon within Quick Share. This will open the quick Share settings.

3. Enable the toggle for “Nearby Share.” This is crucial for the connection to work.

4. Now, enable the toggle for “AirDrop support.” This is the magic switch that unlocks AirDrop compatibility.

5. Back in Quick Share, choose the “recieve” option.This makes your Pixel 10 discoverable by AirDrop devices.

6. On the iPhone or Mac, you should now be prompted by AirDrop to “Accept” or “Decline” the file.It should also say which device is sending to you, which you can see in my case is from “Kellen’s Pixel 10 Pro XL.” If you accept, it’ll send and be available just like any other AirDrop file would be. It’s magical.

7. OK, what if you want to send from an iPhone or Mac to your Pixel 10? You can do that too. You’ll first open Quick share on your Pixel 10 and choose the “Receive” option to make your phone available.

8. Now on your iPhone or Mac, you’ll find a file, choose to share it, and then pick AirDrop as the sharing options.This will open the AirDrop UI and you’ll see your Pixel 10 there as a receiver.