Share files from your Galaxy phone or tablet

Want to impress someone with your amazing photography? You can impress them even more by sending them your pictures wirelessly via Nearby Share. Before starting, make sure that you are signed into your Google account. Then, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to a file you’d like to share and select it. Tap the Share icon, and then tap Nearby Share. Tap Turn on if needed.
   
2. Your phone will begin looking for another device. Hold your phone and the other device close together; make sure both devices are unlocked. The other device will appear under “Looking for nearby devices.”
3. Tap Send when it appears. You’ll get a message that says “Sending.” When the transfer is successful, “Sent” will appear on your phone.
4. If someone is sending something to you using Nearby Share, you will receive a notification on your phone. Tap the notification; if prompted, tap Turn on. From there, tap Accept to receive the file from the other device.
   

Trying to share those awesome vacation photos with your friends? Use Quick Share to quickly and easily distribute your photography. Keep in mind that you cannot use Quick Share if you’re using a mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, or Smart View.

1. First, make sure the Quick Share feature is turned on for both phones. To do this, open the Quick settings panel by swiping down from the top of the screen using two fingers, and then tap the Quick Share icon.
2. Navigate to a file you’d like to share and select it. Tap the Share icon, and then tap Quick Share.
   
3. Your phone will begin looking for another device. If you are using a Note20 Ultra or S21 Ultra, point it at the receiving device.
   
   Note: If you’re having trouble connecting to another device, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick settings panel, and then touch and hold the Quick Share icon. Tap the switch next to Show my position to others to let nearby devices see your device when they are using Quick Share. This option will only show if Quick Share is enabled. “Show my position to others” is only available on select models.
   
4. When the other device appears, tap its name to send the file. The other phone may require permission before it can receive the file. On your phone, "Sent" will appear under the other device's name when the transfer is complete.
   

If your phone doesn’t search for the target device or another device never appears when using Quick Share, you can try checking for software updates.

If someone is sending something to you using Quick Share, you will receive a notification on your phone. Select the notification to view the file. Remember, you need to have Quick Share turned on in order to receive files through this feature.

Private Share lets you protect personal or sensitive information by allowing access to your files to certain people only. You’ll be able to restrict recipients from forwarding your information. Private Share will also prompt you with an alert if you are about to share images or files containing personal information, such as an ID card.

If your device did not come with Private Share, you can download it using the Galaxy Store.

1. Navigate to a file you’d like to share and select it. Tap the Share icon, then tap Quick Share, and then tap More options (the three vertical dots).
   
2. Tap Turn on Private sharing to enable Private sharing in Quick Share. Tap Continue, and then sign into your Samsung account if prompted.
   
3. Then, select a recipient by choosing a nearby device or a contact. Up to five people can be selected.
   
   Note: If the recipient does not have the Private Share feature or app installed on their device, you can send them an installation link via SMS, a QR code, or through an app. Private Share is not available on iOS devices.
4. You can set the time limit, or expiration date, for your file by tapping Set expiration, and then selecting your desired days, hours, and minutes. Tap Done when you’re finished.
   Note: Please see the next section for more information about setting expiration dates.
5. Tap Send. The recipient will need to accept the file and have Private Share installed in order to view it.

Set the date before sending

1. Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Apps.
2. Tap Quick Share, and then tap Set expiration.
   
3. Adjust the time limit as needed, and then tap Done.

Set the date after sending

1. Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Apps.
2. Tap Quick Share, and then tap Private sharing history. Select the recipient, and then select the file you sent.
   
3. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap Change expiry date. Enter the desired expiration date, and then tap Done.
4. If you need to block the recipient from seeing the shared file, tap Revoke shared files instead.

Link sharing allows you to send a photo or video link to a recipient so they can download the content in its original resolution.

1. Navigate to and open the Samsung Messages app, and then either open an existing message or create a new message.
2. Tap Attach image (the photo icon) above the keyboard, and then tap On or Off on the link sharing icon in the bottom right corner (it looks like a cloud).
   
3. Then, tap Use to enable Link Sharing.
   
4. Select your desired image or video, and then tap Send.

Please use caution when sharing sensitive information. If you are concerned about sharing via Nearby Share or Quick Share, then we recommend using Private Share instead.

Devices running One UI 5 will detect images containing personal information when sharing, such as drivers licenses, passports, and Social Security cards. You will then receive a pop-up directing you to use Private Share instead, if desired.