How To Easily Send Links Between Android Phones Simple Methods Explained

Sharing a link from one Android phone to another should be fast and frustration-free. Whether you're sending an article, video, product page, or restaurant location, there are multiple efficient ways to get it done—without relying on email or complicated steps. With the right method, you can transfer links in seconds using tools already on your device or lightweight apps designed for seamless sharing.

The key is choosing the right approach based on your situation: proximity, recipient preferences, data usage, and privacy concerns. This guide walks through proven, everyday-friendly techniques that require no technical background—just clear instructions and practical insights to help you share smarter.

Use Nearby Share (Google’s Built-In Tool)

Google’s Nearby Share is Android’s native solution for transferring files, links, and other content between nearby devices. It works like Apple’s AirDrop but is tailored for Android-to-Android sharing. No Wi-Fi network required—just Bluetooth and location services enabled.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Tap the “Share” button in your browser or app when viewing a link.
2. Select “Nearby Share” from the sharing options.
3. Ensure both devices have Nearby Share turned on and are within 5 meters.
4. When the sender’s device appears on the recipient’s screen, tap to accept.
5. The link opens automatically once transferred.

Tip: Rename your device under Nearby Share settings to make identification easier—e.g., “Sarah’s Pixel” instead of “SM-G975U.”

Nearby Share uses a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and WebRTC for secure, high-speed transfers. It doesn’t upload your data to servers, so it's private and fast. Both devices must run Android 6.0 or later, and the feature is preinstalled on most modern Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and Xiaomi phones.

Send via Messaging Apps You Already Use

If both parties use the same messaging platform, sending links becomes effortless. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal support instant link sharing with full preview functionality.

For example, copying a YouTube URL into a WhatsApp chat generates a rich preview with the video thumbnail, title, and channel name—making it easy to recognize and tap.

Steps to share:

• Long-press the address bar in your browser and select “Copy.”
• Open your preferred messaging app and paste the link into the chat.
• Hit send. The recipient receives the link instantly over mobile data or Wi-Fi.

“Over 85% of Android users rely on WhatsApp for personal file and link sharing due to its simplicity and universal adoption.” — TechComms Report, 2023

This method works best when you’re already in conversation with the recipient. However, it does depend on internet connectivity and may not be ideal in low-data situations.

QR Codes: Instant Link Transfer Without Pairing

QR codes offer a contactless way to send links between Android phones—especially useful in public spaces, meetings, or when Bluetooth isn’t available.

To generate a QR code:

1. Install a trusted QR code generator app like “QR Code Reader & Generator” by Scan.”
2. Paste the copied link into the app.
3. Generate the code—it appears as a black-and-white square.
4. Show it on your screen; the other person scans it using their camera or a scanner app.

Most modern Android phones can scan QR codes directly through the default camera app. Once scanned, the link opens immediately in the browser.

Tip: Test the QR code before presenting it—ensure lighting is good and the code isn’t zoomed too tightly.

This method excels in offline scenarios. For instance, at a conference, someone can display a QR code linking to their portfolio, and attendees scan it without exchanging numbers or connecting to networks.

Compare Methods: Speed, Privacy, and Ease

Method	Speed	Internet Required?	Privacy Level	Best For
Nearby Share	Fast (under 10 sec)	No (uses local connection)	High (end-to-end encrypted)	Private transfers between known users
Messaging Apps	Instant	Yes	Medium (depends on app encryption)	Casual sharing with frequent contacts
QR Codes	Immediate after scan	Only on receiver side	High (no data exchange)	Public events, kiosks, no-contact needs
Email	Slow (delivery delays)	Yes	Low-Medium (varies by provider)	Formal contexts or record-keeping

Each method has trade-offs. Choose based on context: speed matters in face-to-face exchanges, while privacy takes priority when sharing sensitive links.

Real-World Example: Sharing a Travel Guide at the Airport

Alex is waiting for a flight and finds a helpful blog post titled “10 Hidden Gems in Lisbon.” His travel companion, Jamie, wants the link too—but they don’t have Wi-Fi access yet and prefer not to use mobile data unnecessarily.

Alex opens the share menu and selects Nearby Share. Jamie enables it on their phone, and within seconds, the link appears on their screen with a prompt to accept. No login, no app download, no internet. Jamie taps “Accept,” and the article opens instantly. They both save the page for offline reading later.

This scenario highlights how Nearby Share solves real problems: immediate access, zero data cost, and no dependency on cloud services.

Step-by-Step: Set Up Quick Share for Future Transfers

Samsung devices use a similar feature called “Quick Share,” which integrates with Nearby Share for cross-brand compatibility. Setting it up ensures faster sharing going forward.

1. Go to Settings > Share & connect > Quick Share.
2. Toggle on “Quick Share” and set visibility to “Everyone” or “Contacts Only” based on preference.
<3>Tap your device name and rename it for clarity (e.g., “Alex’s Galaxy S23”).
3. Enable “Auto-accept files from contacts” if you frequently share with trusted people.
4. Test it by sending a small file or link to another Android user nearby.

Once configured, sharing becomes nearly automatic. Just swipe down, open the share sheet, and tap the nearby device icon.

FAQ

Can I send links between Android and iPhone easily?

Direct tools like Nearby Share only work between Android devices. To send to an iPhone, use messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), email, or generate a QR code—methods compatible across platforms.

Is Nearby Share safe? Could someone intercept my link?

Yes, Nearby Share uses end-to-end encryption and requires manual acceptance on the receiving device. Devices are anonymized during discovery, minimizing exposure. Avoid using it in crowded areas if sharing highly sensitive information.

Why doesn’t Nearby Share appear in my share menu?

Ensure it’s enabled in Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Nearby Share. Also, check that Bluetooth, Location, and Wi-Fi are turned on. Some manufacturers may label it differently (e.g., “Share Now” on Xiaomi).

Checklist: Ready to Share Links Smoothly?

• ✅ Ensure Bluetooth and Location are enabled on both devices.
• ✅ Turn on Nearby Share or Quick Share in system settings.
• ✅ Rename your device for easy recognition.
• ✅ Install a QR code generator as backup.
• ✅ Confirm messaging apps are updated and logged in.
• ✅ Practice one method until it feels natural—then try others.

Final Thoughts

Sending links between Android phones doesn’t need to involve copy-pasting into emails or relying on unstable connections. With built-in tools like Nearby Share, widely adopted apps like WhatsApp, and clever alternatives like QR codes, you have multiple reliable pathways—all within reach.

The fastest method isn’t always the best. Consider privacy, environment, and recipient comfort. A quick tap beats typing out long URLs, and secure local transfers beat uploading to the cloud unnecessarily.

💬 Start today: Try sending a link to a friend using Nearby Share or a QR code. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you ever copied and pasted manually.