Transfer files between your computer & Android device
You can use your Google Account or a USB cable tomove photos, music, and other files between your computer and phone.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 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 phone.
- Files: Learn how to upload files and folders to Google Drive.
- Music: Get started with YouTube Music.
- Photos:Learn how to back up photos and videos to Google Photos.
Option 2: Move files with a USB cable
Windows computer
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phoneto your computer.
- On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," selectFile Transfer.
- A file transfer window will openon your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you're done, eject your phonefrom Windows.
- Unplug the USB cable.
Mac computer
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 phone, it opens automatically.
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phoneto your computer.
- On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," selectFile Transfer.
- An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use itto drag files.
- When youre done, unplug the USB cable.
Chromebook
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phoneto your Chromebook.
- Unlock your phone.
- On your phone, 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.
Troubleshoot moving files by USB
Windows computer
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check your computers settings to make sure that Windows automatically detects new hardware.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your phone
- Update your Android version.Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your phone. On most phones, press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your phonerestarts.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your phone, connectyour device to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connecta different device to your computer.
Mac computer
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check that your computeris using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.
- Check that your computer hasAndroid File Transferinstalled and open.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your phone
- Update your Android version.Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your phone. On most phones, press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your phonerestarts.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your phone, connectyour phoneto a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connecta different device to your computer.
Related resources
- Find downloads on your phone
- Import contacts to your phone