Pixel 8a gets AirDrop support, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro strangely excluded

Recently, it was revealed that AirDrop compatibility was coming to Android devices; however, one pretty notable omission has been spotted: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

To start things off, here is the list of Pixels that Google has brought the AirDrop compatibility for Quick Share to:

• Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 8a

Now, some Pixel 8 Pro users are reporting they have already received the Quick Share Extension app on their phones (one of the prerequisites for getting Quick Share and AirDrop to work), but the feature itself still won’t work. Essentially, AndroidAuthority noted that devices need to have a “mosey_server” file in the phone’s firmware for AirDrop compatibility to work, but it has not yet been spotted in the firmware of the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro.

It’s not most Android phones, but older flagships will likely get it. AWDL is still used and that does require a chiplet level networking tweak.

Not all devices support it, especially lower end and mid range devices. I would not expect this on your device unless it runs a… https://t.co/3juEDxLmIK

— Max Weinbach (@mweinbach) May 12, 2026

9to5Google noted that Google has been rolling out AirDrop support on a model-by-model basis, and that the other missing Pixel devices will get support in due time. Creative Strategies analyst Max Weinbach shared a theory that compatibility for AirDrop is down to chipsets and that some phones will need a chipset-level networking tweak. Essentially, the process utilizes Apple Wireless Direct Link, and some Android devices do not support it — “especially lower-end and midrange devices,” said Weinbach.

It has also been confirmed that the Motorola Razr fold 2026, Oppo Find X8 series, and the Honour Magic 8 Pro will be next in line to receive AirDrop compatibility.

Source: Android Authority