How to “AirDrop” From a Google Pixel to an iPhone (Yes, It’s Finally Possible)

For years, “AirDrop it to me” has been the fastest way to share photos, videos, and files—as long as everyone involved is using Apple devices. If you had a Google Pixel and your friend had an iPhone, you usually ended up using WhatsApp, email, or cloud links.

That’s changing.

Google has introduced a way for Android’s Quick Share to work with Apple’s AirDrop—starting with the Pixel 10 family—so you can share files directly between a Pixel and an iPhone without installing extra apps (in many cases).

Below are the best methods to “AirDrop” from Pixel to iPhone, starting with the closest true AirDrop-style option, plus reliable alternatives that work on any Pixel and any iPhone.

The closest thing to real AirDrop: Pixel Quick Share → iPhone AirDrop (Pixel 10 family)

If you have a Pixel 10-series phone, this is the smoothest method because it’s built into the sharing menu.

What you need

• A Pixel 10 family device with Quick Share available

• An iPhone with AirDrop enabled

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on (both devices nearby)

• iPhone’s AirDrop set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” (important)

Step-by-step

1. On the iPhone: Open Control Center → press and hold the top-left network tile → tap AirDrop → choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.

2. On the Pixel: Open the file/photo you want to send (Google Photos, Files, etc.).

3. Tap Share → choose Quick Share.

4. Your iPhone should appear in the nearby list. Tap it.

5. On the iPhone: Tap Accept on the AirDrop prompt.

That’s it—fast, direct, and (in Google’s description) designed to be peer-to-peer rather than routed through servers.

Works on any Pixel and any iPhone: Snapdrop (browser-based “AirDrop for everything”)

If you don’t have a Pixel 10—or you want a method that works regardless of model—Snapdrop is one of the easiest options. It runs in the browser, no account needed, and is designed for quick local sharing.

How to use Snapdrop

1. Connect both the Pixel and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network (this helps device discovery).

2. Open a browser on both devices and go to Snapdrop.net.

3. Each device should show up as an icon on the other device’s screen.

4. Tap the other device’s icon → choose the file → accept on the receiving phone.

Snapdrop is perfect for photos, PDFs, short videos, and quick transfers when you’re sitting together at home, work, or a cafe Wi-Fi.

Best for long videos and big files: Send Anywhere (6-digit key)

For larger files or when you’re not on the same Wi-Fi, Send Anywhere is a strong option. It uses a 6-digit key that the receiver enters to start the transfer.

Quick steps

1. Install/open Send Anywhere on both devices.

2. On Pixel: select files → tap Send → you’ll get a 6-digit key.

3. On iPhone: open Receive → enter the key → download starts.

This is especially useful when the “nearby” method is being finicky or you’re sending a lot of media.

Troubleshooting tips (when it won’t “AirDrop”)

• iPhone isn’t showing up on Pixel Quick Share: Confirm AirDrop is set to Everyone for 10 Minutes (not Contacts Only).

• Nothing connects: Make sure Wi-Fi + Bluetooth are ON for both devices and you’re close.

• Quick Share acting buggy: Some users have reported issues on Pixel 10 with the new AirDrop-compat feature; if yours glitches, use Snapdrop or Send Anywhere as the backup.

Final thoughts

If you have a Pixel 10, Quick Share ↔ AirDrop is the closest thing to a true cross-platform AirDrop experience today.
If you don’t, Snapdrop (no-install) and Send Anywhere (reliable key transfer) are the easiest “works everywhere” solutions.