Sharing files between two PCs has always been easy, more so if they both have Windows. But what if you have two Android phones or an Android phone and a tablet for that matter? If such is the case, then you must’ve encountered issues where some files are on one device and some on the other. There are ways to share files between two Android devices and here is how you can do it wirelessly and wired.
Share File Wirelessly – Nearby Share
There are a number of ways you can share files wirelessly between two Android devices, but what we found to be the most reliable is Nearby Share. Developed by Google, it has been present in all Android phones since the dawn of Android 10, and with each update cycle, it has improved for the better.
Also Read: Google Nearby Share vs. Samsung Quick Share: Know the Differences
1. To share files wirelessly using Nearby Share, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both Android devices. Although not necessary, it is recommended that you connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the Files app on both Android phones. Then from the bottom tab, navigate to Nearby Share. Tap on Send on the sender device and Receive on the receiver device.
3. On the sender device, browse through the menu to select from Images, Videos, Music, and Documents & others. Once you’ve selected files to be shared, then tap on Continue.
Pro Tip: You can also share apps that are installed on one device with others using this method.
4. The second device should appear in Nearby Share’s search menu. Once found, tap on it.
5. On the second device, Accept the file transfer request to start the file transfer. The file will now be saved in the Downloads folder on the receiver device. Generally, these transfer speeds vary between 2-5 Mbps depending on the size of the file, Wi-Fi network, if the transfer is over Bluetooth, etc.
Share Files Using Cables (Wired Method)
If you’re sharing files with an older generation of Android device that doesn’t have Nearby Share, or if you’re outside then try the cables. By using a USB-C to USB-C charging cable that comes with your Android device, you can easily transfer files between Android devices.
Tip: We’re using a USB-C to USB-C cable since both our Android phones have a USB-C port, which is the case with most new devices. If you have an older device, then you might have to find an appropriate cable for it.
Both of your devices should have at least 65% charge before starting file transfer since you might lose some charge during the process. Now here’s how to share files between two Android phones/tablets using a cable and a simple app.
1. Plug in both ends of the charging cable in each Android phone.
2. Once plugged in, you’ll get a notification on both of your Android devices.
3. Now on the receiver device, tap on Connected to Android in the notification tray. Then select the mode as MTP Host for Always.
4. On the sender device, Allow access to the phone data. If no such prompt appears, then set the USB Settings to Transferring Files or File Transfer from the notification tray.
5. The receiver device will now reconnect automatically and a prompt will appear to choose the file manager on the sender device.
6. Select Files by Google as the file manager, and tap on Always. The Files app will now open where you can access the sender device’s and share any files.
Tip: If you want to transfer files the other way round then reconnect the two devices and this time select the second device as MTP Host. You will now be able to access the second device’s data on the first device.
7. To select a file, tap and hold on the it.
8. Then tap the three-dots icon on the top-right to access the file menu and tap on Copy to.
9. In the next window, tap on Copy to start copying the file in the receiver device’s Downloads folder. The transfer speeds will vary on the size of the file, storage type of Android devices (UFS 2.2 or 3.1, higher is better), the charging cable, etc.
Sharing Files Between Two Android Devices
With these methods, wired or wireless, you will be able to transfer files between all your Android devices easily and freely without seeing any ads. If you’re using someone else’s Android, then make sure to respect the privacy of others and only copy data that you are supposed to after getting permission.
