1. Use a USB Cable
Using 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 Accounts
If 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 Drive
If 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 Dropbox
Dropbox 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. Email
You 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. Bluetooth
Another 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-Fi
Using 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:
AirDroidSHAREitPushbullet
6. Micro SD Card
If 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 Device
You 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. Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels All screenshots by Megan Glosson
