Transfer files between your computer & Android device
You can use your Google Account or a USB cable to move photos, music, and other files between your computer and phone or tablet.
Note: Some of these steps work only on Android 4.4 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Option 1: Move files with your Google Account
After you upload files to your Google Account, you can use them on both your computer and Android device.
- Files: Learn how to upload files and folders to Google Drive.
- Music: Learn how to manage music with Google Play.
- Photos: Learn how to back up photos and videos to Google Photos.
Option 2: Move files with a USB cable
Windows computer
Move files by USB
- Unlock your Android device.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
- On your device, tap the "USB for..." notification.
- Select Transfer files.
- 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.
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 Android device
- Update your Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your device. On most phones, press the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your device restarts.
- 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
Your computer must be running Mac OS X 10.5 and up. Your Android device must be running Android 3.0 and up.
Move files by USB
- 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 Android device.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
- On your device, tap the "USB for..." notification.
- Select Transfer files.
- An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you’re done, unplug the USB cable.
Troubleshoot moving files by USB
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check that your computer is running Mac OS X 10.5 and up.
- Check that your computer has Android File Transfer installed and open.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your Android device
- Update your Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your device. On most phones, press the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your device restarts.
- 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.
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Amy is an Android expert and author of this help page. Leave her feedback below about the page.
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