Can't send from Mac to a Samsung device after the Quick Share update

This is a known issue. Please don't write about it unless you have anything to add.

Unfortunately, there is currently no solution I can apply on my side because macOS doesn't allow apps to send Bluetooth broadcasts that Android listens for to become visible, and the Google Files workaround no longer works on Samsung devices.

The one remaining, atrocious workaround, is if you have a second Android device, you can open the "send" screen in Quick Share/Nearby Share on it, and then your Samsung device will become visible on the Mac as well.

Now, Google does recognize this limitation of Apple operating systems, and does provide a solution, but, unfortunately, it is currently disabled with a server-side flag. I don't know when or if they will enable it.

On non-Samsung devices, the Google Files workaround, as well as the intent shortcut, still work.

It looks like that the workaround still doesn't work with Google files.

Firstly, I thought the marriage of NearbyShare and QuickShare is a good thing, made things less redundant... Any ideas how to research a new workaround? On my S24 Ultra, i can confirm that none of the two workarounds to receive files from Mac are working...

i cant use it to send large/big size file. at avg it only can send aroung 5MB or 10MB at top. is there anything to fix this issue?

I just create hardcore shortcut which sets Nearby share to pairing mode. Set up new Requested link and type Nearby Share into search bar and simply create new shortcut. Using this app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rk.android.app.shortcutmaker&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1

I just create hardcore shortcut which sets Nearby share to pairing mode. Set up new Requested link and type Nearby Share into search bar and simply create new shortcut. Using this app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rk.android.app.shortcutmaker&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1

I didn't understand what the activity is called, can you give more information?

I just create hardcore shortcut which sets Nearby share to pairing mode. Set up new Requested link and type Nearby Share into search bar and simply create new shortcut. Using this app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rk.android.app.shortcutmaker&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1

Yes, could you please provide more details? I found in this application "Requested" section, but there no any items with "near" word. Do you use Samsung Galaxy?

it works fine for me on my galaxy s23 & m1 macbook air. when you share, you have to press the quick share icon, it won't just pop up like other devices do, it's available under the "share to devices nearby" section.

This issue talks about sharing from Mac to Samsung. Sharing from Samsung to Mac works.

First of all, great job with this app.

I am using the Oneplus 11 and facing this issue when sending files from my Mac to Android. The share intent keeps loading. I also have the update on Android for the quick share.

Also, I don't see the Receive option anywhere on the Google files app.

is there any fix for this issue ?

is there any fix for this issue ?

Have you tried reading what you're commenting on?

As of today, with the latest version of NearDrop, receiving and sending files works for me in both directions. Edit: But the Samsung phone is not visible to receive files without a workaround. Sorry for bringing your hopes up people.

As of today, with the latest version of NearDrop, receiving and sending files works for me in both directions.

Do you mean it works on your Samsung phone with Quick Share?

I have to correct my last statement: My S24 Ultra is only visible to share to when another regular quickshare device (in my case a windows laptop) is looking for receivers when sending a file via quickshare. When my device appears, the transfer works flawlessly. The other way works without any hickups, i.e. sending from my S24 Ultra to my Macbook.

Not sure if I missed anything but both my Samsung phone (S23 Ultra) and tablet (Tab S9+) are now able to send AND recieve, even when no other device is there in the list (unlike what @ezBeanie said)

I'm unable to receive on my Google Pixel 6 (Android 14) from my MBP (Sonama 14.5)

The Google Files app no longer has a Nearby Share option. Apparently the new way to get there is via the 'Quick Share' quick setting in the status bar drawer but none of the toggles within (your devices/contacts/everyone) make the phone visible in my mac.

I've tried turning Quick Share off and on again, re-attempting the share after changing the nearby share 'who can share with you' toggle, no dice

Using the workaround does work but obviously not ideal:

1. install Activity Launcher
2. search for ReceiveSurfaceActivity and click the ... menu to create a shortcut to it
3. click that shortcut when you want the phone to be an available option using neardrop on pc

Using the workaround does work but obviously not ideal

@TomBell-Trove how did you launch the activity? Found it with the Activity Launcher, it's called com.google.android.gms.nearby.sharing.InternalReceiveSurfaceActivity. But I'm unable to launch it - it throws the "PermissionDenial" exception.

@nezorflame That's not it, look for com.google.android.gms.nearby.sharing.ReceiveSurfaceActivity

I'm unable to receive on my Google Pixel 6 (Android 14) from my MBP (Sonama 14.5)

The Google Files app no longer has a Nearby Share option. Apparently the new way to get there is via the 'Quick Share' quick setting in the status bar drawer but none of the toggles within (your devices/contacts/everyone) make the phone visible in my mac.

I've tried turning Quick Share off and on again, re-attempting the share after changing the nearby share 'who can share with you' toggle, no dice

Using the workaround does work but obviously not ideal:

1. install Activity Launcher
2. search for ReceiveSurfaceActivity and click the ... menu to create a shortcut to it com.google.android.gms.nearby.sharing.ReceiveSurfaceActivity
3. click that shortcut when you want the phone to be an available option using neardrop on pc

Can Confirm that this works like a charm with my Pixel 6 and M1 MacBook Air Edit: Both ways

@nezorflame That's not it, look for com.google.android.gms.nearby.sharing.ReceiveSurfaceActivity

Yeah, seems that in my case it's missing

Can Confirm that this works like a charm with my Pixel 6 and M1 MacBook Air Edit: Both ways

Not working with Pixel 8 Pro and M1

macbook pro m3 pro, samsung s23 ultra, no dice. using kde connect for clipboard and stuff like that and localsend/macdroid for big files

It looks like the workaround activity does not exist on current GPS on OneUI 4.1

I can share if I select the "Activar Compartir en privado" on quick share (three dots at right top corner) and while the macbook pro is looking for a device to share with Nearby.