Android Quick Share Has a Privacy Setting Worth Checking

Quick Share makes sending a photo or file to another nearby device easy. But it also has a setting controlling who can discover your device.

On Android, search Settings for Quick Share, then open Who can share with you. Google's current choices include options for your own devices, contacts, and temporary visibility to everyone nearby.

The important word there is visibility.

You generally do not need to leave a phone broadly discoverable just because you occasionally transfer files.

For transfers between your own devices, Your devices is particularly useful. Google says devices using the same Google Account can recognize one another, and transfers between your own devices can be accepted automatically in supported situations.

If you temporarily select broad visibility, Android's Everyone for 10 minutes option automatically returns to your previous setting afterward.

You should still pay attention to unexpected sharing prompts. If you do not recognize a transfer, decline it.

Bottom line: Quick Share is useful, but there is little reason to make your phone more discoverable than necessary.

Sources and Further Reading

Google Android Help — Use Quick Share: https://support.google.com/android/answer/15728591

Google Android Help — Share files between Android & Windows with Quick Share: https://support.google.com/android/answer/13801258