How to transfer files from Windows PC to your Android phone

The smartphone industry as a whole has made massive strides in the last decade. Although there are always a few skeptics, this fact is almost impossible to be ignored. 

Developers around the world work on bringing in new smartphone features daily, if not launching them every month.

One of those handy features in use for a while is the ability to transfer your files directly between computers and smartphones. 
 In what follows, we will look at the different methods to share your files. So let’s jump right in.

How to transfer your files from Windows PC to Android

As we said above, apart from the traditional methods of Bluetooth and USB drives, a slew of new approaches have emerged in the technology market. Don’t worry, though; we will also cover the traditional methods. But let’s go over the new, more straightforward ways first.

1. Use a File Transfer App

A remote file transfer app helps you transfer your files between devices without any physical requirements—and at a breakneck speed simultaneously.

AirDroid is one such app. As mentioned on its homepage, AirDroid lets you transfer your files between Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Android—in all their formats and networks. 

To start, follow the steps below:

1. On your Windows, head to the AirDroid homepage and download the PC app.
2. Similarly, go to the PlayStore on your Android and grab the AirDroip app.
3. Launch the app on your smartphone and follow the steps below:
   • You’ll probably get asked to sign up. Skip it.
   • The AirDroid will then ask for access to all your files—click on Continue to proceed.
   • Toggle the Allow access to manage all files button to allow access to all your files.
   • On the app’s home screen, click on AirDroid Web and select Scan QR Code.
   • Take this scanner over to the QR code on your Windows screen. We’ll show you how to set up the AirDroid QR code on your screen now.
4. 
Back to your Windows PC, launch and install the AirDroid application.
5. Once the application is launched, click on Sign up and create an AirDroid account.
6. Enter your email and password credentials in the app and click on Sign in.
7. Check all the radio boxes and click on Allow Access.

Now that you have successfully set up AirDroid (and are logged into) both on your Windows and Android, you’ll find both of your Windows and Android devices have linked to each other automatically. This is important for transferring your files. 

So let’s try and share some files now.

• On your AirDroid Windows app, click on the File Transfer section located on the left.
• Then, from under the My devices section, click on RMX2151.
• Click on Send file (it’s depicted by a small icon that looks like a page). Similarly, you can also choose the Send folder right next to it.

Your Android will receive the file automatically in a few seconds or minutes, depending on the size of your file or folder. You’ll receive a notification on your app confirming this for you. 


For this example, we’ve chosen AirDroid. You’ll find many similar apps, and we would encourage you to do so.


2. Use Popular Messaging Apps

Almost all popular messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and the like, offer a web version of their app. Interestingly, on top of using it as an alternative to your smartphone messaging, you can use this web version to transfer your files between Android and your PC. 

Here’s how:

• Head to https://web.whatsapp.com/ and connect your Android WhatsApp app with it. The instructions are pretty simple and written on the page; follow them, and you’ll connect easily.
• Once you’re connected, go to your PC app and click on New chat.
• Your contact will be on the top. Click on it.
• In the chat window, click on the paper clip icon to select the file(s) you want to send. You will have many options: Photos & Videos, Documents, Contact, etc.
• Supposing you clicked on Photos & Videos, select the file you would like to send from your File Explorer.
• Click on Open and click on the green push button to confirm your send.

The files will be received by your Android WhatsApp app—that’s it. You can then download your files from there with ease.



3. Use Bluetooth

Coming to one of our old tried and tested methods to send and receive files between devices, Bluetooth makes it to the place on our list. Of course, you’ll first have to turn on your Windows and smartphone’s Bluetooth feature first. Here’s how you can send your Windows files to Android using Bluetooth:

1. Head to your Windows Settings (press Windows key + I), and go to Devices > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Toggle on the Bluetooth button and select Add Bluetooth or other device.
3. Click on Bluetooth.
4. Go to your Android device and turn on its Bluetooth feature.
5. Your Android phone will soon appear on your PC’s Bluetooth range. When it does, click on it.
6. You’ll get confirmation codes on both devices. Accept them to begin the connection.
7. Pick the file/folder from your Windows, right-click on it, and select Send to > Bluetooth device.
8. On the next dialog box, select your phone and click on Next.

On your Android smartphone, you’ll receive a notification for accepting the file. Click on Accept, and you’ll receive the file as soon as possible.

4. Use a USB Cable

USB cables have been around for a while—and that’s for a good reason. They get the job done, most often transferring your data from one device to another, usually done without much lagging while they are at it.

Connect your cable to both your PC and Android; depending on your Android, choose the option to transfer your files with ease. Your Android device will then appear in your File Explorer in place of your USB drive.

To move your Windows files to Android, you must copy the files/folders in question and move them into the Android folder.

Transferring files from Windows PC to your Android smartphone

Moving your data doesn’t have to be complicated. By using one of the methods we have laid out above, you will now be able to copy your Windows files to Android without complications.