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How To Transfer Files From Android To PC With USB Cable

Daisy Raines

Jul 12, 2024 • Filed to: Mirror Phone Solutions • Proven solutions

Transferring files from your Android device to your computer is a common task many of us need to do. Whether you want to backup photos and videos, transfer documents or other files between devices, or liberate space on your phone, using a USB cable provides a quick wired connection to transfer data. In this guide, we will cover how to transfer files from Android to PC with USB cable faster and more efficiently.

device connected to pc using cable

We will go over step-by-step instructions for a direct phone-to-computer USB data transfer, with tips on how to speed up the file transfer process. You'll learn how to locate the USB cable that came with your phone and connect it properly between your Android device and your Windows or Mac computer. We'll cover how to access, select, and move photos, videos, music, documents, and other file types from internal or external phone storage over to your computer using Android's file transfer interface.

By the end you'll understand the full process to successfully share files via USB cable and transfer anything from photos to entire folders from an Android smartphone or tablet onto a desktop or laptop PC quickly.

Part 1: Transfer Files From Android To PC With USB Cable and File Explore?

For Android

If you're an Android user, you can use your computer's file explorer to manually move photos and videos from your phone onto your PC. While this method involves a bit more work than a direct phone-to-computer transfer, it allows you to copy your media files bit-by-bit, making it great for photos, videos, and music.

girl using mobile device and personal pc

Follow these simple steps to copy pictures from your Android phone to your computer using a USB cable and file explorer:

Step 1: First, use a USB cord to connect your Android smartphone to your PC. Your phone will likely prompt you to select a connection type - choose the "File Transfer" or "Transfer Files" option.

Step 2: Next, open up Windows File Explorer on your computer. In the left pane, you should see your connected Android phone listed. Click on it.

Step 3: In your phone's file directory, go to the "DCIM" folder or whichever folder contains your photos (it may be labeled "Photos" or "Pictures"). Select the specific images you want to transfer to your computer.

Step 4: Right click the photos and click "Copy". Then navigate to your desired destination on your computer (like your Desktop or a Photos folder), right click, and click "Paste" to copy them there.

Step 5: Alternatively, you can simply drag-and-drop the photo files directly onto your preferred folder on your PC. As soon as you drop them, the transfer will start automatically.

Step 6: Once the transfer finishes, your computer will display a notification. Then right click your phone's name in File Explorer and select "Eject".

Step 7: Finally, unplug your smartphone and USB cable - you're all done!

For Mac

girl using her personal pc

To move files from an Android device onto a Mac, you'll need to use the Android File Transfer app. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to help you:

First things first - your Mac will need to be running Mac OS X 10.5 or later.

Step 1: Start by downloading Android File Transfer from the internet and installing it on your Mac.

Step 2: Once installed, go ahead and open the Android File Transfer app. From now on, it should open automatically whenever you connect your Android phone or tablet.

Step 3: Before connecting your device, make sure you unlock it first.

Step 4: Use a USB cable to plug your Android device into your Mac. This pairs the two together.

Step 5: When you connect, you'll get a notification saying "this device is charging via USB" on your Android device. Tap it.

Step 6: Click on "Use USB for" and click on the "File Transfer" option. This allows access to your files.

Step 7: After selecting File Transfer, a window for Android File Transfer will pop up on your Mac. Use it just like a regular file explorer to drag and drop files between your computer and device.

Step 8: Finally, after transferring all your files, simply remove the USB cable to disconnect.

And that's it! By following those steps you can seamlessly move files from any Android device onto your Mac computer.

Part 2: Transfer Files From Android To PC With USB Cable and Android File Transfer?

