How to turn off link sharing on android

Like many of you, I’ve encountered situations where I accidentally sent a link to a photo instead of the actual photo file when using my Android phone. This unintentional link sharing can be frustrating, especially when you want to share the full-quality image directly.

To address this issue, I learned how to turn off the link sharing feature on my Android device. In my case, I have a Samsung phone with the Messages app, so here’s how I did it:

Disabling Link Sharing in the Messages App

1. Open the Messages app and start a new message or open an existing conversation.
2. Access the photo gallery by tapping the image icon next to the text field.
3. Select the photo you want to send.
4. Look for the Link Sharing toggle at the bottom of the screen (it might look like a chain with a cloud) next to the “Send” button.
5. Turn off Link Sharing by tapping the icon once if it’s blue or highlighted (indicating it’s on). The icon should turn gray or black, confirming it’s off.
6. Send the photo by tapping the “Send” button, and the actual photo file will be sent instead of a link.

It’s important to note that the steps and location of the Link Sharing toggle may vary slightly depending on your specific Android phone model and the Messages app you’re using. If you can’t find the Link Sharing option, I recommend consulting your phone’s user manual or searching online for specific instructions for your device.

Additional Tips

• Once I turned off Link Sharing, it stayed off for future messages until I enabled it again.
• Before sending a photo, I always check the Link Sharing icon to ensure it’s toggled off if I want to send the actual file.
• Turning off Link Sharing might result in larger file sizes being sent, so I’m mindful of my data usage, especially if I have a limited data plan.

According to a study by Opensignal, the average Android user in the United States consumed around 7.1 GB of mobile data per month in 2021 (source: https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2021/05/usa/mobile-data-usage-experience). By controlling the link sharing feature, I can better manage my data usage and ensure that photos are shared exactly how I intended.

By following these simple steps, I’ve been able to seamlessly share actual photos from my Android phone without any unintentional link sharing. It’s a small but impactful change that enhances my overall sharing experience and ensures clear communication with my contacts.