You can use your Google Account or a USB cable to move photos, music and other files between your computer and phone. Windows computerOption 1: Move files with your Google Account
Option 2: Move files with a USB cable
Mac computer
Your computer must be using Mac OS X 10.5 and 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 phone to your computer.
- On your phone, tap the 'Charging this device via USB' notification.
- Under 'Use USB for', select File Transfer.
- An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you’ve finished, unplug the USB cable.
Chromebook
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phone to 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've finished, unplug the USB cable.
Troubleshoot moving files by USB
Windows computer
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check your computer’s 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 phone restarts.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your phone, connect your device to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.
Mac computer
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check that your computer is using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.
- Check that your computer has Android File Transfer installed 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 phone restarts.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your phone, connect your phone to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.
Related resources
- Find downloads on your phone
- Import contacts to your phone
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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.