You can use your Google Account or a USB cable to move photos, music, and other files between your computer and Android device.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9.0 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 device.
Option 2: Move files with a USB cable
See Also
16 simple ways to transfer files from your Android to your PC or MacBack up your device - AndroidDon't Risk Losing It All: Back Up Your Android Phone to PC- Unlock your device.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
- On your device, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
- A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you're done, eject your device from 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 device, it opens automatically.
- Unlock your device.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
- On your device, 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. Use it to drag files.
- When you’re done, unplug the USB cable.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your Chromebook.
- Unlock your device.
- On your device, 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.
You can use Quick Share to move files on Windows Devices.Learn how to use Quick Share on Windows.
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 device
- Update your Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your device.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your device, connect your device to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check that your computer is using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.
- Check that your computer has Android File Transfer installed and open.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your device
- Update your Android version.Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your device.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your device, connect your device to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.
Related resources
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.
