How to quickly transfer files from your phone to your laptop or another phone

A USB cable — reliable, but not always convenient

The oldest and most reliable method is to connect your phone to a computer using a cable. No Internet connection required, no additional settings: just plug it in, drag and drop your files, and you’re done. Transfer speeds are fast, especially if you’re using USB-C.

There is just one drawback to using a USB cable: you need to have one to hand. What’s more, your phone and computer need to be close by. If you need to transfer several large video files and you’re at your desk, a cable is the ideal option. However, if you need the files straight away and you’d have to go looking for a cable, it’s better to choose a different method.

When it’s useful: for those who regularly transfer large amounts of data (videos, backups, photos from photo shoots).

microSD — a simple option that requires no cables or Internet connection

There’s another method that’s often overlooked: the microSD memory card. If your phone supports it, you can save files to the card, remove it, and insert it into a computer or another device.

This is handy when you don’t have a cable or an Internet connection to hand, but need to transfer a lot of data. Essentially, it’s like a USB stick for your smartphone. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that not all modern PCs, laptops and phones have a microSD slot.

When it’s useful: for transferring large files without an Internet connection or cables.

Bluetooth — for small files without the Internet

Every smartphone and most laptops have Bluetooth. It doesn’t require an Internet connection and allows you to transfer files between any devices — even if you have an iPhone and your friend has an Android.

But there’s a catch: Bluetooth is slow. You can easily send a few photos via Bluetooth. However, transferring a 2 GB video isn’t the best option, as it will take a long time.

When it’s useful: for quickly transferring small files between nearby devices, especially if there’s no Internet connection.

AirDrop and Nearby Share — the fastest options for their respective ecosystems

If both devices are Apple, there’s AirDrop. If both are Android or Windows, there’s Nearby Share (also known as Quick Share). These built-in features, based on wireless technologies, are designed for short-range file transfers. They work much faster than Bluetooth and don’t require an Internet connection.

The principle is simple: enable the feature, select a file, choose a nearby device – and the file is already there. In a matter of seconds. It’s like reaching out and handing over a folder, only without any physical contact.

The downside is that transferring files between different systems in this way isn’t possible: both devices must be in the same ecosystem or support a shared protocol. AirDrop won’t transfer a file to an Android device, and Nearby Share won’t transfer one to an iPhone.

When it’s useful: for those who frequently transfer files between their own devices or between devices within the same household.

Link to Windows — your phone and computer as one

Another option for Windows users is the Link to Windows app. It doesn’t just let you transfer files; it fully synchronises your computer and phone.

You can open photos from your phone directly on your PC, view messages, answer calls and transfer files — without having to keep a cable plugged in. In effect, your smartphone becomes an extension of your computer, which makes your work much easier.

When it’s useful: anyone who spends a lot of time at their computer and wants quick access to their phone.

Messaging apps and email are the simplest options available

Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp or even plain old email are among the most popular ways to share files. Simply send the file to your «Saved Messages», a private chat or your own email address, then open it on another device.

Telegram is particularly convenient: it stores files in the cloud, allows you to send documents in any format, and does not compress images if you send them as a file rather than as a photo. However, it is worth remembering that, for security reasons, it is best not to send sensitive data (passports, bank documents, passwords) via messaging apps.

Email is also well suited for transferring data — especially when you need to move a file between different devices or send it to someone else. It is a universal method that works on any platform without any additional configuration.

When it’s useful: anyone who uses messaging apps and email and wants to transfer files from their laptop to their phone quickly and easily.

Cloud storage — your files anywhere, anytime

Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox — these are no longer just about file transfers, but full-scale synchronisation between devices. Save a document on your phone, and it automatically appears on your computer. Edit it on your laptop, and the changes are immediately reflected on your smartphone.

Cloud storage can be thought of as a shared cupboard that all your devices can access at the same time. There’s no need to «transfer» anything: the files are simply always there when you need them.

But there is a catch: free storage usually ranges from 5 to 15 GB. If you need to transfer a file from your computer to your phone, or vice versa, and it’s larger than that, you’ll have to opt for a paid subscription.

When it’s useful: anyone who works across multiple devices and wants to access their files anywhere — at home, at work or on the go.

How to transfer files between two phones

If you need to transfer something from one phone to another, most of the methods above will also work. For example, if both phones are Android devices, Nearby Share is the quickest option without an Internet connection. If one is an iPhone and the other is an Android, the simplest solution is via a messaging app or cloud storage. If both are iPhones, AirDrop will do the job in seconds.

Built-in smartphone tools

Most smartphone manufacturers have their own tool for transferring data when switching phones. This is convenient: there’s no need to look for third-party apps — everything is already built into the device itself.

Mi Mover — a built-in tool in Xiaomi smartphones designed to transfer data from an old phone to a new one. It transfers contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps and settings — all at once and without a cable, via a direct Wi-Fi connection between the two devices. It only works between Xiaomi or MIUI devices.

Samsung Smart Switch — a similar tool from Samsung, but with wider compatibility. It allows you to transfer data from another Samsung device, as well as from an iPhone or any Android device. Available both as a mobile app and as a computer programme.

Huawei Phone Clone — a tool from Huawei for transferring data between Huawei devices, as well as from other Android smartphones and iPhones. It works via a direct Wi-Fi connection without the need for an Internet connection.

Switch to Android — the official app from Google for those switching from an iPhone to Android. It transfers photos, contacts, calendar entries and messages via a cable or Wi-Fi.

If, however, you are switching from one Android device to another and do not have a specific tool, during the initial setup of your new smartphone, the system will automatically offer to transfer data via your Google account.

QR codes

There is another option that is often overlooked: QR codes. Some apps (Send Anywhere, SHAREit, Snapdrop/Pairdrop) allow you to transfer data from one phone to another simply by scanning a code — this is handy if the devices are close by but run on different operating systems.

So, there isn’t just one right way to transfer data between devices — there’s the most convenient option for each specific situation. Choose the one that suits you best.

At the same time, it’s worth remembering that if you use cloud services, messaging apps or cross-device synchronisation, everything depends directly on the quality of your Internet connection. Thanks to a stable and fast connection, files can be transferred from your phone to your PC without delays or restrictions. That is precisely why many users choose Maxnet’s fibre-optic Internet — to have quick access to files on any device at any time.