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How to Transfer Photos from Android to Computer

Getting photos from your phone to your PC is quick and easy

By Jon Martindale Jon Martindale Writer Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. He's written for publications such as Digital Trends, KitGuru, and ITProPortal. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 23, 2021 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section Transfer Photos From Android to Windows 10 Using USB Use OneDrive to Transfer Photos From Android to Windows 10 Transfer Photos From Android to MacOS Using USB Use Bluetooth to Transfer Photos From Android to MacOS The article covers instructions for transferring 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 10 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. 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. If prompted, unlock your phone using your passcode or biometrics. 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. Open File Explorer on Windows. Your Android phone should now appear as an external drive. Navigate your particular phone's file system to find the folder with your photos in. Copy and paste any photos you want to transfer to your Windows PC. When finished, unplug your phone from your PC.

Transfer Photos From Android to Windows 10 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. If you don't already have it, download and install the OneDrive application from the Play Store. 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. Once you've opened or created a folder, select the + icon in the top-right again and select Upload. 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. On your Windows PC, open OneDrive. 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. Download and install the Android File Transfer app. 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. 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. Open the Android File Transfer application. You should see it on the Launchpad. Find your Android device in the main Window. 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. Make sure you've enabled Bluetooth on both your Android and macOS devices. On your Mac, open System Preferences > Sharing and make sure to tick the box next to Bluetooth Sharing.On your Android, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth > Connect to begin pairing. On your Android device, open your preferred photo application and select the photo you want to share. Select the Share icon in the bottom left. Choose Bluetooth from the available options. Select the macOS device; the photo should transfer to your Mac as fast as your Bluetooth connection will allow. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Transfer Photos From any Phone to Your Computer How to Access iCloud Photos From Any Apple, Windows, or Android Device How to Connect an Android to a PC How to Transfer Your Contacts From Android to iPhone How to Back Up Your Android Phone to a PC How to Transfer Apps From Android to Android How to Download Music to Your Android Phone How to Connect Steam Deck to a PC How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to MacBook Air How to Set Up a New Android From an Old Phone How to Transfer Data From Android to iPhone How to Tether Your Smartphone with PdaNet+ How to Use Samsung Kies to Transfer Files & More How to Install APK on Android How to Transfer Music From iPhone to Android How to Use a PS5 Controller on Your PC or Mac Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies