I haven't been around these forums long, but it seems the Top Questions always include:
How do I move music|data|files between my Android and my computer?
Oddly enough, there doesn't seem to be a "definitive" thread on it, so I'm going to share MY methodology, add a couple alternatives and hope that this helps out all the Android newbies that have recently joined The Green Robot Army.
FAQ:
Q. I'm coming from iPhone. What's the difference?
A. iPhone needs iTunes (with some exceptions). Android is a drag and drop device - like a flash drive. You can plug it in, and just copy files over. No "sync software" is usually required. The cage door is open
Q. What if I want iTunes for my Android?
A. Check out Double Twist. It's about as close as you get.
Q. My Nexus Galaxy is an MTP device. What's the difference between this and a most other Android devices?
A. MTP mounts the device on your computer as a "media device". Many OSes will need drivers and when the device shows up, it isn't EXACTLY the same as a regular flash/usb drive. There will be more limitations as to file names, possibly folders, etc. you are allowed to use. If you want the techie details, check here.
Q. Do I have to use a cable to move files to my Android?
A. No. There are dozens of ways to do it. We will look at several.
Second, how *I* personally handle file transfers between my Android and PC.
What You Need:
- File Expert (Free; Market Link)
- Local Network (Android on WiFi on the same network as your PC)
- OPTIONAL: Good file manager (I use Directory Opus - Opus Home)
- OPTIONAL: PC FTP software (Directory Opus has this built in)
- OPTIONAL: HTML5 Web Browser (I use Chrome v17)
Method(s) Used:
- FTP
- HTTP
Skill Level:
Easy
Setting Up
1. Ensure your Android Device is on your local network via WiFi.
2. Open your FTP or HTML5 compatible Web browser on the PC.
3. Download and install File Expert on your Android Device.
We will do FTP method first, then offer the alternative HTTP experience.
Getting Started (FTP)
1. Run File Expert on your Android Device.
2. Select SHARE MY CONTENTS
3. Select START SHARE VIA FTP
4. Take note of the address presented in the pop up window. It will appear something like: ftp://192.168.1.191:2211
5. On your PC, go to your FTP program or open Windows Explorer.
6. Configure your FTP program using the above credentials or enter the address into Windows Explorer's Address Bar.
7. You will be prompted for credentials. Enter:
Username: fe
Password: filexpert
8. Your Android will appear as if it were a folder on your computer!
9. Use this as you would any other folder to drag and drop files to and from your Android.
.. that passes your credentials in with the address. Try it.
Getting Started (HTTP)
1. Run File Expert on your Android Device.
2. Select SHARE MY CONTENTS
3. Select START SHARE via Web
4. Take note of the address presented in the pop up window. It will appear something like: http://192.168.1.191:8080
5. On your PC, go to your HTML5 compatible web browser and enter the address from above.
6. Once logged in, you will get a full desktop like environment in your web browser! Open up File Expert to access files, open up Gallery to see your pictures etc.
Note: This web desktop tool uses the context menu a lot (right click your mouse).
ADDENDUM Updated 2/26/2012
1. Change the default folder on your phone
You may not like the "default" sharing location on your device - which is usually to the standard SDCARD mapping on the phone (/mnt/sdcard).
Many devices, while having an SD card slot, don't map the default SDCARD location to the card - they point it to another partition on internal memory (that way, it still works - even if you don't have a real SD card in).
On the Asus Transformer tablet, for example. There are three storage locations:
- Phone Internal Storage
- /mnt/SDCard (which is still just another location of internal memory)
- /Removable/MicroSD (which is the REAL SD card)
File Expert will default to /mnt/SDCard - wherever that might point to. On the ORIGINAL Droid phone, that path actually points to the real SD card; not to some 'fake' internal memory called SDCard.
Fortunately, it's pretty easy to change this.
a. Use File Expert to navigate to whatever folder you want to be the "default sharing folder" (this can be ANY folder on your device - not just an SDCard (real or fake)).
b. LONG PRESS the folder you want to make default.
c. From the popup menu, hit MORE.
d. On the second popup menu, select SET AS DEFAULT SHARING DIR.
