How to drag and drop content between apps on Android 15

Android 13 refined the long-standing drag-and-drop feature that lets you move content between apps. But it only worked in split-screen mode. Android 14 perfected it further by letting you hold what you need, navigate to another app with a second finger, and drop it. Then came Android 15 and Google’s Pixel Drop, which introduced app pairs.

Now on Google Pixel phones, you can open apps next to each other and quickly share files between them. More importantly, you can save these combinations if you use them frequently and pin them to your home screen for easy access. If you’re tired of using the share button or manually switching apps, here’s how to save time with drag and drop.

How does drag and drop between apps work?

Drag and drop moves images, text, or other files between two apps. You’ll tap and hold the item, drag it to a new location, and let go to paste it. For example, you can open your gallery and messaging apps. You’ll tap and hold a photo in the gallery and drag it to the messaging app’s chat window to drop it into the conversation. You can do this on split screen or without it.

This process differs from copy and paste, where you select the item, press Copyswitch to the other app, tap where you want to place it, then tap Stick. This takes a few extra steps and doesn’t give you a visual overview of where the item is going.

How to drag and drop on Android 15

Not much has changed in how drag and drop between apps works on Android 15. It remains a key feature for Android devices. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the two apps you want to transfer content between so that they appear on the recent apps screen.
2. Open the first application containing the content you want to recover. Here we use the Google app.
3. Hold and drag the content you want to move to create a moving shadow. If it’s text, highlight it first.
4. Use a second finger to press the preview Or hamburger button in the navigation bar. Swipe up and hold for a second if you’re using gesture navigation.
5. Select the destination app to open it.

6. Make sure the cursor is active before releasing the moved content. Otherwise, it disappears.

How to drag and drop content with split screen

Generally, you can use the drag and drop method to copy content between apps. But split screen mode is faster. It keeps both apps visible simultaneously. This way, you can drag items from one app to another without switching between full-screen apps. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open an app. Next, go to the recent apps screen.
2. Tap the app icon. Then select Split screen.
3. Select the other app you want to open. Your screen is split in two, with both apps visible.
4. Drag and drop your favorite content between the two apps.

How to Drag and Drop Content with App Pairs

App Pairs is a new feature that lets you save your favorite app pairings. Instead of manually arranging apps when you want to use them, you can quickly launch them together from your Home screen. In split-screen mode, go to recent apps. Next, tap one of the app icons and select Save the application pair.

App pairs now appear on your home screen and you can use them at any time. You can reposition them as you see fit or place them in folders for better organization.

Common Drag and Drop Issues on Android

Android 15 didn’t improve drag-and-drop functionality, and it remains somewhat problematic. Sometimes content doesn’t stick the first time. You may find that a block of text disappears when you post it to another app, or that an image doesn’t appear.

If these problems occur, repeat the process until it works. For best results, use official Google apps and take your time to avoid trial and error. This requires two hands, which you’ll use to carefully hold content with one hand while using the other to flip through apps or navigate the interface.

Split-screen mode works best on foldable devices because they have larger screens and provide more space to use multiple apps. On regular phones, it feels cramped and it’s harder to multitask.

Learn more about Android 15

As Android continues to develop, we expect drag and drop to improve. In the meantime, use other methods like copy and paste to share files or enjoy app pairs. There are even plenty of hidden features to discover on Android 15. Among them are Bluetooth automatic reconnection, increasing display contrast, and using your phone as a high-quality webcam.