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Android

How to Transfer Files Between Phone and PC Wirelessly

Android phones can send files to Windows PCs with Quick Share. iPhones and Macs use AirDrop. For any mix of devices, the free LocalSend app works over your Wi-Fi, and cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive works anywhere.

Updated
Time
5 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Applies to
Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac

By Published Oct 6, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1 Android ↔ Windows: install Quick Share on the PC, then Share > Quick Share on the phone.
  2. 2 iPhone ↔ Mac: Share > AirDrop.
  3. 3 Any phone ↔ any computer on the same Wi-Fi: install LocalSend on both.
  4. 4 Anywhere: upload to Google Drive, OneDrive or iCloud and download on the other device.
On this page
  1. Before you start
  2. Android to Windows: Quick Share
  3. iPhone to Mac: AirDrop
  4. Any devices: LocalSend (free, open source)
  5. Through the cloud
  6. Troubleshooting
  7. Frequently asked questions

Before you start

  • Both devices on the same Wi-Fi (for local transfers)

Method 1 Android to Windows: Quick Share

Samsung phones with Quick Share work the same way. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be on.

  1. Step 1: Install on the PC

    Download Quick Share for Windows from Google (android.com/better-together/quick-share-app) and sign in with your Google account.

  2. Step 2: Share from the phone

    Select photos or files, tap Share > Quick Share and choose your PC.

  3. Step 3: Send from PC to phone

    Drag files into the Quick Share window on the PC and pick your phone.

Method 2 iPhone to Mac: AirDrop

  1. Step 1: Share

    Select items, tap Share > AirDrop and choose your Mac.

  2. Step 2: Accept on the Mac

    Files land in Downloads. If both use the same Apple Account, they’re accepted automatically.

Method 3 Any devices: LocalSend (free, open source)

  1. Step 1: Install on both

    Install LocalSend on your phone (Play Store/App Store) and computer (Windows, Mac, Linux) from localsend.org.

  2. Step 2: Send

    Open it on both devices on the same Wi-Fi, choose files, and tap the receiving device. No internet or account needed.

Method 4 Through the cloud

  1. Step 1: Upload

    Upload from your phone to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox or iCloud Drive.

  2. Step 2: Download

    Open the same service on your computer to download. Photos backed up to Google Photos or iCloud Photos can be downloaded the same way.

Troubleshooting

Devices can’t see each other

Check both are on the same Wi-Fi (not a guest network), Bluetooth is on for Quick Share/AirDrop, and visibility settings allow your devices.

Transfers are slow

Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi and keep devices close. For very large files, a USB cable is still fastest.

Frequently asked questions

Can I AirDrop to Windows?

No. Use LocalSend, cloud storage or iCloud for Windows.

Does it reduce photo quality?

Quick Share, AirDrop and LocalSend send original files. Messaging apps may compress.

Summary

Use Quick Share for Android and Windows, AirDrop for iPhone and Mac, LocalSend for any mix of devices on the same Wi-Fi, and cloud storage when you’re not on the same network.

Sources

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Written by

James Chambo

Founder

James is the Founder and Senior Editor of OnlineHow with more than 20 years of experience in internet publishing.