How to transfer files from an Android phone to PC or laptop

How to transfer files from an Android phone to a PC

While the latest Android phones offer 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or even 1 TB of internal storage, it might not be enough if you're a passionate photographer or create videos on your phone. At some point, you may need to free up space by transferring all those photos and videos to your computer. Transferring files to a PC can also be useful for collaboration projects or when upgrading to a new phone without losing your files.

With so many ways to transmit files from your Android phone to a Windows or Mac computer, choosing the best option might be confusing. We'll guide you through different file transfer methods, including USB cable, Bluetooth, cloud storage, and apps so that you can pick the most convenient option for you.

Transfer files from phone to PC using a USB cable

Transferring files from your phone to your PC using a USB cable is easy — no need for special features or even an internet connection. A simple USB cable that comes with your phone is just enough.

From an Android phone to a Windows computer

To transfer files from your Android phone to a Windows PC, follow these steps:

1. 1.Connect your Android phone and PC using a USB cable.
2. 2.Select "File transfer / Android auto" in a pop-up on your phone.
3. 3.A "This PC" window will appear on your computer (if it doesn't — open "File explorer" and click "This PC"). Then click on the folder named after your phone.
4. 4.Pick files you want to transfer and drag or copy and paste them to your desktop or a dedicated folder on your computer.
5. 5.Eject your phone from your computer.
6. 6.Unplug the USB cable.

From an Android phone to a Mac

To transfer files from your Android phone to your Mac, you'll need to download the Android File Transfer app on your computer and follow the instructions:

1. 1.Connect your Android phone and Mac using a USB cable.
2. 2.Select "File transfer / Android auto" in a pop-up on your phone.
3. 3.The Android File Transfer app should automatically open and display your Android device's file system.
4. 4.In the app, select the files you want to transfer and drag them to a "Finder" window.
5. 5.Eject your phone from your computer.
6. 6.Unplug the USB cable.

From an Android phone to a Chromebook

Follow these steps to transmit your files from an Android device to your Chromebook:

1. 1.Connect your Android phone and Chromebook using the USB cable.
2. 2.Select "File transfer / Android auto" in a pop-up on your phone.
3. 3.On your Chromebook, the "Files" app window will open automatically. If it doesn't — open "Launcher" and find "Files."
4. 4.Under "External devices," click on the folder named after your phone.
5. 5.Select the files you want to transfer and drag or copy and paste them to a dedicated folder on your Chromebook.
6. 6.Eject your phone from your computer.
7. 7.Unplug the USB cable.

Transfer files from phone to PC without a USB cable

If you don't have a USB cable, you can transfer files and videos from your Android to your PC wirelessly. Simply use Bluetooth or download Quick Share or Microsoft Phone Link for a quick file transmission.

From an Android phone to a Windows computer using Quick Share

Download and install the Quick Share app on your PC to get started:

1. 1.Open Quick Share on your PC and log in with your Google account. Click on "Receive from everyone" on the left-side menu.
   
2. 2.Pick the file you want to transfer on your Android phone.
3. 3.Tap the "Share" icon on your phone.
   
4. 4.Choose "Quick Share."
   
5. 5.Select the name of your computer.
   
6. 6.Click "Accept" on your PC to confirm.
   
7. 7.Click "Open."
   

From an Android phone to a Windows computer using Microsoft Phone Link

Install the Phone Link app on your phone and on your Windows computer to send files and take the following instructions:

1. 1.Open the Phone Link app on your PC and scan the QR code with your Android phone.
2. 2.Allow your PC to connect to the Phone Link app on your phone.
3. 3.After pairing, drag files from the Phone Link app to a dedicated folder on your PC.
4. 4.Select the folder on your PC and export the images.

From an Android phone to a Windows computer using Bluetooth

You can also use Bluetooth to transfer photos or files from your Android phone to your Windows computer. However, keep in mind that Bluetooth transfers are slow, so this option is best for smaller files. While sending a single photo is quick, a longer video might take ages to transfer.

1. 1.Open the "Settings" on your computer.
   
2. 2.Click "Bluetooth and devices."
   
3. 3.Toggle the switch next to "Bluetooth" on.
   
4. 4.Click "Add device."
   
5. 5.In the pop-up window, choose "Bluetooth." Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is on.
   
6. 6.The name of your Android phone will appear — select it.
   
7. 7.Accept the connection with a PIN.
   
   
8. 8.Choose the files you want to transfer on your phone.
9. 9.Click the "Share" icon.
   
10. 10.Select "Bluetooth."
    
11. 11.Click "Receive a file" on your computer to confirm.

