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.

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.

Option 2: Move files with a USB cable

Windows computer

Move files by USB

  1. Unlock your Android device.
  2. With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
  3. On your device, tap the "USB for..." notification.
  4. Select Transfer files.
  5. A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
  6. When you're done, eject your device from Windows.
  7. 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
  • 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

  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 Android device.
  4. With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
  5. On your device, tap the "USB for..." notification.
  6. Select Transfer files.
  7. An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
  8. 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
  • 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.
Chromebook computer
  1. Unlock your Android device.
  2. With a USB cable, connect your Chromebook to your device.
  3. On your Chromebook, the Files app opens. Use it to drag files.
  4. When you're done, unplug the USB cable.

Learn what file types work on Chromebooks.

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Amy

Amy is an Android expert and author of this help page. Leave her feedback below about the page.

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