How to transfer files from Android to PC: 7 methods

You have a photo on your Android phone or tablet that you need to transfer to your computer.But how to do it?It turns out you have several options, such as cables, cloud software and even apps.Simply put, transferring files from Android to Windows PC is not difficult.Here's all the information you need to transfer files from your Android phone to your computer.

1. Use Nearby Sharing to copy files

The most convenient way to share files such as photos, videos, and even apps between Android devices, Chromebooks, and Windows devices is to use Google's Nearby Share feature.It works both online and offline, and you can choose who you share content with and control visibility across devices.

To use Nearby Sharing, make sure your device is running Android 6.0 or higher and has Bluetooth and location services enabled.

1. Installation Nearby Share for Windows, and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up on your computer.

2. Activate Nearby Share in your Android device's settings.

3. Once done, find the content you want to share and tap the share icon, you will find "Nearby Sharing" as one of the available options.

4. Click "Nearby Sharing" and select your Windows computer.

5. Click "Accept" on your PC to save the file.

2. Use Bluetooth file transfer function to transfer files from Android to computer

Does your computer have Bluetooth enabled?Maybe you have a Bluetooth USB adapter, or your device has Bluetooth built into it.Either way, sending data from Android to Windows via Bluetooth file transfer is a good option, especially for smaller files.

First, you need to enable Bluetooth on Windows and then on Android.Enable Bluetooth on Windows:

1. Press Win + I keys simultaneously to open the Settings app.

2. In "Settings", click "Bluetooth & other devices" in the left pane.

3. Switch Bluetooth to on.

4. Click Add Bluetooth Device.

5. Select Bluetooth scanning for compatible devices again.

At the same time, enable the Bluetooth function of Android system:

1. Swipe down from the top to open quick settings.

2. Longer Bluetooth.

3. On the next screen, tap the computer name under Available Devices.

4. When prompted, confirm pairing (Pair on Android, Yes on Windows).

Once pairing is complete, the computer will display a "Device ready" notification.

Once the connection is established, find the Bluetooth icon in the system tray in the lower right corner of the desktop.Right-click the icon and select "Receive Files" and click "Next" to start the transfer.

Meanwhile, use the Android file browser or Gallery app to select the files you want to transfer.Use the "Share" button, select Bluetooth to share data, and then select your computer in the subsequent list.

Once the data transfer is complete, you should receive a notification that the file transfer completed successfully.You will be asked where to save the file, please browse to your preferred destination and click "Done".

3. Use AirDroid to share files from Android to PC

AirDroid is an important app for all Android users.It's free with optional premium subscription.You'll need to create an account, or if you're pressed for time, you can log in using Google, Facebook, or Twitter. AirDroid provides notifications and tethering tools, as well as transferring files to computers on the same Wi-Fi network.You need to install it before proceeding.

Download: AirDroid (Free, in-app purchases available)

Once done, go to AirDroid Downloadpage, download the desktop client and install it.Next, configure AirDroid for file sharing.

1. Open the AirDroid mobile app and register.

2. When AirDroid requests permission to access and manage all files on the device, tap Continue and enable Allow access to manage all files.

3. Tap OK to view the different security and remote features.

4. To transfer files to PC, turn on "Security and Remote Features" and check if "File" is set to "On".

If you are not prompted to log in, select any of the icons or menus to be prompted for your details.Use AirDroid to transfer files from phone to computer:

1. Make sure your computer and phone are connected to the same network.

2. In the AirDroid Transfer tab, select your computer name.

3. Click the paper clip icon to browse for the data to be transferred.

4. After selecting the file, click Send.

Need to transfer files from mobile phone to computer using Android?Just drag and drop files from your desktop to the AirDroid client.

4. Share files from mobile phone to computer using USB data cable

Just a mobile phone and a computer?If you have a compatible USB cable handy (it's best to use an original cable to avoid problems), this is the fastest Android to PC file transfer option.

Use this method on older Android devices:

1. Connect the USB data cable to the computer and mobile phone.

2. On Android, look for the Allow access notification.

3. Click Allow to continue.

4. Drag the notification shade downwards to find USB File Transfer that is open.

5. Click to expand all preferences.

6. Confirm that File Transfer is selected.

In newer versions of Android, just connect your computer and Android phone:

1. Wait for "Use USB" to pop up.

2. Click File Transfer.

3. If the pop-up window does not appear, swipe down and tap Android System > File Transfer.

Then, respond to your computer.In the Windows notification, select View devices and Open file.The computer will automatically open the folder view stored on the Android device.

If not, open File Explorer and look for the Android device in "This PC".You can identify it by the model name.Once connected, you can browse your phone's contents and copy data to your computer.

Note that if you are connecting these devices for the first time, Windows will try to install the relevant drivers first.The phone may also install an Android file manager for the computer via USB, which can be opened when the phone is connected.

5. Transfer files from Android to computer using SD card

Another basic method that doesn't require the use of an app or Wi-Fi protocol is to copy the data to your phone's microSD card.This is an especially useful option if you don't have a USB cable and want to keep it simple.However, you will need a microSD to SD card adapter and a card reader.

Simply save the file to your phone's SD card and turn off the device.Eject the card and insert it into your computer's card reader to view the data.

Most modern Android devices support USB OTG if the phone doesn't have a microSD card slot.Simply connect the USB SD card reader to your phone using a USB OTG adapter.You can also use a USB-C flash drive.

6. How to share files via cloud storage

With cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, you may have transferred data to your computer without even realizing it.

For example, both Dropbox and Google Drive offer automatic camera upload capabilities.If you have a cloud service client installed on your computer, the photos will be automatically synced to your computer.

Other cloud services have similar capabilities.You can copy any data to a cloud folder on your Android device and then sync it to Windows.

7. Use email to transfer small files

Email was the first widely used non-disk data transfer method between devices and remains a useful option for many people.You just attach the data to an email on your phone and send it to yourself.

Then access the email on your computer and download the file.This method is very simple, but clumsy, so it should only be used as a last resort.The other solutions listed above are more effective.

Transferring files from mobile phone to computer is easy

There are so many ways to transfer data of any size from your phone or tablet to your Windows PC that you're really spoiled for choice.The only problem you may have now is deciding which method you prefer.Nearby Sharing is the best option since it's built into Android and works very seamlessly, while using a USB cable is even simpler.