It covers the traditional method of using a cable and also some wireless techniques.

Ways to Connect an Android to a Computer

There are several options.

Most Android devices come with a USB charging cable.

browsing an Android phone with a connected Windows PC

This is often the easiest way for most people to transfer files from their Android machine to their computer.

you might’t remotely control your Android using this connection.

Connect one end of the USB cable to your Android and the other to your machine.

AirDroid remote features, Transfer tab, and Web link

Many computers don’t supportUSB-C. Watch for a notification on your Android.

You should be able to tap a button that saysTransfer files(or something similar).

On your box, openThis PCto see your Android rig.

Files app on AirDroid

It’s likely named after your phone, such asPixel 8.

InstallAirDroid from Google Playonto your Android.

initiate the app and turn on the features you plan to use.

The Add a device window on a Windows PC connecting to an Android over Bluetooth

Go toMe>Security & Remote Featuresfor a list of features you’re free to turn on.

Some features are disabled unless you purchase the Premium plan or haveroot accessto the unit.

There’s also a monthly data limit imposed on free users.

The Send a File and Receive a File options in the Bluetooth menu on Windows 11

Open theTransfertab, then tapAirDroid Web.

Can’t access that URL?

To use AirDroid to connect to your Android, select one of the apps.

Pixel 7a selected in the Windows 11 bluetooth file transfer window

For example,Fileslets you browse the files on your phone and transfer files back and forth.

Turn on Bluetooth on your Android viaSettings>Connected devices>Connection preferences>Bluetooth.

Set up your Android as a Bluetooth rig from your machine.

A photo selected for a Bluetooth file transfer from Windows to Android

You’ll be asked to confirm that the pairing code on your gear matches the one on your phone.

If it does, accept the prompts on both devices.

Select your Android from the list of available Bluetooth devices.

A Bluetooth file transfer in progress from Windows to Android

Browse for the file you want to transfer to your Android, then chooseOpen>Next.

Wait while your PC sends the file to your Android.

You’ll need to pressAccepton your Android to receive it.

The Phone Link app on Windows 11

It pairs with a Windows app called Phone Link.

Here’s how to set it up:

InstallLink to Windowson your Android andPhone Linkon Windows.

The Windows app is preinstalled if you’re running Windows 11 v22H2 or higher.

The sign in screen, camera permissions prompt, and QR code scanner in Link to Windows for Android

Search for it from the taskbar to open it.

Open Phone Link and selectAndroidon the first screen.

On your Android, open Link to Windows and tapSign in using the QR code on your PC.

The Link to Windows QR code scanner text box

TapWhile using the appto accept the camera permissions prompt.

Using the app’s built-in camera function,scan the QR codethat’s in the Phone Link desktop app.

TapContinueon your phone, then enter the code provided in the Phone Link app to pair the two.

The Continue button on the You Are All Set screen in Phone Link

TapAllowon all the prompts to give the app permission to access your messages, contacts, etc.

On the final page of the mobile app, tapDone.

On the Windows app, clickContinue.

Photos from an Android phone in the Windows Phone Link app

Your Android is now connected to your PC.

Use theMessages,Calls, andPhotostabs along the top of Phone Link to see those items from your phone.

FAQ

Toconnect AirPods to an Android phone or tablet, first turn on Bluetooth on your Android.

Next, tap your AirPods from the Bluetooth devices list on your Android.

Toconnect your Android unit to Wi-Fi, go toSettings>connection & internet>Internet> turn onWi-Fi.

Once it’s on, theWi-Fiscreen lists nearby networks.

Tap one to connect.

The LED light will flash.

On your Android unit, swipe down and tapBluetooth>Wireless Controller.

In the Bluetooth pairing request box, tapYesorOK.