Quick answer: If the phone is next to the PC, Quick Share for Windows or a USB cable is fast and free. If it is not, upload the file at Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB per transfer) and send the link or show the QR code. The Android phone downloads the original file to its Downloads folder.
Built-in options, and their limits
Quick Share for Windows (Google's app, formerly Nearby Share) sends files from a Windows PC to nearby Android phones and tablets, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on for both.
A USB cable works once you set the phone's USB mode to File transfer: the phone appears in File Explorer and you copy files like any drive.
Phone Link lets some phones, including many Samsung models, receive files dragged from the PC.
Send any size from Windows PC to Android with a link
- On the PC, open Share Large Video Files and drag in the files or a folder.
- When the upload finishes, show the QR code, or copy the link and send it to the phone by chat or email.
- On the phone, open the link in Chrome and tap Download.
- Find the file in Files > Downloads. Photos and videos also appear in the Gallery or Google Photos.
Things that trip people up
- Quick Share needs the phone's visibility set to your contacts or everyone, and both devices close together; on a PC without Bluetooth it will not work.
- Over USB, the phone often defaults to charging only. Pull down the notification shade and choose File transfer.
- Some phones cannot open RAR or 7z files without an extra app. Zip them instead.
- Copying a file over 4 GB to a phone's SD card fails if the card is formatted FAT32; cards over 32 GB normally use exFAT.
Quick Share, cable or link?
| Quick Share | USB cable | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone must be nearby | Yes | Yes | No |
| Setup | App on PC, Bluetooth | Data cable, File transfer mode | None |
| Several phones at once | One by one | One by one | One link for all |
| Works for someone else's phone | If they accept | If you have the phone | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Does Quick Share work on Windows?
Yes. Install Google's Quick Share app for Windows, sign in and turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices. It only works nearby.
Why doesn't my phone show up in File Explorer?
Change the phone's USB mode from Charging to File transfer in the notification that appears when you plug it in, and use a data-capable cable.
How do I send to a phone in another city?
Upload the file and send the link by chat or email. The phone downloads it from anywhere.
Will the file keep its quality?
Yes. Every route here copies the file itself; only chat apps compress media.
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