Step by Step Guide on Transferring Files from one Android Phone to Another

May 15, 2024

Android Tricks to transfer files with ease

Joseph Chisom Ofonagoro

Android

Source: @Android

Introduction

Sharing files between Android devices is very common among android users using two android phones or among android users using different android phones. Whether you're giving a friend a funny video or transferring important documents to your new phone, there are several methods available to make the process quick and easy. In this article I will explore the different ways to transfer files between Android phones, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each option and the types of data that can be transferred between them.

The Advantages of Transferring Between Androids

Unlike transferring data between an Android and an iPhone, which operates on two different ecosystems, transferring files between two Android devices is generally easy. This is because both systems leverage a similar file structure, i.e. APK files and often leverage Google services for backup and synchronisation.

Methods of Transfer

1. Use of Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a built-in feature on virtually all mobile devices and android isn’t left out. It allows for wireless file sharing over short distances. Though it is not the fastest option, Bluetooth is convenient for occasional file transfers of very small files.

How to transfer with Bluetooth:

• Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.

• On the sending device, locate the file you want to transfer and select "share" or "send" from the menu options.

• Choose Bluetooth from the list of sharing options and select the receiving device by name.

• The receiving device will prompt you to accept the file transfer. Tap "Accept" to begin the transfer.

Bluetooth can permit file transfer of technically all file types even if they can't be opened on the receiving phone.

Advantages:

• No cables required.
• Universally available on most Android devices.
• Optimal for urgent transfer of small file sizes.

Disadvantages:

• Slower transfer speeds compared to other methods.
• Limited transfer range (typically within a few meters).

Method 2: NFC

Near Field Communication (NFC) allows for data exchange by touching the backs of two compatible devices together. While not all Android phones support NFC, it offers a quick and secure way to initiate file sharing.

If your phone permits NFC sharing and the receiving phone permits it, you can use it to share files between two Android phones with a speed that is comparable to that of AirDrops on iOS.

Here is a step by step process of sharing using NFC

• Ensure both devices have NFC enabled and unlocked.

• Gently tap the back of the sending device to the back of the receiving device.

• A prompt will appear on the receiving device asking if you want to accept the file. Tap "Accept" to begin the transfer.

Advantages:

• Very fast initiation of file transfer.
• Secure method for sharing data.

Disadvantages:

• Requires both devices to have NFC functionality which isn't available on most Android devices especially older ones.
• Limited data transfer capability (better suited for smaller files).

Method 3: Third-party apps.

Popular file-sharing apps like Shareit, Xender and the built-in Nearby Share feature leverage Wi-Fi Direct to create a temporary network for transferring files at high speeds.

Since Xender is the most popular, I will skip it and use Shareit, another sharing option, quite faster than Xender.

• Install a file-sharing app like Shareit on both devices (if not using Nearby Share).*

• Open the app and select the files you want to transfer.*

• The app will create a hotspot or search for nearby devices.

• On the receiving device, select the sender's device name to connect.

• Tap "Receive" on the receiving device to begin the transfer.

Advantages:

• Very fast transfer speeds utilising Wi-Fi Direct.
• User-friendly interface for selecting and sharing files.
• Nearby Share offers a built-in solution without needing additional apps.

Disadvantages:

• Requires installing a third-party app (unless using Nearby Share).
• Both devices need to be within range of the Wi-Fi Direct network.

Method 4: USB via cable on a computer and USB drive.

Transferring files via a USB is a reliable method, especially for large amounts of data. This method requires either a USB cable and a computer or a USB drive.

4a: Using a Computer:

• Connect a USB cable to your android and the USB type-A to your computer.

• Once connected, a message will be shown on your phone to permit USB file transfer, click on allow.

• When you permit file transfer via USB on your phone, your internal storage will be displayed on your computer.

• Find the files you want to move from your android to your computer and paste it on a folder in your computer.

• Disconnect your sending device and connect your receiving phone. Do the same thing, but this time, you copy from your computer to your android phone.

4b: USB Drive:

• Insert a USB drive on your sending phone.

• Copy the files you want to the USB drive.

• Disconnect the USB drive after you're done.

• Connect it to your receiving phone.

• Select the option to access data and copy from your USB drive to your android.

Advantages:

• Fast and reliable transfer speeds.
• Suitable for transferring large files.

Disadvantages:

• Requires a USB cable or drive
• Can be slower than Wi-Fi Direct methods.

Method 5: Google Drive

This is usually used when you want to copy data from an old android phone to a new device.

If you normally back up your data on your android device, and you get another Android phone, there is a feature on Android that allows android users to transfer files from their old device to a new one even if the old device isn't physically present.

Here is how you can do it:

• Turn on WiFi

• On your new phone, sign in to Google.

• Google will automatically detect your backed up data, and ask you to choose if you want to retrieve it or not.

• When you choose yes, you will be asked to input the password from your old device.

• Confirm it and it will start retrieving your data.

This is the best, as it is from Google directly and is a seamless way of getting all your data, down to your device settings.

With this method, you can feel the old look of your old phone even with a new device.

Additionally, you can also use Google Drive App.

Advantages:

• Accessible from any device with an internet connection.
• Secure
• Retrieves every single data including call logs.

It has no known disadvantage due to the fact that it's between two Google devices.

Conclusion

1. The best method for transferring files between Android devices depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

1. Need for speed: For large files or when speed is a priority, consider using a USB cable or a file-sharing app that utilises Wi-Fi Direct.

1. Convenience: For occasional transfers or smaller files, Bluetooth or NFC might be suitable options due to their ease of use.

1. Offline availability: If internet connectivity is unavailable, a USB cable or pre-downloaded cloud storage files are your best options.

1. Regular transfers between devices: If you frequently transfer files between specific devices, setting up a shared folder on a cloud storage service can streamline the process.

1. Seamlessness and completeness: Google Drive

Ultimately, the beauty of Android is its versatility. With various data transfer methods at your disposal, you can choose the one that best suits your situation.

Additional Tips

• Always back up important data before transferring files, especially when using a new method.

• Compress large files before transferring them to save time and storage space.

• Use copy only if you'd love to keep the original file in its original location and use move if you'd want to take it away from its original location completely. Ultimately, using copy and paste is the best.