There are several methods to share files on Android phones. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, email and messaging apps are some common ways to share files. According to your preferences and the devices you’re interacting with, you can choose the method suits your needs the best. If you want to send files from phone to computer or other other way around, there are various free, cross-platform file transfer apps you can choose, such as SHAREit, Zapya, Send Anywhere, Google Files, SuperBeam, etc. It’s important to consider factors such as security, user interface, and the specific features that meet your needs. In this guide, we will use Xender to show you how files can be easily shared between mobile phone and PC.
About Xender file sharing
It is free, cross-platform, compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and more. It supports both WiFi and hotspot connection and file transfer, free of network connection, no mobile data usage.
- High-speed file transfer without using mobile data.
- Cross-platform support for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.
- Group file sharing with multiple devices.
- File manager with built-in tools for cleaning and organizing files.
- Transfer apps, games, and all kinds of files between devices.
- Easily download videos and images from social platforms.
- Play your favorite music anytime and manage your playlist.
- Convert video to audio and listen on the go.
Keep in mind the features and options may vary based on the Android version and app version. They may evolve over time, so it’s a good idea to check the latest reviews and version history before you download or use Xender and other file-sharing apps.
We are using Xender for Android version 13.1.0.Prime (1000110) which was updated on Oct 31, 2023 in this demo.
Method 1. Transfer files between phone and PC over Wi-Fi
Connect your Android device and computer to the same Wi-Fi network. It doesn’t matter if your wireless router is connected to the internet or not as the file sharing occurs in your local area network.
Run the free file sharing app on your mobile phone or tablet. Tap on the Menu (three horizontal lines icon) at the top right corner, choose Connect PC from the drop-down menu list. Xender for Android supports both hotspot and Wi-Fi connections with PC, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
#1. Hotspot Mode
It does not require a Wi-Fi network. Go to the system Settings app on your Android phone to create a hotspot and set a password for the hotspot network; then connect your computer to the hotspot network; finally visit the Xender Web address in your desktop web browser to upload and download files. File transfers won’t consume your cellular data.
#2. Web Mode(Wi-Fi)
It requires a Wi-Fi network. However internet connection is not necessary though. As we mentioned above, the file transfer happens in your local area network, no data will be uploaded or downloaded to or from the internet.
Tap on or swipe up to bring up the Web Mode from the bottom on the Connect to PC screen. Here you can see your current network name, the web address you can access your mobile phone from computer.
On your PC, launch a web browser to access the above web address or IP address. You’ll be asked to confirm and accept the connection on your phone. After that, you will see Xender web transfer interface like this.
Upload files from computer to mobile phone
Simply drag and drop files from your computer to the phone frame in the Xender Web interface. Or open the corresponding category in Xender for web to initiate the file uploading.
Download files from phone to computer
Open the category in Xender for Web to access your files on the phone from computer, preview, select and download files from Android phone or tablet to your Windows PC or Mac computer.
Method 2. Share files between mobile and computer over Hotspot
When no Wi-Fi network available, you can go to create Hotspot network on your phone first.
Step 1. Create hotspot on Android phone:
Settings can vary by phone. The exact steps and options may vary slightly based on your device’s manufacturer and Android version. Here’s a general guide on how to create a hotspot on Android.
Open the Settings app on your Android device. Look for terms like Connections, Wireless & Networks, or Network & Internet. Find an option related to hotspot or tethering, such as Portable Hotspot, Hotspot, Wi-Fi hotspot, Tethering & portable hotspot. Tap to open the Hotspot in Settings. Toggle the switch to enable the hotspot. If this is the first time you activate it, you may be prompted to configure its settings.
Step 2. Connect your PC to the Hotspot
After that, connect your computer to the mobile hotspot.
Step 3. Connect Android and PC via Hotspot
Open a web browser on your computer to access the web address displayed in Xender app on the phone. On your phone, you will get a connection request from your PC, make sure to tap on the Accept button to approve the connection from your computer on the mobile.
Step 4. Share files between computer and mobile
Simply follow the same steps, as mentioned in Method 1 above, to transfer files using Xender for Web on your PC or Mac.
Better file sharing options
If Xender didn’t work well for you, you can try Zapya, SHAREit, Send Anywhere, ShareMe, etc.
You can use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to transfer files between an Android device and a computer.
Another way to transfer files between an Android device and a computer is via Bluetooth. Make sure both devices have Bluetooth enabled and are paired. Once paired, you can select the files you want to transfer on your Android device and then share them via Bluetooth to your computer.