How to transfer files from PC to Android — the easiest and fastest method

PC to Android data transfer (Image credit: Getty Images)

Knowing how to transfer files from your PC to Android phone is an essential skill for all Windows users. There are several methods you can employ to beam data to your mobile device, including whipping out a USB cable or utilizing Google Drive.

However, oftentimes, that pesky, inconvenient USB cable is not within reach. Although Google doles out free cloud storage to users, it's easy to run out of space with all your PDFs, photos, documents, and other files. As such, we've discovered a quick and easy method to help facilitate PC-to-Android data transfers. Once you're all set up, sending files to your Android will be a breeze.

How to wirelessly send files from PC to Android

First things first, ensure that the devices you want to use (e.g., your laptop and Android phone) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Next, download PC to Mobile Transfer from the Google Play Store. Finally, install FTP Manager Lite from DeskShare. Once you have these two apps installed on your Android device and PC, respectively, follow the instructions below.

1. Open the PC to Mobile Transfer app on your phone.

2. Scroll through the introductory slideshow and you'll land on a page that says "Select the connection method."

3. Tap on "Wi-Fi Network."

How to transfer files from PC to Android (Image credit: Future)

4. You need to give the app permission to access your files. If you consent to this, tap "Allow Permission."

5. Next, you'll be given an ID code as well as a password. Keep this within reach.

6. Open the FTP Manager Lite program on your PC. You'll be asked what type of transfer you'd like to perform. Tick "Transfer files between a PC folder and a mobile device."

7. Select the folder that has the files you'd like to transfer to your phone. Enter the ID code and password that was offered to you via the PC to Mobile Transfer app.

8. Tap on "Open a connection for this profile."

9. Voila! The FTP Manager Lite program will allow you to drag and drop files between your PC and Android, and vice versa.

Kimberly Gedeon, holding a Master's degree in International Journalism, launched her career as a journalist for MadameNoire's business beat in 2013. She loved translating stuffy stories about the economy, personal finance and investing into digestible, easy-to-understand, entertaining stories for young women of color. During her time on the business beat, she discovered her passion for tech as she dove into articles about tech entrepreneurship, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the latest tablets. After eight years of freelancing, dabbling in a myriad of beats, she's finally found a home at Laptop Mag that accepts her as the crypto-addicted, virtual reality-loving, investing-focused, tech-fascinated nerd she is. Woot!