How to share files between phone and computer instantly?

It's hard to overstate smartphones. They are the most versatile devices that can fit into any pocket or backpack. We can play games on them, watch series or movies, design, program, write texts, read e-books... In short, whatever we imagine, a smartphone can do. But it often happens that we want to get files from the phone to a (Windows) computer. There are several methods that differ in speed, convenience and connection method.

Some phone manufacturers make the whole process easier with default apps. Huawei, which has been quick to highlight the importance of its ecosystem, has a feature Huawei Share, which allows instant file sharing between your phone and laptop. For example, Samsung has Link to Windows or Samsung Flow, which has a similar function to Huawei Share, except that the setup time is slightly longer.

Of course it is connecting with a cable still a perfectly legitimate method, especially for transferring large numbers of files. However, this time we'd rather focus on methods that do not require a cable connection, especially for those moments when we are on the road and the cable is not at hand.

In the following, we will present some of the most convenient ways, the fastest way to share files, photos or apps between your Android phone and Windows PC.

How to create a shared folder on a Windows computer?

First you need to create a shared folder or add shared folder status to existing folders. What is the easiest way to do this?

1. Highlight a folder or create a new folder that will become a hub between your phone and computer.
2. Right click with the mouse and open the section Properties. Navigate on the submenu Common use.
3. Open the window Advanced sharing and change the folder to a shared node.
4. Assign all required permissions for writing and reading files.

By default, access to shared folders is secured with the Windows computer's username and password. You can change this in the Network and Sharing Center, but it is not recommended for security reasons. This is not even an obstacle, as you will only have to enter the username and password once.

The selected folder is now shared by all devices on the network. If you want, you can create even more shared folders after the same hoof.

How to access shared folders on a computer?

We need an application or a browser that will be able to establish a connection between the two devices. There are plenty of choices. At one time, the most popular application was ES File Explorer, but Google recently labeled it as "spyware" malware. As always, Android phones serve up many alternatives.

The most popular applications are MiXplorer, Solid Explorer, FE File Explorer, FV File Explorer, X-plore and similar. Functionally, they do not differ significantly, the biggest difference is in the transparency of the user interface.

In the editorial office, we are proficient in the MiXplorer application, but you can also try other applications if you wish. It is important that both devices are on the same network.

1. Upload it the free MiXplorer app. Only the paid version is available on the Google Store, so follow this link to the free app. Don't worry, the site is trusted and approved by the developer. You can also opt for the paid version, but we don't need it for our purpose.
2. Open the app and grant all necessary permissions.
3. Click on the hamburger menu (symbol with three lines) in the upper left. A sidebar will open where you need to click again on the hamburger menu (to the right of Bookmarks) and then on Add Storage.
4. Select the LAN (Samba) connection.
5. In the next window, you must enter the URI address of the computer. The easiest way is to select a function in the app on your phone Search local.
6. Find your computer name and connect to it. Before enter your computer username and password. If you don't have this, you can skip this step.
7. You now have access to all shared folders on your computer.

In the side menu, you'll notice a PC shortcut that you can use to quickly navigate between folders.

How to transfer files to computer or phone?

You've done the hard part. Now you just have to mark files, which you want to share and transfer to the selected device. On a computer, this is very easy due to the larger screen. Mark files, photos, documents or videos and simply copy them to one of the shared folders you created at the beginning. Open the MiXplorer app on your phone, find the shared folder and copy the files to your phone.

In the reverse direction, i.e. from the phone to the computer, the process is almost the same in all respects. Go to the MiXplorer app and find the files you want to transfer to your computer. Mark them and copy them to one of the shared folders. The process can take just a few seconds or a few minutes, depending on the speed of the phone's drive and the size of the files. You can watch files being transferred live on your computer.

When you no longer need the files, you can remove them from the shared folder.

Other ways to share files with your computer

Phones and computers are extremely compatible, so there is no shortage of options to transfer files from your phone to your computer or vice versa. In addition to the already mentioned, you can use a Bluetooth connection. Almost every laptop has support for Bluetooth connection, but this is not a given for desktop computers. Many motherboards do not have built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The problem can be solved with a dedicated PCIe card or a USB Bluetooth adapter that you insert into one of the USB slots.

1. If you have Bluetooth connectivity, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Turn on Bluetooth. You can also do the same with a shortcut on the desktop toolbar.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone or tablet and connect to your computer.
3. Start downloading files.

LocalSend

LocalSend is an application that allows you to easily share files between nearby devices without shared folders and without any intermediary or server. All you need is an active Wi-Fi connection and that they are both devices on the same network. Download the app on your phone and computer. Select recipient and sender. Find the files you want to send and wait for the app to do its job.

It is an almost equivalent alternative Snapdrop, which establishes a server between two devices. The application process is the same as with LocalSend. Download the app on both devices or visit www.snapdrop.net on your computer and then copy the files to your chosen device.

You can also use the well-known solutions Google Drive, Dropbox or Wetransfer (free up to 2GB). Smaller files can be sent via e-mail.

How do you share files between your phone and computer? By cable or otherwise?