You can use your Google Account or a USB cable tomove photos, music, and other files between your computer and phone.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Option 1: Movefiles with your Google Account
Upload files to your Google Account to use them on both your computer and phone.
(Video) Android 101: How To Transfer Files Between Your Computer and Android Device
Option 2: Move files with a USB cable
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phoneto your computer.
- On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," selectFile Transfer.
- A file transfer window will openon your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you're done, eject your phonefrom Windows.
- Unplug the USB cable.
Your computermust be using Mac OS X 10.5and up.
- Download and install Android File Transfer on your computer.
- Open Android File Transfer. The next time that you connect your phone, it opens automatically.
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phoneto your computer.
- On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," selectFile Transfer.
- An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use itto drag files.
- When you’re done, unplug the USB cable.
(Video) 💯 Best Way to Transfer Files Between Devices
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phoneto your Chromebook.
- Unlock your phone.
- On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
- On your Chromebook, the Files app opens. Use it to drag files.Learn what file types work on Chromebooks.
- When you're done, unplug the USB cable.
Troubleshoot moving files by USB
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check your computer’s settings to make sure that Windows automatically detects new hardware.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your phone
- Update your Android version.Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your phone. On most phones, press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your phonerestarts.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your phone, connectyour device to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connecta different device to your computer.
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check that your computeris using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.
- Check that your computer hasAndroid File Transferinstalled and open.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your phone
- Update your Android version.Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your phone. On most phones, press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your phonerestarts.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your phone, connectyour phoneto a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connecta different device to your computer.
(Video) Transfer Files Between Your Computer & Android Device
Related resources
Was this helpful?
How can we improve it?
Need more help?
Try these next steps:
(Video) Best Method to Transfer Files between PC and Android Wirelessly
Get to know your Android phone
Learn how to use your Android device and get the most out of Google. Get step-by-step guides and instructional videos on how to set up your phone, customize your settings, and use apps.
(Video) How to transfer files between an Android device and a Computer