Unlike wireless file transfers, using a USB cable and the Android File Transfer app allows you to move files from your Android device to your Mac without needing an internet connection. Just follow these steps:

man using mobile device and personal pc

You'll need:

  • An Android smartphone or tablet
  • A Mac computer running macOS 10.7 or later
  • A USB cable to connect the two devices

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to transfer Android files to Mac:

Step 1: First, use Spotlight or Finder on your Mac to search for the Android File Transfer app. If you don't see it in your list of apps, you'll need to download Android File Transfer online and install it first.

Step 2: Once downloaded, open the Android File Transfer app so it's ready for when you connect your phone.

Step 3: Use your USB cord to plug your Android device into your Mac. This connects the two together.

Step 4: An option may pop up on your Android screen - select "Transfer Files" so your Mac can access them.

Step 5: In Android File Transfer, click on the Android phone icon. Here you can view folders and files stored on your device.

Step 6: Highlight the particular files or folders you want to move from your phone onto your Mac. Then transfer them over.

Step 7: When done, open Finder on your Mac and click the "Eject" button next to your Android phone in the Devices list. This safely disconnects it.

Step 8: Finally, unplug the USB cable to complete the process.

And that's all there is to seamlessly transferring files from an Android device to your Mac computer offline!

Part 3: Recommended - Transfer Files From Android To PC With USB Cable and Dr.Fone

Transferring files from our phones to computers can feel tedious. But it doesn't have to be! Using a quality app like Dr.Fone makes shifting files from Android onto your Windows or Mac PC a total breeze.

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Dr.Fone - Basic

One - Stop Solution to Manage and Transfer Data&Files on Android Phone

  • Transfer files between Android and computer, including contacts, photos, music, SMS, and more.
  • Manage, export/import your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps, etc.
  • Transfer iTunes to Android (vice versa).
  • Manage your Android device on the computer.
  • Fully compatible with the newest Android system.
Available on: Windows Mac
3981454 people have downloaded it

Let's walk through how to easily export photos, videos, music and documents from an Android device using nothing more than a USB cable and Dr.Fone's seamless phone-to-computer file transfer tool.

Step 1: First, Image name your Android phone or tablet to your PC using a USB cable. Your phone will be automatically detected on Dr.Fone.

wondershare dr.fone connection home screen

Step 2: In Dr.Fone, select the "Export" option from the homepage. Then, choose "Export All Data" on the next screen. This prepares Dr.Fone to start copying your files.

dr.fone export home page

Step 3: Next, you'll need to pick which type of data to export - photos, music, videos, messages, contacts, calendars, app data, etc. You can choose some or all file types stored on your Android. Once selected, accept the Terms of Service, click Export and select where to save the files on your computer.

dr.fone export all data page

Step 4: Dr.Fone will then start the export process, displaying a progress bar. Wait patiently as transferring many different file types can take some time.

dr.fone export all data page

Step 5: Finally, once the export from Android operation completes successfully, Dr.Fone will display a confirmation. Click "Open" to access your exported Android data now available in the destination folder on your computer that you chose earlier.

dr.fone export all data page

And that's all there is to seamlessly exporting any files or data from your Android device over to your Windows or Mac computer using Dr.Fone's hassle-free transfer tool!

Conclusion

Transferring files from your Android device to your Windows or Mac computer is easy using the appropriate USB cable and software tools. We covered different methods like using your computer's native file explorer via cable to manually move files for precise control. We also explored dedicated apps like Android File Transfer for Mac and the popular Dr.Fone toolkit that automate transfers from any Android device for convenience.

With the Right cables and apps like Dr.Fone, you can swiftly move your photos, videos, music, documents, contacts, messages and more onto your desktop or laptop machine. Give your phone's storage space relief while securely backing up important files to your computer. Both wireless transfers and cable connections have distinct advantages - choose the option that best suits your needs for speed, offline availability or interface simplicity when moving your Android content.

We encourage Android users exploring computer file transfers to try Dr.Fone's reliable, user-friendly centralized toolkit. Feel empowered to manage and export many types of data with just a few clicks for superior control over your mobile content.

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Daisy Raines

staff Editor

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