Transfer files between your computer and Android device

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 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

The Pixel battery continuously learns your behaviours and optimises itself based on your most recent app usage. When you set up a new device or after a factory reset, optimisation may take up to a few weeks to take full effect. For best results keep Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimisation on.

It's normal for your Pixel battery to drain a little more than usual after a software update. This is because the phone is working hard to download and optimise the new software and get everything up and running.

If you still experience unusual battery drain after a few days, please let us know and we'll be happy to help.

Option 1: Move files 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

Windows computer
  1. Unlock your device.
  2. With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
  3. On your device, tap the 'Charging this device via USB' notification.
  4. Under 'Use USB for', select File transfer.
  5. A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
  6. When you've finished, eject your device from Windows.
  7. Unplug the USB cable.
Mac computer

Your computer must be using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.

  1. Download and install Android File Transfer on your computer.
  2. Open Android File Transfer. The next time that you connect your device, it opens automatically.
  3. Unlock your device.
  4. With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
  5. On your device, tap the 'Charging this device via USB' notification.
  6. Under 'Use USB for', select File transfer.
  7. An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
  8. When you've finished, unplug the USB cable.
Chromebook
  1. With a USB cable, connect your device to your Chromebook.
  2. Unlock your device.
  3. On your device, tap the 'Charging this device via USB' notification.
  4. Under 'Use USB for', select File transfer.
  5. On your Chromebook, the Files app opens. Use it to drag files. Learn what file types work on Chromebooks.
  6. When you've finished, unplug the USB cable.

Option 3: Move files with Quick Share for Windows

You can use Quick Share to move files on Windows devices. Learn how to use Quick Share on Windows.

Troubleshoot moving files by USB

Windows computer
  • Troubleshoot your computer
    • Check your computer’s settings to make sure that Windows automatically detects new hardware.
    • Restart your computer.
  • Troubleshoot 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.
Mac 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
  • 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

Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu
15074816111491540739
true
Search Help Centre
true
true
true
false
false