How to Share Files Between Two Android Devices Easily and Freely

ByJim Miller

Sharing files between two PCs has always been easy, especially if they both have Windows. But what if you have two Android phones or an Android phone and a tablet? If that's the case, then you must've encountered issues where some files are on one device and some on the other. Don't worry, there are ways to share files between two Android devices, both wirelessly and wired.

Share Files Wirelessly with Nearby Share

One of the most reliable ways to share files wirelessly between two Android devices is by using Nearby Share. Developed by Google, Nearby Share has been present in all Android phones since the dawn of Android 10, and with each update cycle, it has improved for the better.

  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.

Share files in Files app

  1. 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.

  2. The second device should appear in Nearby Share's search menu. Once found, tap on it.

Sending file to the target device

  1. 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, 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.

Both of your devices should have at least 65% charge before starting file transfer since you might lose some charge during the process. 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.

Plugging in the charging cable in both Android devices

  1. Once plugged in, you'll get a notification on both of your Android devices.

  2. Now on the receiver device, tap on Connected to Android in the notification tray. Then select the mode as MTP Host for Always.

Selecting MTP host for receiver

  1. 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.

  2. The receiver device will now reconnect automatically, and a prompt will appear to choose the file manager on the sender device.

  3. 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 files and share any files.

Browsing through files from the sender device

  1. To select a file, tap and hold on it.

  2. Then tap the three-dots icon on the top-right to access the file menu and tap on Copy to.

  3. In the next window, tap on Copy to start copying the file in the receiver device's Downloads folder. The transfer speeds will vary depending on the size of the file, storage type of Android devices, the charging cable, etc.

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. Just make sure to respect the privacy of others and only copy data that you are supposed to after getting permission.