Step 1 of 8
1. Connect phone and computer
Connect the data cable to the socket and to your computer's USB port.
Step 2 of 8
2. Choose setting for USB connection
Slide your finger downwards starting from the top of the screen.
Step 3 of 8
2. Choose setting for USB connection
Press Android System.
Step 4 of 8
2. Choose setting for USB connection
Press Tap for other USB options..
Step 5 of 8
2. Choose setting for USB connection
Press Transferring files / Android Auto.
Step 6 of 8
3. Transfer files
Start a file manager on your computer.
Step 7 of 8
3. Transfer files
Go to the required folder in your computer's or your phone's file system.
Step 8 of 8
3. Transfer files
Highlight the required file and move or copy it to the required location.
1. Connect phone and computer
Connect the data cable to the socket and to your computer's USB port.
2. Choose setting for USB connection
Slide your finger downwards starting from the top of the screen.
Press Android System.
Press Tap for other USB options..
Press Transferring files / Android Auto.
Start a file manager on your computer.
Go to the required folder in your computer's or your phone's file system.
Highlight the required file and move or copy it to the required location.
Introduction
Since mobile phone storage is getting larger by the year, users are storing gigabytes of important and precious data on these devices. However, it is evident that these mobile phones are fragile, and therefore the data is at risk.
This is the main reason many users seek various options to backup their Android device data. This article will take you through 2 methods to backup or transfer files from your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
Here are the 2 USB file transfer methods reviewed:
If ease of use is your priority, check out our guide on how to share files between PC and Android using Wi-Fi.
Transfer files from Android to PC: Droid Transfer
For those seeking an intuitive Android file manager solution, Droid Transfer is the method for you.
You can use Droid Transfer for Windows PC, alongside the Transfer Companion app available for free on the Google Play Store, to copy files from your Android device to your computer, as well as add and delete files and folders on your Android device from your PC. As well as the file manager, Droid Transfer allows you to easily use your PC to access and manage your Android device Photos, Messages, Contacts and more. You can even sync music between Android and your PC!
Here's how to transfer files from Android to PC using USB:
- Download Droid Transfer on your PC and run it.
- Get the Transfer Companion App on your Android phone.
- Connect to Droid Transfer via USB.
- Browse and select files to copy in Droid Transfer.
- Copy to your computer!
Note: Ensure that you safely eject your device from your computer when you're finished copying via USB.
Summary (Droid Transfer):
✔ USB transfer
✔ Wi-Fi transfer
✔ User-friendly interface
✔ Music
✔ Sync with iTunes
✔ Messages
✔ Photos
✔ Calendars
✔ Contacts
✔ Call Logs
✔ Files
Transfer Companion:
Droid Transfer:
Try Droid Transfer free ▼
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Transfer files from Android to PC: Windows File Explorer
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer certain bits of data from your Android to your PC, you can do so from your Windows File Explorer. You can't access and copy all the data like you can from an app like Droid Transfer, but for photos, videos and music, this may be just enough for what you need. Here's how:
- Connect your Android device to your PC using your USB cable.
- Your device may ask what kind of connection to open. Select "Transfer Files (MTP)" or similar.
- Now you can open Windows File Explorer on your computer.
- Click your phone from the list on the left.
- Browse and select files to transfer.
- Right-click > Copy. Or click "Copy To..." in the tool bar.
Note: Ensure that you safely eject your device from your computer when you're finished copying via USB.
Summary (Windows File Explorer):
✔ USB transfer
✔ Photos
✔ Files
✔ Music
✖ Wi-Fi
transfer
✖ Sync with iTunes
✖ Messages
✖ Calendars
✖ Contacts
✖ Call Logs
Publisher: Wide Angle Software