You can use your Google Account or a USB cable to move photos, music, and other files between your computer and Android device.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Option 1: Move files with your Google Account
Upload files to your Google Account to use them on both your computer and device.
Option 2: Move files with a USB cable
Windows computer
Chromebook
- Unlock your device.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
- On your device, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
- A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you're done, eject your device from Windows.
- Unplug the USB cable.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your Chromebook.
- Unlock your device.
- On your device, 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.
Option 3: Move files with Quick Share for Windows
You can use Quick Share to move files on Windows Devices. Learn how to use Quick Share on Windows.
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 device
- Update your Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your device.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your device, connect your device to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.