We’ve reached a point where many of us rely on mobile devices more than computers. In fact, smartphones have evolved to a point where you can do everything from sending an email to streaming your favorite television shows all on your device. You may even want to transfer some of your files from your computer to your Android device. It’s just a matter of finding the method that makes the most sense based on the size of the file and what’s compatible with your computer. This tutorial shows you how to transfer files from your PC or Mac to your Android device. Show
Content1. Use a USB CableUsing a USB cable is one of the oldest and still very efficient ways of moving your data from your computer to your phone. Depending on the devices you have, you can transfer files with USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cables. Regardless of which cable you use, the process works the same way, but transfer speeds will be much longer with a USB-A cable than a USB-C or Thunderbolt cable. At the end of the day, the biggest determinant in how you transfer data using a cable comes down to whether you are using a Windows or macOS device. Below you will find step-by-step guides for both. Transfer from Windows to Android via USB
You can also do this transfer in reverse by moving files from the phone’s storage to your computer. Transfer from macOS to Android via USB
2. Cloud AccountsIf you regularly use your Android device and a computer to complete work, then you may want to use a cloud storage system on these devices. Although there are many great cloud storage apps, Google Drive and Dropbox are two of the best options. Many cloud storage apps are accessible from Android devices, Windows and macOS devices, and any changes you make instantly appear on both devices. You’ll always have access to the most up-to-date version of your documents, which is important. Furthermore, using a cloud storage app allows you to more easily share access of these files with other people. The process is important for people who regularly collaborate with others or anyone who needs to share deliverables with a client or classmate. Transfer from Computer to Android via Google DriveIf you regularly make changes to typed documents or spreadsheets from both your Android device and a computer, Google Drive is a great option for you. It’s a free cloud storage app that is natively integrated with most Android devices. It’s also easily accessible on both Windows and macOS devices since it is web-based. Follow the instructions below to transfer from your computer to Android via Google Drive.
You can also use Google Drive to transfer the opposite way. Open the Google Drive app on Android and press the “+” sign in the bottom-left corner to add a file. The process will work similarly to how it transfers files from the computer to Android. Transfer from Computer to Android via DropboxDropbox is another popular cloud storage app. You can sign up for a free account or pay the subscription fee if you need additional storage or want a shared drive for a business. Also, Dropbox offers desktop apps with sync capabilities for both Windows and macOS devices, so you can make changes from your computer and see those updates on your Android device in real time (or vice versa). Follow the instructions below to transfer files from your computer to Android via Dropbox.
You can also do this in reverse. Open the app on your Android device and press the “+” sign in the bottom-right corner to add a file. Open it on your computer to download.
3. EmailYou can use your email app to transfer one or two small files to your phone. Send it to yourself from your computer by opening a new message and clicking the attachments icon to select the files you want to send, then open the message from your phone and download the attachment. Be aware, though, that many email clients have limits on attachment file sizes, which makes this not great for larger files. It’s also not recommended if you need to send many files at once or are trying to send anything in a zip file. 4. BluetoothAnother alternative for sending small files is Bluetooth. It is a slower process than some of the others but is faster once it’s set up. To do this successfully, you first need to pair your devices then navigate the transfer. Transfer from Windows to Android via Bluetooth
If the transfer fails, it’s most likely because the file is too large, so you’ll need to try another method. Transfer Files from macOS to Android via Bluetooth
5. Over Wi-FiUsing Wi-Fi is a great way to move large files between the computer and your phone. To transfer data in this way, you need a third-party Android app but don’t need one for your computer. To use this method, sign up for an account on your preferred platform on your computer, install the app on your phone, and follow the instructions for transferring files. Some popular apps for over Wi-Fi transfer include:
6. Micro SD CardIf your phone has a micro SD card, you can also use it to transfer files to your computer. Remove your micro SD from your phone, insert it into an adapter if necessary, then open File Explorer to transfer the files in the same way you would over a USB connection. 7. External USB DeviceYou can also move files from your computer to your Android device with a flash drive or external hard drive. You just need a USB on-the-go adapter (USB OTG). The small USB OTG cables essentially let you connect USB-A devices (like a flash drive or external hard drive) to your phone using the Micro USB or USB-C port you typically use to charge or connect the device to your computer. They are widely available where you would buy other cables. Frequently Asked QuestionsAre there any files I cannot transfer from my computer to my Android device?You can move any file to your Android device since it operates as a hard drive. However, you will not be able to open any type of file that isn’t supported on Android. This could include Audio Video Interleaved (.AVI), Keynote (.KEY), and others. Transferring these file types won’t hurt your device, but you will receive an error message if you try to open them. Why isn't my Android device connecting to my computer?If you have connected your Android device through a cable, you will need to ensure that the device is set up to allow file transfer with your computer. If it still isn’t working, try unplugging and restarting both devices, then try connecting again. You can also try using a different port on your computer, using a different cable, or checking for system updates on both devices. If my computer isn't accessible, is it possible to transfer files between an Android phone and iPhone?Yes! If you use any of the cloud storage apps or Wi-Fi transfer apps mentioned above, you can follow the steps to transfer files between an Android and iOS device. Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels All screenshots by Megan Glosson Is this article useful? Subscribe to our newsletter! Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox How can I transfer files from laptop to mobile via USB?With a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer. On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification. Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer. An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer.
How do I transfer files from my laptop to my Android phone via USB?Here's how:. Connect your Android device to your PC using your USB cable.. Your device may ask what kind of connection to open. ... . Now you can open Windows File Explorer on your computer.. Click your phone from the list on the left.. Browse and select files to transfer.. Right-click > Copy.. How can I transfer files from my laptop to my phone without cable?Part 1: Transfer Files from PC to Android via Bluetooth. Step 1: Pair your Windows PC and Android Device. To do PC to Android file transfer wirelessly, you have to enable the Bluetooth feature on both devices.. Step 2: Select the Files You Want to Transfer via Bluetooth. ... . Step 3: Accept the Incoming Data on your Android.. How can I transfer files from my laptop to my Android phone via WIFI?Part 1: Transfer Files from PC to Android via Wi-Fi. Step 1: Sign in to Your PC. Install the Pushbullet app on your PC and sign in with your Google or Facebook credentials.. Step 2: Sign in to Your Smartphone. ... . Step 3: Select your Smartphone. ... . Step 4: Navigate the Files. ... . Step 5: File Sent.. |