Google continues to revolutionize the way Android works, integrating features that transform the user experience through connectivity and synchronization. One of these is the one we'll cover in detail here: Multi-device services on Android. We will explain it to you in detail What they are, how they work, all their requirements, the essential steps to activate them, their real advantages and how to manage them to exploit the full potential of your Android ecosystem..
What are multi-device services in Android and what are they for?
This functionality, present from Android 11 onwards, means a leap in the way multiple Android devices can work together when they share the same Google account. Multi-device services allow you to create a unified ecosystem, where mobile phones, tablets, and soon other devices like Chromebooks, interact automatically to share tasks and data..
What does this mean in practice? You will be able to:
- Switching devices during a video call or streaming (for example, seamlessly transferring a Meet or Gmail call from your phone to your tablet).
- Activate or connect to one device's hotspot from another device automatically, without entering passwords, facilitating instant connectivity.
- Sync compatible apps (such as Google Photos, Meet, Gmail, and many more) and easily manage file and information sharing between nearby devices.
- Receive new cross-device features automatically as Google expands the service.
Do you want to learn how to get the most out of these features? In our guide on How to optimize smart and sync features on Android You can find additional tips and tricks to manage your device ecosystem.
Multi-device services are designed for users with more than one Android device. and seek to eliminate friction when sharing and continuing tasks between devices, achieving an experience similar to that already offered by advanced ecosystems such as Apple's.
Main advantages and internal operation
The core of this function is the creation of groups of devices associated with the same Google accountOnce the multi-device services have been configured and activated:
- Devices can automatically detect each other when they are nearby, thanks to the combination of Bluetooth and Google Play services.
- Personal information and preferences are kept secure, since detection only occurs between your own devices and not between other devices.
- By enabling the group, Other devices can see the name and a certain basic profile of the terminal for easy management. Only your devices in the group will be able to recognize each other and share tasks.
- The transfer is almost instantaneous: you don't need to log in again, import accounts, or manually configure anything extra.
Google emphasizes that as new features are enabled, you'll receive them directly on all your devices in the group, without having to manually check for updates. To learn how to manage and keep your devices in order, we recommend reviewing our guide on advanced connectivity settings on Android.
Requirements and compatibility: Which devices can use multi-device services?
To enjoy all the features that multi-device services offer, you must ensure you meet these requirements:
- Have two or more Android devices with version 11 or higher (phones, tablets or, soon, Chromebooks).
- Make sure all devices are updated with the latest version of Google Play Services.Services are usually updated in the background, but if you have any issues, you can do so manually from the Play Store.
- Be signed in with the same Google account on all devices where you want to connect multi-device services.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled on all devices for wireless detection and connection.
Some key details:
- Not compatible with Android Go (the light version for input devices), nor with older versions of Android.
- En Samsung devices, the automatic internet transfer feature is not enabled. In these cases, you should use Samsung's own automatic hotspot feature.
- Tablets, most modern models, also support multi-device services.
To check your Android version:
- Go to Settings > About phone/device.
- Find and check the section “Android versionIf you're running Android 11 or later, you can skip ahead.
How to activate multi-device services on Android step by step
Activation is simple, but requires you to repeat the process on each of your devices to ensure they all belong to the multi-device group. Here's how. the essential steps:
- Opens Settings on your Android mobile or tablet.
- Enter the section Google and select All the services (on some models it is called just “Devices & Sharing”).
- Choose Multi-device services.
- Activate the option Using multi-device servicesIf it doesn't appear, make sure your device meets the requirements mentioned above.
- Repeat this setting on all devices you want to include in the group.
On the same screen you can also activate each function independently. (such as Call Forwarding or Internet Sharing) depending on your preferences and needs. Some makes and models may have slightly different menu names, but the general process is the same.
How to create and manage multi-device groups on Android
The next step, once the service is activated, is to manage the group of devices associated with your Google accountThis gives you complete control over which terminals can share tasks.
How to see the devices connected to your group?
- Go back to Settings > Google > Multi-device services.
- Access the section device groups and tap your Google account.
- A list of devices connected to that group will be displayed. Only those listed will be able to interact with each other using these features.
How to remove a device from the group?
- On the device you want to unpair, open Settings > Google > Multi-device services.
- Go to device groups and log in to your Google account.
- Find the device and disable the corresponding option. This removes that device from the group, and it will stop syncing.
What you can actually do with multi-device services: available and expanding features
Currently, Multi-device services enable several key functions that make using an Android environment much more practical. These are the main ones:
- Call ForwardingIf you're on a video call (for example, using Google Meet), you can instantly transfer the call from one device to another using the transfer button. This way, you can start a video call on your phone and end it on your tablet if, for example, you need to charge your phone or want a larger screen, without interruptions or dropouts.
- Share Internet between devices: Allows you to activate the access point or hotspot on one of your devices and connect from another Android device in the group without having to enter passwords thanks to automatic authentication via Bluetooth. Very useful for browsing from your tablet or laptop using your mobile connection when you don't have Wi-Fi.
- App sync and file transferSome apps, like Google Meet, Gmail, Google Photos, WhatsApp, and others, can easily show you nearby devices to send you notifications, files, images, or even full app sessions, making multitasking easier.
- Welcome to new multi-device features as they launch: Google is progressively adding new features to this ecosystem, so you'll always be up to date on connectivity and features.
Keep in mind that:
- El Automatic Internet sharing is not enabled on Samsung devices (you must use the brand’s own “automatic access point” there).
- La Call forwarding is not limited to Google apps only: In the future, third-party apps may offer integration to transfer tasks and sessions between devices.
- Privacy is a priority: Only your authenticated devices can share information with each other. When transferring content or making calls, the destination device's information is only shared with the app if you give your consent.
What features are expected in the future? Google is already working on expanding the ecosystem by adding, among other possibilities:
- Switch sessions in more apps (not just Meet or Gmail).
- Sync passwords, media files, and more across Android devices, tablets, Chromebooks, and potentially other systems.
- Improvements to automatic Wi-Fi connection and network credential sharing without manual key entry.
Tips, tricks, and common issues when using multi-device services
The multi-device services on Android They are designed to operate with little maintenance, but if you encounter problems, check these aspects:
- Make sure you're in an area with sufficient coverage and that both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
- Confirm that both devices have the same Google account and compatible versions of Android and Google Play Services.
- If you don't see the device you want to add to the group, log out and back in or restart the devices.
- Automatic transfer of Wi-Fi keys and connections may require additional location permissions.
- Some features may be disabled by default on certain brands (almost always due to differences with their custom layers).
Applications and services compatible with multi-device services
Nowadays, main Google apps Services like Meet, Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google Calendar already leverage multi-device services to offer advanced device transfer and sync experiences. Additionally:
- Some third-party applications can integrate these features thanks to new APIs that Google is gradually enabling.
- Apps automatically detect which devices are in the same multi-device group and, if possible, display the option to continue task, transfer session, or send files.
This is in line with Google's strategy to foster a unified, cross-platform environment that rivals other systems in functionality, while also ensuring security and privacy.
With multi-device services on AndroidYour phone, tablet, and other devices are no longer islands. Now you can work, communicate, share files, and switch between screens without losing your rhythm or productivity. It only takes a few minutes to set up the group, and then you'll have access to a smart, intuitive, and ever-expanding environment to enjoy the full power of Android and Google Play Services. Whatever your user profile, if you have more than one compatible device, this system will become the centerpiece of your connected experience.