At the time of writing, there is a bug in File Expert that will not "recognize" this change immediately. You can see the details of this bug (I submitted it to the FE team) here:
It will also show you a work around. Sorry - this is a pretty new bug and I don't think they even knew it was there. I know that sucks. I'm sure they will fix it soon. Hey, maybe you'll like the cool web version better than using FTP.
It's worth noting there are dozens of tools similar to the functionality here in File Expert.
Many people use SwiFTP - and I did too before I found FE. I haven't done any BENCHMARKS, but FE appears to be CONSIDERABLY faster than SwiFTP in file transfers - it might be worth checking it out.
There are also many "virtual desktop" type apps for Android as well. I choose to use File Expert because I can get to what I need faster and the "webtop" piece feels better written than some of the others I've used.
Which of the two methods do I use the most? The FTP. My file manager has integeated FTP support that literally makes getting files off my phone a single button click experience with FE being on the phone. I have FE installed on each Android device in the house - and even while my kid is watching video on the Nook Color, I can be moving more shows over wirelessly. I have configurations in my file manager for all my android devices. I can even use Directory Opus to copy BETWEEN devices (my Transformer and my Nexus, for example).
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to darkuni For This Useful Post:
Although others have said that there are many ways to transfer files, i appreciate to OP taking time to spell it out..
Now I'm trying to follow "On your PC, go to your FTP program or open Windows Explorer". I think just opening WE will do it? And I can forget the FTP pgm?
Mission accomplished. Would have much preferred the cable over WiFi, however. Seems more secure. I'll look to see if you've covered that, as well.
In the process, I did think I noticed what I've feared; my created files are not saving to my SD card, but to phone memory. Any suggestions as to why?
Thanks for your help. SGSII
Mission accomplished. Would have much preferred the cable over WiFi, however. Seems more secure. I'll look to see if you've covered that, as well.
In the process, I did think I noticed what I've feared; my created files are not saving to my SD card, but to phone memory. Any suggestions as to why?
Thanks for your help. SGSII
Over WIFI should never leave your network - so it's pretty secure. Besides, most people have used the cable before; after all - it is drag and drop - so I didn't want to repeat the knowledge
Yes, there is a way to set your destination to be the SD card. I just kept this initial tutorial basic.
When I have a couple minutes, I'll add that to the end of the OP and give a heads up.
OK, MY turn to get confused. I'm a point and clicker, so talk DOWN to me.
I did everything stated in the first post. I now can see my files from the Android on the PC screen. I STILL cannot figure out how to share them. I want it to work both ways....Droid to PC and PC to Droid.
OK, if you want to drag and drop from there, you're all set.
If you want something simple, totally automatic, and free that will synchronize your PC and your Android so that all of your cool stuff is just there, like magic, check out
As mentioned, you just need to change the default FTP sharing directory. I am adding that to the OP right now. Just go back and take a look.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BWRpota
Mission accomplished. Would have much preferred the cable over WiFi, however. Seems more secure. I'll look to see if you've covered that, as well.
In the process, I did think I noticed what I've feared; my created files are not saving to my SD card, but to phone memory. Any suggestions as to why?
Thanks for your help. SGSII
Can you drag and drop from your computer to a USB drive or from one hard drive to another? If you're THAT old, maybe from your hard drive to a floppy drive?
Open up TWO copies of Windows Explorer. In one, bring up the phone - in the other, bring up your hard drive where the file is you want to copy.
Drag the file into the Windows Explorer that has the phone files in it. Drop them in.
There are a number of file managers designed to make "file maintenance" like this easier. Many are free, some are pay. Here are a handful of the popular ones you may or may not know of.
Great guide! Very informative.
Personally though, I find it much easier to just use Dropbox. It syncs between my laptop, desktop, and phone, and I can access the files on any computer/device just through their website.
Make no mistake - Dropbox is just one other solution.
However, Dropbox doesn't interest me for the very reason that you have to sync to the cloud FIRST before moving to the next device.
Everyone here on ultra-fast $80 a month broadband? I am. And Dropbox doesn't meet my needs for most transfers.
