This wikiHow teaches you the quickest and easiest way to move files between two Android devices. If the two devices are within about 30 centimeters of each other, you can use Bluetooth or NFC to move files. If the two devices are further apart, you can attach files to emails and direct messages in a variety of apps.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Bluetooth
Step 1. Open the settings menu (“Settings”)
on both devices.
A quick way to access this menu is to drag the notification bar at the top of the screen and touch the gear icon.
Step 2. Swipe the screen and touch Connections or Connected Devices.
The name of this menu (and other menus) may be different for each device model.
Step 3. Slide the “Bluetooth” switch to the on or “On” position
If the Bluetooth radio is already on, you can skip this step.
Step 4. Touch Pair new device
Bluetooth devices that are within range are searched for and displayed on the screen.
- If you don't see the option, swipe back on the screen. Some devices immediately show nearby devices that were detected successfully, without requiring you to touch any option.
- If you don't see the correct device, tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the screen and select “ Refresh ”.
- Both Android devices should be about 6-9 meters away from each other for you to get the best results.
Step 5. Select the right device on both devices
After that, the two devices will be paired.
Step 6. Open the File Manager app on the source Android device (the device with the files that need to be moved)
This app is sometimes labeled as “ My Files ”, “ Explorer ", or " File Manager ”.
Step 7. Go to the folder where the file that needs to be sent is saved
All files in the selected folder will be displayed.
If you want to send photos, try accessing a folder called “ DCIM ”.
Step 8. Select the files that need to be sent
If you want to send multiple files, tap the menu at the top of the screen and select “ Select ” before touching the desired files.
Step 9. Touch the “Share” icon
This icon contains an image of an angled arrow with dots at both ends of the line. The file sharing menu will appear.
Step 10. Touch Bluetooth
You may need to swipe up to see this option. Once selected, you can see the name of the paired device on the screen.
Step 11. Select the target Android device (device to which you want to send files)
A transfer request notification will be displayed on the target device's screen.
Step 12. Touch Accept on the target device
Once the transfer request is received, the file will be sent wirelessly from the source device to the target device.
Method 2 of 3: Using NFC
Step 1. Enable NFC feature on both devices
The NFC (Near Field Communication) feature allows you to transfer files between two Android devices, as long as both devices support the feature. Follow these steps to enable it:
- Open the settings menu (“ Settings ”) by touching the gear icon labeled “ Settings ” in the page/app drawer.
- Swipe the screen and touch " Connections " or " Connected devices ”.
- Touch " Connection preferences ”.
- If you see an "NFC" option, enable the feature on both devices. If you don't see this option, use a different transfer method.
- Enable "Android Beam" on both devices.
Step 2. Open the file you want to send
Show the file on the source device screen after NFC is enabled. The target Android device must be unlocked and active (you can display the home screen if you wish).
Step 3. Glue the two devices back to back
After a while, you can hear a ringtone or feel a haptic response from one or both devices. This response indicates that both devices have detected each other.
Step 4. Touch Touch to beam on the source Android device
It's at the top of the screen. The file will be moved to the target device afterwards.
Method 3 of 3: Using Email or Messaging Apps
Step 1. Open an email or messaging app
If the file you need to send is only a few megabytes (or smaller), you can quickly attach it to an email or private message via a messaging app.
- Some of the messaging apps that support file uploads are WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. As long as both device users have accounts on the service and can send messages to each other, you can use the messaging app of your choice to send files.
- If the file is very large, read the article on how to share large files via Google Drive.
Step 2. Create a new message
If you are using e-mail, touch the “ + ”, “ New ”, “ Compose ”, or pencil and note. If you are using a messaging app, open a chat with the recipient of the file.
Step 3. Enter the recipient's email address
If you want to send the file via email, use an address that can be quickly accessed by the target device (eg the Gmail address associated with the phone or tablet).
Step 4. Touch the paperclip icon
This universal icon is used to attach files. Usually, you can find it at the top or bottom of the new message window.
Step 5. Select the files that need to be attached
You can attach more than one file if you want. If all of the selected files are more than a few megabytes in size, it's a good idea to separate the delivery and attach the files to multiple messages.
Step 6. Touch the Send button
This button displays as a paper airplane icon, arrow, or label “ Send ”.
Step 7. Open the message on the target device
The message will display the name of the attached file and possibly its preview icon.
Step 8. Touch the file to download it to the device
You may be asked to specify a save location or decide whether to open the file directly through a particular application. Just follow the on-screen instructions to perform any action on the file.
