Google is preparing to introduce a new contact-sharing feature for Android, designed to function similarly to Apple’s widely used NameDrop.
First reported in November, the feature will allow Android users to exchange contact information simply by bringing their devices close together—mirroring the easy, proximity-based sharing experience available on iPhones since 2023.
While Apple’s NameDrop also supports file transfers, Google appears to be focusing on contact sharing in the initial rollout. A recently shared demonstration video shows how the feature works in practice, revealing a smooth animation that activates when two Android smartphones are brought into close proximity. Although the animation is functional, actual contact transfer is not yet enabled, suggesting the feature remains in early testing stages.
Google has not finalized the name for this upcoming capability. Internally, it is being referred to as Gesture Exchange and Contact Exchange, with either potentially becoming the commercial name. However, users may see a more polished and memorable branding once the feature is ready for release.
Despite ongoing development, early previews confirm that the feature will rely heavily on NFC technology to initiate the handshake between devices.
This means users will need to align their phones’ NFC antennas for the feature to work properly. Unlike Apple’s consistent placement of NFC antennas at the top of iPhones, Android devices differ considerably in hardware design, which may require users to adjust positions slightly to achieve a successful connection.
Given its current development status and incomplete functionality, the new Android contact-sharing tool is expected to launch sometime in 2026. Once released, it will offer Android users a simple and intuitive way to exchange information without needing QR codes, manual entry, or Bluetooth pairing.
The introduction of a NameDrop-style feature highlights Google’s broader efforts to enhance cross-device interaction and streamline sharing experiences across the Android ecosystem. As development continues, more details about its official name, expanded capabilities, and supported devices are expected to emerge in the coming months.