How to transfer files from usb to tablet

There are plenty of reasons why you would want to copy a file between a computer and an Android tablet, many of which are legal. For example, you can copy pictures and videos, music and audio files, and even vCards that help you build contacts for the tablet’s address book. And you can just copy random files when you’re on a caffeine high and nothing is on TV.

Follow these steps to copy a file or two between a computer and an Android tablet:

1. Connect the Android tablet to the computer by using the USB cable.

2. On a PC, if the AutoPlay dialog box appears, choose the option Open Folder/Device to View Files.

   When the AutoPlay dialog box doesn’t appear, you can view files manually: Open the Computer window, and then open the tablet’s icon, found at the bottom of that window. Open the Storage icon to view files.

   The tablet’s folder window that you see looks like any other folder in Windows. The difference is that the files and folders in that window are on your Android tablet, not on the computer.

   On a Macintosh, the Android File Transfer program should start, appearing on the screen.

   

3. Open the source and destination folder windows.

   Open the folder that contains the files you want to copy. The folder can be found on the computer or on the tablet. Then open the folder on the computer or tablet where you want the file copied. Have both folder windows, computer and phone, visible on the screen.

   

4. Drag the file icon(s) from one folder to another to copy.

   Dragging the file copies it, either from tablet to computer or from computer to tablet.

   If you want to be specific, drag the file to the tablet’s download folder or to the root folder.

   On the PC, drag icons from the phone’s storage to the My Documents, My Pictures, or My Videos folder, as appropriate. You can also drag directly to the desktop and decide later where to store the file.

   The same file dragging technique can be used for transferring files from a Macintosh. You need to drag the icon(s) to the Android File Transfer window, which works just like any folder window in the Finder.

5. Close the folder windows and disconnect the USB cable when you’re done.

Though this manual technique works, the best way to transfer media to the tablet is to use a media program, such as Windows Media Player. You can also synchronize pictures and videos in the same way, by using a media program on the computer.

• When your Android tablet has a MicroSD card installed, Windows displays two AutoPlay dialog boxes. Each dialog box represents a different storage source — internal storage as well as the MicroSD card.

• On a Macintosh using Android File Transfer, each storage device appears as a toolbar button, such as Tablet and Card.

• Files you’ve downloaded on the tablet are stored in the Download folder.

• Pictures and videos on the tablet are stored in the DCIM/Camera folder, which is found on both internal storage and the MicroSD card.

• Music on the tablet is stored in the Music folder, organized by artist.

• The best way to synchronize music is to use a music jukebox program on your computer.

You can use your Google Account or a USB cable to move photos, music, and other files between your computer and phone.

Option 1: Move files with your Google Account

Option 2: Move files with a USB cable

Windows computer

1. Unlock your phone.
2. With a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer.
3. On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
4. Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
5. A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
6. When you're done, eject your phone from Windows.
7. Unplug the USB cable.

Mac computer

Your computer must be using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.

1. Download and install Android File Transfer on your computer.
2. Open Android File Transfer. The next time that you connect your phone, it opens automatically.
3. Unlock your phone.
4. With a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer.
5. On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
6. Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
7. An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
8. When you’re done, unplug the USB cable.

Chromebook

1. Unlock your phone.
2. With a USB cable, connect your phone to your Chromebook.
3. Unlock your phone.
4. On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
5. Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
6. On your Chromebook, the Files app opens. Use it to drag files. Learn what file types work on Chromebooks.
7. When you're done, unplug the USB cable.

Troubleshoot moving files by USB

Windows computer

• Troubleshoot your computer
  • Check your computer’s settings to make sure that Windows automatically detects new hardware.
  • Restart your computer.
• Troubleshoot your phone
  • Update your Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
  • Restart your phone. On most phones, press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your phone restarts.
• Troubleshoot your USB connections
  • Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
  • To test the USB port on your phone, connect your device to a different computer.
  • To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.

Mac computer

• Troubleshoot your computer
  • Check that your computer is using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.
  • Check that your computer has Android File Transfer installed and open.
  • Restart your computer.
• Troubleshoot your phone
  • Update your Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
  • Restart your phone. On most phones, press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, until your phone restarts.
• Troubleshoot your USB connections
  • Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
  • To test the USB port on your phone, connect your phone to a different computer.
  • To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.

Related resources

• Find downloads on your phone
• Import contacts to your phone

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