Forum Discussion
Any good pc to android file transfer software that that actually works?
Hi all,
I tried the Phone Link app that comes with Windows but it does't work. I need to make a backup of photos, videos and documents. And the free space on my Android phone is only 20 GB. USB works sometimes, but it can fail, disconnect, or stop for no clear reason. I just want a tool that moves files without drama. I need a solid and safe PC to Android file transfer software.
I use Windows 11 and an Android phone, and I often copy big videos, photos, and full folders. Wi-Fi transfer is okay too, as long as it stays stable, keeps the folder layout, and does not push ads or weird extra installs.
If you have a tool you trust (or one you avoid), please drop the name and why you like it. Simple, clean, and reliable is all I need. Thanks!
7 Replies
Bluetooth is a quite good way for transferring files from PC to Android.
Using ADB Pull is a popular and effective method for free, fast, and direct backup or transfer of photos, videos, and documents from Android to PC. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate directly with your Android device, giving you control over file management, among other functions.
How does this PC to Android file transfer software work?
- Set up ADB on your PC: You need to install the Android SDK platform tools (which include ADB) on your computer.
- Enable Developer Options and USB debugging on Android: This is necessary to establish a connection between your PC and Android device.
- Connect your Android device via USB: Once connected, your PC can recognize the device.
- Use the adb pull command: You specify the path on your Android device and the destination path on your PC to transfer files.
Example workflow:
Before using this PC to Android file transfer software. Connect your Android device via USB and ensure USB debugging is enabled.
Open a command prompt or terminal on your PC.
List connected devices with adb devices.
Pull specific files or folders, e.g.,
adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera /Users/YourName/Backup/Photos
This command copies the entire Camera folder from your device to your PC.
Why not use Termux if you are looking for a PC to Android file transfer software, such as backing up or transferring photos, videos, and documents from Android to PC is a powerful and flexible option, especially if you're comfortable with command-line tools. Termux is a terminal emulator and Linux environment for Android that allows you to run Linux commands and scripts directly on your device.
How can you use Termux for backups or file transfers?
- Install Termux: First, you download and install Termux from the Google Play Store or F-Droid.
- Set up necessary tools: You can install packages like rsync, ssh, or python within Termux to facilitate file transfer.
- Create a server or use SSH: You can set up an SSH server on your Android device using Termux, allowing your PC to connect securely.
- Transfer files: From your PC, you can connect via SSH or use rsync or scp commands to copy photos, videos, and documents from your Android device to your PC.
- Automate backups: You can write scripts to automate regular backups of specific folders or files.
Considerations
Requires some command-line knowledge: You need to be comfortable using terminal as PC to Android file transfer software.
Initial setup: Might take some time to configure SSH server or scripts.
Security: Make sure to set strong passwords or keys if exposing SSH.
If you are finding a PC to Android file transfer software. Using a WiFi FTP Server is a great and convenient way to transfer photos, videos, and documents from your Android device to your PC wirelessly. It’s free, easy to set up, and doesn’t require cables. Here's an overview:
How it works:
You run an FTP server app on your Android device.
Your PC connects to this server via an FTP client or web browser.
You can browse, upload, or download files directly over WiFi.
Using WiFi FTP Server:
1. Download and install the PC to Android file transfer software on your Android device.
2. Open the app, configure the server (set port, username/password if needed).
3. Start the server.
4. On your PC:
- Open an FTP client like FileZilla, or just use a web browser.
- Enter the FTP address provided by the app.
- Log in if required.
5. Browse your Android device’s storage and transfer files as needed.
For users seeking ultimate simplicity and wishing to avoid installing any software on Windows, the simplified HTTP server transfer method is an excellent choice. Simply install a free HTTP file server application on your Android device and pair it with Windows' built-in browser to swiftly transfer files from PC to Android. This approach requires zero technical expertise and offers maximum compatibility.
Android Configuration
Install any free HTTP File Server application, launch it, and start the HTTP service.
Note the local IP address displayed on the application interface.
File Transfer on Windows
Open any web browser.
Enter http://[mobile IP address]:8080 (format as shown by the application) into the address bar to access the transfer interface.
Utilise the browser's upload function to complete file transfers from Windows to Android.
This browser-based approach, leveraging lightweight applications, fulfils cross-device file sharing requirements with minimal configuration. It offers a flexible, dependency-free alternative to dedicated PC-to-Android file transfer software and solutions, ideally suited for ad-hoc file transfers across diverse scenarios.
Phone Link (Your Phone) is designed mainly for syncing notifications, messages, and certain apps, not for comprehensive file backups or large media transfers. That's why it may not meet your needs for backing up photos, videos, and documents reliably.
Using LocalSend for backing up or transferring photos, videos, and documents from Android to PC can be a convenient option, especially if you're looking for a simple PC to Android file transfer software. Here's an overview of what you need to know:
How to Use LocalSend for Android to PC Transfer:
1. Install LocalSend:
- On Android: Download from Google Play Store.
- On Windows: Download from the official LocalSend GitHub repository or website.
2. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network:
- Ensure both your Android device and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the PC to Android file transfer software:
- Open the app on both devices.
4. Pair Devices:
- The devices will detect each other automatically or via a code/pairing process.
5. Transfer Files:
- On your Android device, select the files you want to send.
- Choose your PC as the destination.
- Initiate transfer; files will be sent directly over your local network.
PC to Android file transfer software and built-in system tools provide straightforward, efficient solutions for seamless file sharing between Windows 11 and Android devices, enabling rapid cross-device transfers with minimal setup and no complex operations required.
Prerequisites
Windows 11 side: No software installation required; simply activate the system feature.
Android side: Install the official Microsoft app Link to Windows. Alternatively, if your Android system version is 6.0 or higher, you may directly utilise the built-in Nearby Sharing function.
Open Settings → Navigate to Bluetooth devices → Locate Nearby sharing and enable it.
Launch the installed ‘Link to Windows’ app, or activate the system's built-in ‘Nearby sharing’ feature.
In Windows 11 File Explorer, right-click the files you wish to transfer.
Click Share’ → Select ‘Nearby Share’. Once paired with your Android device, the transfer will complete.
Advantages
It requires no additional software installation on the PC, directly utilises Windows 11's built-in functionality, is entirely free with no advertising interruptions, and leverages Wi-Fi Direct connections for high-speed, stable file transfers.