Most of the time, I'm not doing one, 20k APK file. I'm doing a 150MB ZIP file of a new custom rom. Or 20 or 30 MP3 files at 5MB each. Or 350MB video files.
Tell you what ... run a test on your own. Make a folder on your computer. Put 50MB of "stuff" in it (MP3s, video, pictures, whatever).
Now, start a timer. Copy the files to your Dropbox. Stop the timer when you get all the files on your phone.
Then, do what I've outlined above. I can move 50MB in about 15 seconds. Let me know how long your DropBox method takes.
BTW ... I'm now writing the documentation for File Expert. It is really far more than just another file manager. Might be worth perusing the docs to see what hidden gems are in there.
WOW! You sure do seem to know what you are talking about...wish I did. LOL
Following your advice I have been able to load songs,movies, and pictures from my PC to the tablet.
I got two more questions for you if you have the time.
1. When I try to move text files (From Microsoft Word at this point) I cannot retrieve them on the apad. It won't open them. Is there some place special I should download them to? I have tried to get to I-reader, received files and E-books. None "take".
2. Where do I get an E-book reader? I have gone to the app store on the apad and cannot find one. Need to open books from Barnes/Noble and the like.
WOW! You sure do seem to know what you are talking about...wish I did. LOL
Following your advice I have been able to load songs,movies, and pictures from my PC to the tablet.
I got two more questions for you if you have the time.
1. When I try to move text files (From Microsoft Word at this point) I cannot retrieve them on the apad. It won't open them. Is there some place special I should download them to? I have tried to get to I-reader, received files and E-books. None "take".
Are you sure they are actual text files? .TXT files? If so, if you select them within File Expert, you should be offered to open them with FE's Text Viewer. If you have Dropbox installed, there is a text viewer/editor associated with that. If you have Opera web browser installed, it will look at .txt files too.
My GUESS is that you THINK you're saving text files, but you're really saving Office documents - which you'll need something like Quick Office, Polaris Office or one of the various Office packages out there to look at it.
Quote:
2. Where do I get an E-book reader? I have gone to the app store on the apad and cannot find one. Need to open books from Barnes/Noble and the like.
Keep up the good work...I'm impressed!
B&N and Amazon have their own, dedicated eReaders. You'll need to use those programs to view content purchased there.
There are several other readers available for generic ebooks like Aldiko that should do the trick.
Shouldn't you be able to plug in your device to a computer with a usb cable and see it in explorer? I see drive but when I click on it it says "Insert disc into drive ". Is there something wrong or am I mis-informed?
Shouldn't you be able to plug in your device to a computer with a usb cable and see it in explorer? I see drive but when I click on it it says "Insert disc into drive ". Is there something wrong or am I mis-informed?
Great tutorial! For those who'd like a little more in the way of security, I'd recommend getting SSHDroid on your phone and something like Cyberduck, FileZilla or WinSCP on your client PC if your operating system doesn't support SFTP natively in it's file manager.
Thanks a lot for this tutorial. It sure simplifies things. But I think I am doing something wrong. My files get copied in a very disorderly manner. Afolder of over 500 slides of ques/ans gets copied disorderly....slide 1, then 10 etc. I have tried copying initially with the usb connected to my pc, the external drive and have even tried the webstorage( which took forever). All produced the same results. After this tutorial ,I ran to try again and its still same result. I am not tech savvy and I'v tried all I can. Can anyone PLS be kind enough to help? Will using an SD card be helpful?
I thought I had this down pat.
I am attempting to move some files from my phone to my laptop, via my WiFi home network.
1) My phone is connected to my home network.
2) I opened File Expert on my phone.
3) I first selected several files for transfer.
4) Clicked and held on one of the files to be transferred.
5) Selected, "Send File".
6) After a status bar had almost fully completed on my phone, I got the error msg., "No device found".
My laptop was already connected wirelessly to the network.
I have done this before, and it was simple then.
I did notice that I recieved no option on my phone as to where to send the file. It was my intent to send the files to a USB flash drive inserted into my laptop.
What could I have done wrong? I have changed no settings.
Okeedokee, thanks to Darkuni's most excellent tut (expect a fruit basket, dude), I was able to transfer files FROM my SGSII, and TO my laptop.
However, now I need to transfer files FROM my LAPTOP, then TO my SGSII.
Any thoughts on how to do this one?
I would prefer to do this via USB, as well.
Last edited by BWRpota; May 29th, 2012 at 08:50 AM.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AmyAndroid
Thanks a lot for this tutorial. It sure simplifies things. But I think I am doing something wrong. My files get copied in a very disorderly manner. Afolder of over 500 slides of ques/ans gets copied disorderly....slide 1, then 10 etc. I have tried copying initially with the usb connected to my pc, the external drive and have even tried the webstorage( which took forever). All produced the same results. After this tutorial ,I ran to try again and its still same result. I am not tech savvy and I'v tried all I can. Can anyone PLS be kind enough to help? Will using an SD card be helpful?
It sounds like your problem relates to the names of your files. Try changing the picture numbered '1' to '001' and see what happens. You have over 500? So you will need zeros before all of your numbers, thus making the numbers either at least 3, but preferably 4 digits total (so '1' may need to be '0001', thus helping you if you ever get into the thousands).
Go online and find a reliable batch file renaming software so that you don't have to manually rename (although only slightly) hundreds of files. But make sure you read all the instructions for that software! As you can imagine, you could end up with a mess if you do not use the software properly.
Explanation:
Many softwares read numbers in file names from left to right (alphabetized like an encyclopedia or phone book), rather than seeing the number as a whole. So when the computer reads '1' it places it with the other numbers that begin with '1', rather than knowing that it is simply a single digit number (like how in the encyclopedia, 'I' is the first letter in the 'I' section because it's organized alphabetically. It's not placed right after 'A' because it's short in length). Additionally, software organization will put that '1' first in the list of the other numbers because, for example, in an encyclopedia you will see that 'to' comes before 'too' because it doesn't have the last letter. Thus, adding the proper number of Zeros before the numbers you're using should remedy all of your problems.
Info is shared here quite clearly and in detailed so thanks for this info.
...is quite difficult to find. Often the info I find pertains directly to my problem...almost.
It's usually better to just ask, but I do try to find it myself, first.
I am having trouble trying to connect my Superpad 7 fly touch to my Windows 7 Ultimate via USB connection without any joy and whilst researching, i cam across this thread. So i have
downloaded FE and also purchased the Pro key. I was suprised the key was only £1..99 for such a good app.
Any help with the usb problem would be appreciated.
Will let you know how things go.
Thanks again
Bilbo
Last edited by Bilbobaggings; July 20th, 2012 at 08:56 AM.
Loaded this on my Samsung S3 and I can't figure out how to get access to the External SD card. I have tried the web way of doing things and the ftp way and I can't find anything but the internal SD card.
Sorry but you lost me. Are you saying that I can copy/move from the PC to the Phone ie S3 using Windows Explorer?
I like using a direct USB cable instead of wireless, etc.
I can see the phone ie SPH-L710 in WE. I can see the card but can not create folders. How can I just do it like I do a flash drive? Just connect the phone and do like a flash drive NO?
Being an old man, I get lost at about 3 steps. I like the KISS principle, Keep it simple stupid. You procedure was WAYYYYYYYYYY too long. Can you break it down to about 2 or 3 steps like open WE, navigate to the internal sd card, drag and drop?
Thanks for your time and effort. ya am that old, komputer is the nick..when a puter was 2 fingers and a string. Talk about mass memory!
Last edited by komputer; August 16th, 2012 at 08:24 AM.
I do the same thing but I do see the phone, ie S3 in Windows Explorer it is under SPH-L710.
Bad thing is can not create new folders. Does not give me the option when I right click on it.
on the left of WE, I see. computer> Boot drive C> SPH-L710> ' Under it I see Card and Phone
When I right click on Card ( to create a new folder like I do in windows) a window pops up with the following
collapse
open in new windows
format
properties
What am I doing wrong?
Guess I could take the sd card out, put it in a card reader and the open it using WE?
Why can I not do it like I do on my desktop windows? I connect a flash drive, open WE and there it is. I can drag and drop I can even use freefilesync to sync between 2 drives. Can it be done with pc and phone that way? thanks
Last edited by komputer; August 16th, 2012 at 08:34 AM.
HELP!!!! How do I transfer pictures from my Samsung Galaxy S phone's internal SIMS card to my new external formatted SIMS card? and from the external SIMS card to my computer?
There is a free app that will let you connect to computers on your WiFi network. You have to have your phone set to access your WiFi network and have sharing enabled on your computers. I can access all my computers and my server and download stuff back and forth using ES File Explorer.
ya very useful information "darkuni" I was searching for a longer time for the method of transferring the files form Android to PC. Finally today I got it. Thanks for your valuable time.
That is a nice post darkuni
People who have been seeking for this sort of information can get knowledge from here, instead of starting a new thread they can have their problem solved here.
Here are two programs one can use to do secure file transfer protocol SFTP.
The Windows 7 32/64 program is Winscp and putty
WinSCP
WinSCP is an open source free sFTP/FTP client for Windows and the prefered choice for remote file management and editing. WinSCP documentation.
Legacy SCP protocol is also supported. Its main function is safe copying of files between a local and a remote computer.
Download & Install WinSCP
Download the Windows installer from the WinSCP Download Page.
After successfully downloading the file execute it to install the program, your best bet is to run a typical install.
After the installation of WinSCP we can also integrate PuTTY, which can be downloaded here.
Save the putty.exe file in the WinSCP folder tree C:\Program Files\WinSCP\PuTTY
Configuring PuTTy Integration
PuTTY is a free implementation of Telnet and SSH for Win32 and Unix platforms, along with an xterm terminal emulator.
Open WinSCP
Select Preferences from the left tree
Then click on the Preferences button
Select Applications under Integration from the left tree
Browse to the location where you saved the putty.exe file typically
"C:\Program Files\WinSCP\PuTTY\putty.exe"
Note:You can use the Windows variables for instance %PROGRAMFILES% to specify the path to your Program Files folder.
When done click OK.
Choosing a Preferred Editor
WinSCP allows for defining preferred editors based on file extensions to add, remove, edit remote files.
Open WinSCP
Select Preferences from the left tree
Then click on the Preferences button
Select Editors in the left tree
Then select the add button
Within the Add Editor popup window make the appropriate changes and select the OK button
Using WinSCP
The first time use of WinSCP requires connection information to login to your server:
Start WinSCP
Enter the hostname or IP number of your server (Tablet or Phone)
Set the port number to 53522.
Enter your credentials (username=root and associated password).
Click Save
Click Login
and the tablet/phone app is Server Ultimate
Select SSH Server type
Server Name= as desired
Use port 53522
Be sure you add a Server Ultimate user
user=root (must be root)
password=as desired
Be sure to set Winscp port to the same 53522
When you start WinSCP, Winscp will also open a Terminal Shell Window
and log you in automatically.
Once you learn WinSCP you will be a pro @ file systems....
You can SFTP to your phone from anywhere in the world.
You would need to forward your router WanIP to the phoneIP on
port 53522.
Enjoy...
Last edited by electroman00; September 22nd, 2012 at 07:38 AM.
Before I read this post, I've been using my Firefox browser in conjunction with the WiFi File Transfer app on my Galaxy Nexus to copy files back and forth. Is this basically equivalent to what's described here? I'm trying to find out if a switch would be desirable? Note: the only thing I don't like is that there doesn't seem to be the equivalent of Properties on the phone side (using this app) to check size, date, etc.
Pete
I have been able to access my home network through WiFi using ES File Explorer. You just download the app and go to LAN then hit the search icon and it finds everything on my network. I can download and upload anything I want. Of course you have to enable sharing. Usually I upload and download from Window Home Server.
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Tutorial: Moving Stuff Between Android and PC
but when I click on it it says "Insert disc into drive 
Same thing on my end, any ideas why? HTC 1x
SAMBA - native windows filesharing
