How to transfer files from smartphone to PC

Most times, we seek to transfer files from our desktop computers to our phones. According to www.about.com, there are easy ways to do this. Below are some of the strategies:

Wi-Fi transfer apps

If your computer is connected to a nearby wireless network, one of the ways to transfer files to a mobile device is to set up wireless transfer. These services specialise in quickly porting information through your wireless network and onto a mobile device. Once set up, these services are quick, easy to use, and quite reliable as long as your wireless Internet connection is stable.

 

Cloud storage

Cloud sharing services include Google Drive, iCloud or Dropbox.  Download the app for your phone and access the information, while it is in the cloud. This is useful for transferring files between different platforms including sharing with friends or co-workers.

However, both drag-and-drop transfers and cloud sharing have some security issues. If you are not using a secure wireless network, then data theft is a possibility. Be smart about your transfers and sensitive information.

Pairing with Bluetooth

With Bluetooth pairing, you do not need a wireless network to transfer files. Turn on Bluetooth for both your mobile device and your PC, then look on your computer to see if it senses the nearby device. You can check the “Devices and Printers” panel if there’s no automatic connection.

Most PCs will then move onto a confirmation task, where you have to type in a code or compare numbers. This will allow the computer to pair with your mobile device. The device should appear in your list of connected drives when you look at your menu or file browser. For many PCs, you can select “Send a File” from the Bluetooth menu by clicking on the Bluetooth logo on the bottom right side of your screen to get started. You can also manage Bluetooth devices more directly from the Devices and Printers panel if necessary

Using NFC connections

NFC stands for near field communication, a data transfer capability that many phones and some computers now possess. Whether you are dealing with Android Beam, Windows Phone NFC, or other services, you can use NFC transfers.

This protocol requires that devices be physically close.   It is safer compared to wireless transfers, but a bit more time-consuming.  Apple uses NFC for payments only, not file transfers, so iPhone users may not be able to use the file transfer function.

Using email

Email is handy when you need to swap files from your desktop computer to a nearby tablet or smartphone. Also, if you want to share a file with a coworker but can’t find a way to send it directly to their mobile device, you can send the file to their email account.

USB drive

Even though the USB drive is fast losing popularity to cloud tech services and wireless features, sometimes the best option is still using a flash drive or external hard drive to move your files. Not only is using a USB drive or connection safer compared to wireless transfers (especially with built-in authentication), it’s also an ideal way to save a lot of content and transfer it all at once to multiple devices without weighing down your wireless network.

The key is picking out the right USB drive device to use. Many Android devices, for example, use USB On-The-Go, which can pair with compatible USB storage devices for quick transfers between PC and Androids.