Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

How to Share Files Between Your Android Phone & Windows PC with Bluetooth

by Josh Kirschner on January 30, 2024

Updated 1/30/2024 for Windows 11 and with new screenshot for PC sharing menu.

If you have files on your Android phone that you want to download onto your Windows 11 PC (or upload from your computer to your phone) but you don’t have a USB cable handy, sharing over Bluetooth is a quick and easy option. Bluetooth transfers may also come in handy if you have a large document you want to quickly share with a colleague that is too large to attach in an email, or if you have a bunch of important photos or videos on your phone you want to back up to your computer.

Steps to send files from your Windows PC to your Android phone

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your PC and pair with your phone.
  2. On your PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Devices. Click here to Open Settings.
  3. In Bluetooth & other devices settings, scroll down to Related Settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
    Windows 11 menu showing the option to send or recieve Bluetooth files in the Related Settings section ot Bluetooth and other device settings.
  4. In Bluetooth File Transfer, select Send files and choose the phone you want to share to then hit Next.
  5. Select Browse to find the file or files to share, then select Open > Next to send it, then Finish.
  6. On the device you are sending the file to, confirm that you want to accept the file.

For Android phones, the transferred files will appear in the Bluetooth folder of your device. You can access it by using the Files by Google app and look for the Bluetooth folder under your device name (e.g., Pixel 4XL). You can also find files received via Bluetooth in your phone’s Bluetooth settings > Connection preferences > Files received via Bluetooth. However, this list will get cleared out when you turn off Bluetooth or unpair your phone.

Steps to send files from your Android Phone to your Windows PC

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your PC and pair with your phone.
  2. On your PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Devices. Click here to Open Settings.
  3. In Bluetooth & other devices settings, scroll down to Related Settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
  4. In Bluetooth File Transfer, select Receive files.
  5. On your phone, select the file(s) you want to send and hit the Share icon and select Bluetooth as the share option. Pick your Windows PC in the Choose Bluetooth Device screen.
  6. On your PC, the Save the received file options will now come up in the Bluetooth File Transfer window. Select the location where you want to save the file to and hit Finish.

If you're having difficulty getting your devices connected, check out our advice on how to fix Bluetooth pairing problems.

[Image credit: file transfer from phone to computer concept via BigStockPhoto]


Topics

Tips & How-Tos, Computers and Software, Phones and Mobile, Tech 101


Discussion loading

gravatar

From kalema abdul on January 06, 2021 :: 11:44 pm


I love you patience

Reply

gravatar

From Rob on January 29, 2024 :: 10:32 pm


Sorry this article is lying. There is no related settings under the Bluetooth and devices tab. Why print fake articles like this. Back it up with screenshot show EXACTLY where related settings is and point an arrow to it

Reply

gravatar

From Josh Kirschner on January 30, 2024 :: 6:48 pm


This article was originally written almost four years ago for Windows 10 (as stated in the original version). Under Windows 10, the menu order was Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. The article was correct.

With Windows 11, Microsoft reversed the menu order to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Devices. I have updated the story for Windows 11 and added a screenshot to make it clear exactly what that menu looks like.

While we appreciate anyone who points out needed updates to our stories, there is a positive way to do that. This was not it.

Reply

gravatar

From FugaZo on June 19, 2024 :: 6:15 am


Bro… Im transferin music from my phone to pc right now. If you are blind and cant see a button then open search bar and type “fsquirt”. Thwe transfer rate is slow af tho. My 40Mb archive been sending for 5 mins at least

Reply

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.