From an Android phone to a Mac using Bluetooth

You can't transfer files directly from an Android phone to a Mac because macOS doesn't support the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) used by Android devices. However, you can do it using Bluetooth. Here's how:

1. 1.Enable Bluetooth on your Android and Mac devices.
   
   
2. 2.On your Android device settings, open "Bluetooth" — you should see your Mac in the list of available devices.
   
3. 3.On your Mac, click on your Android device’s name in the Bluetooth settings window.
   
4. 4.Accept the connection with a PIN.
   
   
5. 5.On your phone, open the file you want to transfer.
6. 6.Tap the "Share" icon at the top.
   
7. 7.Tap "Bluetooth."
   
8. 8.Choose your Mac from the list.
   
9. 9.A notification will appear on your Mac. Click "Accept" to begin the transfer.
10. 10.The transferred file will appear in the "Downloads" folder.

Transfer files from your phone to a PC using cloud storage

Another easy way to share files between your computer and phone is through cloud storage. This method works for Android devices and iPhones, as well as Windows and Mac computers.

With Google Drive

Google Drive is a secure option for quickly transferring files, photos, and videos from your phone to a computer.

1. 1.Open Google Drive on your Android device. 
2. 2.Tap on the "+" button in the lower-right corner.
   
3. 3.Tap "Upload."
   
4. 4.Select the files you want to transfer.
   
5. 5.Log in to your Google Drive account in your desktop browser. 
6. 6.Download the files you've uploaded from your phone.
   

With OneDrive

If you're a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you might prefer OneDrive cloud storage for transferring files. Here’s how to do that:

1. 1.Open the OneDrive app on your phone.
2. 2.Tap the "+" icon at the top right.
   
3. 3.Tap "Upload."
   
4. 4.Select "Photos and videos."
   
5. 5.Choose the files you want to upload. 
6. 6.On your Windows computer, open File Explorer and select your OneDrive account from the left-side menu to access the files.
   

With NordLocker

Buying a NordVPN bundle with NordLocker cloud storage pays off when you need to quickly and securely transfer files between your computer and Android device. Follow these steps:

1. 1.Open the NordLocker app and tap the "+" sign in the top right corner.
2. 2.Create a new locker by entering the locker name. Then tap "Create."
3. 3.Tap on the newly created folder.
4. 4.Tap "Upload files."
5. 5.Choose the file you want to upload and tap "Select" at the top.
6. 6.Once the upload is complete, open NordLocker in your browser and download the photos onto your computer.

With Dropbox

Dropbox is another popular cloud storage service that allows you to conveniently move photos from your phone gallery to your computer.

1. 1.Tap the blue "+" sign at the bottom.
   
2. 2.Select "Upload photos or videos" or "Upload files." We'll show you how to transfer photos.
   
3. 3.Select the images that you want to upload and tap "Upload."
   
4. 4.To access the photos on your PC, go to the Dropbox website in your desktop browser and log in to your account.
   

Transfer files securely with NordVPN's Meshnet feature

If you have a NordVPN subscription, you can use Meshnet for secure file sharing between your phone and computer. It creates an encrypted tunnel for file transfers, keeping your personal data safe from snoopers. Plus, you won't have to worry about file size limits.

Follow these steps to transfer your files via Meshnet:

1. 1.Open the NordVPN app on your PC and tap the Meshnet icon on the left sidebar.
2. 2.Toggle the switch to "On."
3. 3.Then, open the NordVPN app on your phone and tap the Mesnet icon. 
4. 4.Tap "Turn on."
   
5. 5.Tap "Share files."
   
6. 6.Choose what type of file you want to transfer. Let's transfer an image now and tap "Photos."
   
7. 7.Select the images you wish to transfer and tap "Add" in the upper-right corner.
   
8. 8.Choose the name of your computer (you'll see your computer’s name in the NordVPN app on your computer).
   
9. 9.Tap "Send to 1 device."
10. 10.Click "Accept" on your computer.
11. 11.You'll see your transferred files in your "Downloads" folder.

In summary

You have several options to transfer documents, images, and videos from your Android device to your computer. You can use the USB cable that came with your phone, but Bluetooth or cloud storage could be great alternatives if your phone and computer aren't compatible. Additionally, various third-party apps can help, though it's important to use only official, secure apps for file transfers, like the ones described above.

Keep in mind that some methods are more efficient than others. For example, Bluetooth or cloud storage should be just enough for transferring a single photo, but they can be painfully slow when transferring larger files, such as videos or photo albums. To send large files for free, it's better to use a USB cable or tools like Meshnet, which don't limit file size.