Note: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Windows computer:
Move files by USB
- Unlock your Android 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.
Mac computer
Your computer must be using Mac OS X 10.5 and up. Your Android device must be using Android 3.0 and up.
Move files by USB
- Download and install Android File Transfer on your computer.
- Open Android File Transfer. The next time that you connect your device, it opens automatically.
- Unlock your Android 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.
- An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you’re done, unplug the USB cable.
Troubleshoot moving files by USB
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check your computer’s settings to make sure that Windows automatically detects new hardware.
- Check that your computer is using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your Android device
- Update your Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
- Restart your device. On most phones, press the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your device restarts.
- 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.