Android makes it easier to share, switch and connect securely

CA Satbir Singh — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:59:40 +0000

Android makes it easier to share, switch and connect securely

Quickly share files between Android and iOS devices, effortlessly switch from an iPhone and send secure messages to iOS users with end-to-end encryption.

The latest Android updates let you share files and switch devices with ease and keep your chats secure. Here’s what’s new.

Share with anyone, on any device

We’ve all been there: trying to send a video from a family gathering to a group of people who all have different phones. To make this easier, we made Quick Share compatible with AirDrop for supported Android phones starting with Pixel, and we’re expanding to more partners including Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi and HONOR this year. ¹

If you don’t have a compatible device, you can use Quick Share on any Android phone to generate a QR code, which will let you instantly share with iOS devices via the cloud. This feature starts rolling out to all Android phones today and will be fully available within the next month. Soon, we’ll also make Quick Share available inside some of your favorite apps, including WhatsApp.

Switch to Android with ease

We worked with Apple to overhaul the iOS-to-Android transfer process to ensure your data moves with you. Your passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts and even your homescreen layout can migrate wirelessly from your iPhone to your new Android device. This upgraded process, which also supports eSIM transfer, will launch first on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices this year.

Connect more securely

With 2.5 billion RCS messages sent daily — based on the average from the past 28 days — secure communication is more important than ever. To keep your chats safe, we’re rolling out end-to-end encryption for RCS messages across Android and iOS.

Android simplifies sharing, switching, and connecting securely by utilizing “Quick Share” for fast, encrypted file transfers and providing, as of May 2026, enhanced wireless migration from iPhones, including support for eSIM transfers and full device data. These improvements make connecting to other devices and moving data faster, safer, and more convenient. [1, 2]

Key Enhancements:

Share Anywhere:Quick Share now works across Android phones, tablets, and with third-party apps like WhatsApp to send files securely, even without a shared network, often using nearby Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Easier Switching: New, improved wireless migration allows transferring, apps, photos, and messages directly from an iPhone to a new Android device.
Secure Connection: The setup process enables quick and secure transfer of data (photos, contacts, apps) from old to new Android devices using either a USB cable or local, high-speed Wi-Fi, often allowing users to choose exactly what to move.
Proactive AI:Gemini Intelligence is being integrated into Android, offering proactive help across devices (phone, car, watch) while keeping data private. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Data Security:

Encrypted Transfers: Quick Share and other tools ensure that data transferred between devices is encrypted to protect user privacy.
Backup and Restore:Google Password Manager keeps data, such as app sign-in details, backed up securely during the switch. [1, 2, 3, 4]

These updates ensure that transferring to a new device or sharing with others is faster and more secure, with many features launching first on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices. [1]

If you are currently switching devices, I can: