How to Transfer Photos From Android to Computer

The article explains how to transfer photos from an Android device to a computer (Windows or Mac) using either a USB cable or a wireless connection.

How to Transfer Photos From Android to Windows Using USB

Transferring photos from your Android device to a Windows PC is quick and simple using a USB cable. It can also transfer all kinds of files at high speed.

1. Connect a compatible USB cable to your phone and Windows PC. This may be Micro-USB to USB-A, USB-C to USB-A, or USB-C to USB-C, depending on your particular smartphone and Windows PC's available ports.

2. If prompted, unlock your phone using your passcode or biometrics.

3. Depending on your preferences, you may be prompted to pick what type of connection you want. Choose File Transfer.

   If you aren't given that option immediately, open your phone's notifications menu by swiping from the top. Scroll down to Silent notifications and select USB file transfer turned on. Then, select whether you want the USB connection to be controlled by the Connected device or This Device. We recommend choosing This Device so you can control the connection from your phone.

   Then, in the next section, also select how you want the USB connection to be used. In this case, choose File Transfer.

4. Open File Explorer on Windows. Your Android phone should now appear as an external drive.

5. Navigate your particular phone's file system to find the folder with your photos in.

6. Copy and paste any photos you want to transfer to your Windows PC.

7. When finished, unplug your phone from your PC.

Transfer Photos From Android to Windows Using OneDrive

Microsoft's OneDrive is built right into Windows and is one way to transfer photos and other files to your Windows PC from an Android device.

1. If you don't already have it, download and install the OneDrive application from the Play Store.

2. Then open OneDrive on your smartphone, and you can select a folder that you want to transfer the photos to, or you can click the + (plus icon) in the upper-right corner, then select Create Folder.

3. Once you've opened or created a folder, select the + icon in the top-right again and select Upload.

4. Select the photos you want to upload to your OneDrive cloud storage. Files are automatically uploaded as you select them.

   If this method is too slow or manual, you can also select the Photos tab and turn on Camera upload to automatically back up all photos you take to your OneDrive.

5. On your Windows PC, open OneDrive.

6. Copy and paste the photos you want to store on your computer hard drive from OneDrive to their new location.

Transfer Photos From Android to MacOS Using USB

Similar to Windows, macOS lets you quickly transfer photos from Android using a USB connection. You need the correct cable for your devices and the Android File Transfer app.

1. Download and install the Android File Transfer app.

2. Connect a compatible USB cable to your Android phone and macOS device. This may be Micro-USB to USB-A, USB-C to USB-A, or USB-C to USB-C, depending on your particular smartphone and Mac's available ports.

3. Unlock your device if requested and select File Transfer from the list of connection options.

   If you aren't given that option, open up your phone's notifications menu by swiping from the top. Scroll down to Silent notifications and select Android System—Charging this device via USB. Then select File Transfer from the list of options.

4. Open the Android File Transfer application. You should see it on the Launchpad.

5. Find your Android device in the main Window.

6. Drag and drop, or copy and paste any photos you want to save to your Mac.

Transfer Photos From Android to MacOS Using Bluetooth

A Bluetooth connection can let you send photos to your Mac device wirelessly. Here's how to do it.

1. Make sure you've enabled Bluetooth on your macOS and Android devices.

   • On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Sharing and make sure to tick the box next to Bluetooth Sharing.
   • On your Android, go to Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth.

2. On your Android device, open your preferred photo application and select the photo you want to share.

3. Select the Share icon in the bottom left.

4. Choose Bluetooth from the available options.

5. Select the macOS device; the photo should transfer to your Mac as fast as your Bluetooth connection will allow.