file transfer from android to android

This article explains several methods for moving and sharing files from your Android phone to a Mac, PC, or other device. The instructions apply to Android devices running Android 9 and later. The screen may look slightly different depending on the phone.

How to Transfer Android Files to Android

There are several ways to transfer files from one Android device to another. Two of the easiest ways are using Bluetooth and NFC technology.

MOVING FILES WITH BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth is an easy way to transfer files between Android devices wirelessly. Supported files include videos, pictures, music, contacts and more. The downside is that the transfer of media files can take a long time.

To transfer files with Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth on both devices, pair the devices, then select and transfer files.

Tips: After pairing a Bluetooth device for the first time, your devices can automatically pair. If your phone is connected to something via Bluetooth, you will see a Bluetooth icon at the top of the screen.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices. To do this, open your phone's Settings app.

2. Select Connections> Bluetooth.

note - If you don't see Connections, go to the next step.

3. Turn on Bluetooth.

4. After activating Bluetooth, pair the Android devices with each other.

TIPS: In the Bluetooth settings, devices may automatically show other devices available for pairing. If not, tap Scan to search for available devices.

5. Open your device's Settings app.

6. Tap Connections> Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. If you don't see connection preferences, go to the next step.

NOTE: When the Bluetooth settings are open, nearby devices can find your phone.

7. Tap Scan. If you don't see Pair new device, look under Available devices. If necessary, tap Scan again.

8. Tap the name of the Bluetooth device you want to pair with your phone or tablet and follow the onscreen instructions.

TIPS: If you need a passkey, it should appear on both screens. Make sure both passkeys match before tapping Pair.

9. With Bluetooth on and devices paired, transfer files. To do this, open the Files app on the source Android phone.

10. Select the files you want to transfer.

11. Tap the Share button.

12. Select Bluetooth as the sharing method.

13. Once file transfer is enabled, the device receiving the file must confirm file sharing.

14. Once the transfer is complete, the recipient can access the file in the Downloads folder on the target device.

IMPORTANT: After pairing, devices remain paired until canceled. To unpair the devices, go to the Bluetooth settings on one of the connected devices. Next to paired devices, select the Settings icon and then select Unpair.

HOW TO MOVE FILES WITH NFC

NFC (Near-Field Communication) is another method of simple wireless transfer between Android devices. NFC allows you to quickly exchange information between Android devices. To share content this way, both devices must work with NFC, have both NFC and Android Beam enabled, and be unlocked with their screens turned on.

NOTE: Android Beam works on some phones with Android 9.0 and earlier. However, some Android 10 devices still have this feature.

1. Make sure NFC and Android Beam are both active.

2. Open your device's Settings app.

3. Tap Connections> NFC & payment.

For 9.0 and 8.0, go to Settings> Connected Devices> Connection Preferences.

For 7.0, go to Settings> More> NFC.

4. Verify that NFC is enabled.

5. Tap Android Beam.

6. Make sure Android Beam is turned on.

7. After Android Beam and NFC have been activated, it's time to share content.

8. On your device, open the content you want to share. For example, a file, map, photo, or web page.

9. Move the back of the device to the back of the other device.

10. When the devices connect, the device emits a sound or vibrates and the image on the screen shrinks.

11. When you see Tap to Cast or Tap to Cast, tap the screen.

12. Your content is sent. After sending the content, the image on the screen returns to its normal size.

NOTE: With some devices, you may need to touch a specific part of the device on the other device. If the other device does not have the app needed to see the shared content, a notification on the other device opens Google Play, from which the other device can download the app.