# How to Send Large Files From an iPad to an Android Phone

AirDrop and Quick Share do not normally connect an iPad and an Android device. A link or, on a USB-C iPad, a shared USB drive bridges the gap.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/ipad-to-android-file-transfer · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** To send a large file from an iPad to an Android phone or tablet, upload it in Safari at Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB per transfer) and send the link. The Android user downloads the original to their Downloads folder. If you are together and the iPad has USB-C, a USB-C drive formatted as exFAT works too.

## Built-in options, and their limits

**AirDrop** is Apple-only. **Quick Share** is for Android, Chromebooks and Windows; Google has added AirDrop compatibility to a few recent Pixel phones, but most Android devices cannot exchange files with an iPad directly.

Messaging apps compress photos and videos unless sent as documents, and cloud drives need space and often a sign-in on both sides.

## Send any size from iPad to Android with a link

1. On the iPad, open Share Large Video Files in Safari and tap to add files from Photo Library or Browse.
2. Keep the Safari window visible until the upload finishes.
3. Copy the link or show the QR code, and send it to the Android user.
4. On Android, tap the link and Download. The file goes to Downloads and appears in the Gallery or Google Photos if it is a photo or video.

## Things that trip people up

- HEIC photos and HEVC videos play on most recent Android phones, but not on some older ones. Convert to JPG or H.264 MP4 if the recipient reports a problem.
- Notes and drawings from apps like GoodNotes or Procreate should be exported as PDF or PNG, since Android does not have those apps' own formats.
- Pages, Numbers and Keynote files do not open on Android. Export them as PDF, Word, Excel or PowerPoint first.

## Export first: iPad-only formats

| On the iPad | Send as |
| --- | --- |
| Pages, Numbers, Keynote | PDF, or Word, Excel, PowerPoint (File > Export) |
| Procreate | PNG, JPG or PSD (Share) |
| GoodNotes, Notability | PDF (Export) |
| iMovie project | MP4 or MOV video (Share > Save Video) |
| HEIC photos | As they are, or JPG for older phones |

## Frequently asked questions

### Can an Android phone receive AirDrop from an iPad?

Most cannot. Google has added AirDrop compatibility to some recent Pixel phones, but for other Android devices use a download link.

### Can I use a USB drive between an iPad and Android?

Yes, if both have USB-C and the drive is exFAT. The iPad copies in the Files app; on Android, open the drive in the Files app.

### How do I send Pages or Keynote files to Android?

Export them from the app as PDF, Word or PowerPoint, then send the exported file. Android has no Pages or Keynote app.

### Does the file lose quality?

No. The link delivers the exact file you uploaded, unlike chat apps that compress media.