How can I transfer files from my smartphone to my computer?

Updated: 08/16/2021 past Computer Hope

Illustration: smartphone transfer to the computer

If you have a smartphone, and you've taken a lot of photos and videos, you may desire to save, transfer, or upload those files to your computer.

Below are steps to help you transfer files to your computer from your smartphone.

Annotation

In some of these instructions, your smartphone must connect to your figurer with its included information cable. Apply only an official cablevision (manufactured past the company that makes the phone). 2nd-hand cables might work for charging the phone, but are unlikely to work for data transfers.

Android to Windows

If your reckoner is running Microsoft Windows, and your smartphone runs Android, check with your smartphone manufacturer for custom instructions. For instance, if y'all have a Samsung Galaxy phone, check Samsung'south website for up-to-appointment, model-specific instructions, software, and steps to have.

With many Android phones, y'all tin too connect your device equally USB storage.

If you're using Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 update) or newer, and your computer has Bluetooth, you can use Nearby Sharing to wirelessly transfer files to or from your phone.

  • How to determine the version of Windows on a figurer.

iPhone to Mac or Windows

If your smartphone is an iPhone, you can use iTunes to transfer files. If iTunes is not installed on your computer, you tin go it from the App Store, or the iTunes download folio for Windows computers.

Additionally, if you're using an iPhone and a Mac reckoner, yous can employ the AirDrop function to wirelessly transfer files between them. For more data, refer to the official AirDrop instructions from Apple.

  • How to transfer pictures from an iPhone to a calculator.

Connecting as external USB storage

If you're using Microsoft Windows or Linux, you tin access your smartphone's storage like whatever other USB drive. When your smartphone is connected to your estimator, the phone appears in Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder, similar any other external removable storage devices.

In nigh cases, y'all need to grant permission on the telephone before your figurer can see the files. For example, on an iPhone, you may encounter the post-obit message.

iOS Trust This Computer dialog.

If yous tap Trust, the phone allows the computer to view its files. Using Windows File Explorer, you can access your files by choosing Apple iPhone under This PC. In macOS Finder, you see your smartphone listed in the left navigation panel, with your other mounted volumes, and besides a shortcut on your desktop.

Viewing iPhone files in Windows File Explorer

You lot can now copy your files to the desired location on your figurer.

  • How to copy files.

Note

Your phone just shares files you've created, similar your photos and videos. Your phone does not share its protected operating system files.

Alternative methods

At that place are other ways to transfer files from your smartphone to your computer, including the post-obit options.

Cloud storage: Yous can use a cloud file storage system to transfer files, such equally Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Bulldoze. On iPhones, iCloud is the default cloud storage service included with iOS.

Apps: Y'all may also try using a tertiary-party wireless file transfer app, such every bit Portal.