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Google Pixel⏱ 5 min

How to Transfer Files to Another Device on Google Pixel

Move photos, documents, and files wirelessly or via cable to a PC or phone.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Android's open file system means you can access any folder on the device when connected via USB in File Transfer mode, treating the phone like an external drive with no special software required on Windows. Google's Nearby Share brings this openness to wireless transfers, using Wi-Fi Direct to move files between Android devices and Windows PCs at speeds far exceeding Bluetooth. For cross-platform transfers to and from iPhone, Google Drive or cloud storage is the most friction-free option since AirDrop and Nearby Share don't cross the Android-iOS boundary.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Use Nearby Share: open Quick Settings, enable Nearby Share. Select files in the Files app, tap Share > Nearby Share, and choose the target device.
  2. 2Drag files between the device and the File Explorer / Finder window, or confirm Nearby Share / AirDrop acceptance on the target device.
  3. 3Safely eject the device before unplugging the cable.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to transfer files from a phone to Google Pixel?
Nearby Share (Google's AirDrop equivalent) uses Wi-Fi Direct speeds without a cable and works between Android devices and Windows PCs.
Why is my Google Pixel not recognising my phone over USB?
The most common cause is the phone defaulting to Charging Only mode instead of File Transfer when connected. Swipe down on the phone notification bar and tap the USB connection type option, then select File Transfer or MTP. Also try a different cable — many cables are charge-only with no data wires.
Can I transfer files between Google Pixel and iPhone wirelessly?
Yes, though not as seamlessly. Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or a cross-platform app. Physical USB cable transfer is the most reliable alternative.
How do I transfer files larger than 1 GB on Google Pixel?
For files over 1 GB, USB cable transfer is the most reliable option. Cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive) can handle large files but require sufficient storage quota and a fast internet connection for the upload. Wi-Fi Direct methods like AirDrop and Nearby Share handle large files well over local Wi-Fi without using internet data.

Same task, different device

Windows 11Windows 10macOSiPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyChromebook

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