A USB cable works if you have the right one and remember to switch the phone to File transfer mode. Wireless options need an app set up on both sides. PDFs, documents, ZIP archives, audio: the file type shouldn’t change how hard it is to move.
Transfer files from Android to PC
Any file type, up to 1 GB each, from your Android to your PC. Right in the browser.
Keep for
Clipboard
Press ⌘V / Ctrl+V anywhereClips are visible to devices on your Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. Avoid sending passwords.
On your network
liveLooking for files…
The quick way, with fdrop
- 1
Open fdrop.cc on the Android
Open fdrop.cc in Chrome, tap the drop area and browse to the file.
- 2
Open fdrop.cc on the PC
On the same Wi-Fi, the files appear under “On your network” automatically. Anywhere else, send yourself the link fdrop gives you.
- 3
Download
Downloads go to your Downloads folder.
Other ways, and their catch
USB cable in File transfer mode
Connect the phone, pull down the notification shade, tap the USB notice and choose File transfer. The phone shows up in File Explorer, with photos in DCIM/Camera.
Good: Fast, full quality, works for any file. Catch: Needs a data cable (many charging cables aren’t), and the USB mode resets every time you plug in.
Quick Share
Install Google’s Quick Share app for Windows, sign in, then share from the phone (Share → Quick Share) or right-click a file on the PC and choose Send with Quick Share.
Good: Wireless and full quality. Catch: Android and Windows only, and the PC needs Bluetooth and the app installed.
Google Drive
Upload the files to Google Drive on the Android, then download them on the PC.
Good: Works across any platforms. Catch: Needs your Google account on both and a full upload before the download can start.
Bluetooth
Pair the phone with the PC, choose Send or receive files via Bluetooth → Receive files on Windows, then share from the phone via Bluetooth.
Good: No internet needed. Catch: Slow: fine for a few photos, tedious for more.
WhatsApp or Telegram to yourself
Send it to your own chat (Message yourself in WhatsApp, Saved Messages in Telegram) and open WhatsApp or Telegram on the PC.
Good: You probably have the app already. Catch: Needs the app signed in on both devices.
Email it to yourself
Attach it (or paste it) in an email to yourself and open the email on the PC.
Good: Works on every device. Catch: Gmail attachments stop at 25 MB and Outlook.com at 20 MB, so most videos won’t fit.
Good to know
- Any file type works: PDF, DOCX, ZIP, APK, MP3, PSD. Up to 1 GB per file, several at once.
Questions
How do I transfer files from Android to PC without a cable?
Open fdrop.cc on both devices, pick the files on the Android and download them on the PC. No app or account needed. Of the built-in options, USB cable in File transfer mode is the closest, with the trade-offs listed above.
Which file types work?
All of them. Documents, PDFs, archives, audio, apps, design files. The only limit is 1 GB per file.
Do the Android and PC need to be on the same Wi-Fi?
Only for the automatic “On your network” list. If the PC is somewhere else or on mobile data, copy the link fdrop gives you and open it there.
Do I need to install an app?
No. fdrop runs in Chrome on the Android and Edge or Chrome on the PC. Nothing to install and no account.
How long do the files stay online?
2 hours by default. Pick 1 hour, 1 day, 7 days or 30 days before uploading, or delete them yourself at any time from the device you uploaded on.