Samsung Galaxy phones stand out as some of the top Android phones available today. Known for their excellent build quality and impressive specifications, these devices go a step further with Samsung’s exclusive One UI. This user interface enhances your experience by adding unique features not found in standard Android phones.
From Samsung’s own web browser and password manager to a custom image gallery and robust in-house payment solution, these additions make Galaxy phones a smart choice for anyone looking for more from their smartphone.
What is Link Sharing?
Link Sharing is a handy feature exclusive to Samsung devices that lets you share images, videos, and files through a simple link, rather than sending them directly. This is especially useful when dealing with SMS or email, which often have restrictive size limits. By choosing Link Sharing, you can send uncompressed media as links, allowing recipients to download them without any loss in quality—effectively bypassing typical sharing limitations. 🔄
However, there are reasons you might want to disable this feature. For starters, if size restrictions don’t concern you, sending a direct image or video can be less confusing, particularly for those who aren’t very tech-savvy. Fortunately, turning off Link Sharing is straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes.
Turn off Link Sharing when sending messages
- Open the Samsung Messages app. Start by launching the app on your device.
- Start a new SMS conversation or open an existing one. This is where you’ll send your images or videos.
- Tap the images icon in the lower-left corner of your conversation screen. This action will display the most recent images from your gallery in the lower half of the screen.
- Look for the Link Sharing button. It’s a circular icon with a cloud icon next to it, located at the bottom of the screen. If the button is blue and says “On,” Link Sharing is currently active.
- Disable Link Sharing. Tap the button once. It will turn black and switch to “Off,” indicating that Link Sharing is disabled.
Remember: You can toggle this setting anytime to re-enable Link Sharing for sending multiple images or videos without compressing them. Note that Link Sharing is specific to Samsung’s default messaging app. If you use a different app like Google Messages, Link Sharing isn’t used.
Using Quick Share to send large files
If you’ve turned off Link Sharing for regular texting, or prefer using other messaging apps like Google Messages or WhatsApp, you might still need to send large files. Samsung’s Quick Share feature is perfect for this, allowing you to share any type of file through a link without additional costs. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the app containing the files you want to share, like your gallery app or a file browser.
- Select the files you wish to share, then tap the share icon.
- Choose the Quick Share icon from the sharing options that appear.
- Decide how to share the link: You can copy the link to paste it manually, share the link directly using another app, or generate a QR code. Others can scan this QR code with their device’s camera to access the files.
Additionally, if the recipient is nearby and also uses a Samsung device, you can send files wirelessly via Quick Share. This feature simplifies sharing large files instantly without worrying about email or messaging size limits.
Use links for large files
Link Sharing is incredibly useful for sending large files or multiple items at once, helping you easily bypass typical sharing limitations. However, this method isn’t without its drawbacks. While it enables recipients to download files via a link, these links usually expire after a few days, requiring prompt action from the recipients. For sharing a few images and videos more seamlessly, direct sending is often preferable. Yet, using the traditional MMS format compresses files due to size constraints.
Thankfully, newer methods are now available to share content more efficiently. Many people opt for popular messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, which facilitate easy file sharing but require both parties to use the same platform. Another advanced option is the RCS protocol, which offers enhanced features similar to messaging apps but depends on both the sender’s and recipient’s carriers and phones supporting it.
Conclusion
Samsung’s suite of sharing features, from Link Sharing to Quick Share, offers a range of options to meet different needs. Whether you’re dealing with size limitations in traditional messaging formats or looking for a more robust solution for sending large files seamlessly, Samsung has you covered.
While each method has its nuances, they all aim to enhance your sharing experience, ensuring that your files reach their destination efficiently and intact. As technology progresses, options like RCS are emerging as future solutions to keep everyone connected, no matter the platform. Embrace these innovations for a smoother, more connected digital interaction.
FAQ
What is Link Sharing on Samsung devices?
Link Sharing is a feature on Samsung devices that allows users to send images, videos, and files via a link. This method bypasses traditional size limitations imposed by SMS and email, allowing recipients to download uncompressed media.
How can I disable Link Sharing in Samsung Messages?
To disable Link Sharing, open the Samsung Messages app, select a conversation, tap the images icon, and then toggle the Link Sharing button from ‘On’ to ‘Off.’ This will switch the sharing method to the standard MMS protocol.
What is Quick Share and how does it work?
Quick Share is a feature on Samsung devices that facilitates the sharing of any file type through a link or directly to nearby Samsung devices. It can be accessed by selecting files, tapping the share icon, and choosing the Quick Share option.
Can I use Link Sharing or Quick Share if I don’t use Samsung’s default messaging app?
Yes, Quick Share can be used with any app that allows file access, like your gallery or a file browser. However, Link Sharing is specific to Samsung’s messaging app and similar functionalities would need to be checked in other apps.
What are the limitations of Link Sharing?
While convenient, Link Sharing has a drawback in that the links generated will expire after a few days, requiring the recipient to download the content promptly.
What alternatives exist for sharing large files if I don’t want to use Link Sharing or Quick Share?
Alternatives include using popular messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, which allow file sharing without size limits. For those looking for a more integrated solution, switching to the RCS protocol might be viable, provided it is supported by both the sender’s and recipient’s carriers and devices.
