It’s a stark reality that Android, the most popular operating system for handheld devices, does not have a native PC companion to help users backup data, transfer files and manage and control the device. However, there is pleasant side of the reality too. Android users have a number of third-party tools at their disposal. Most of these tools are capable of performing almost all kind of tasks except updating phone’s firmware. Most of us use USB cables to connect device to computer and transfer files. I have seen some of my friends carrying the cable in their laptop bags so that they might use mobile data via USB tethering for surfing internet on the laptop.
Well, when it comes to transferring or exchanging files between a mobile device and computer, there are 4 ways you can do it.
- Using USB Cable
- Via Bluetooth
- Over WiFi connection.
- Using Cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, etc.
While the first one is traditional and probably the most popular way of transferring files and using device as USB modem, the Bluetooth method is the least used because of slow rate of transfer. The last 2 ways have gained much popularity in recent times. The ease of doing things wireless has its own bliss! The Google Play Store has hundreds of apps that use WiFi to connect with your WiFi-enabled desktop or laptop computer and let you manage and transfer files between these devices. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the best free apps for Android that let you access your phone or tablet’s files right from your computer without plugging a USB cable.
AirDroid
If you not not new to Android, AirDroid must be a familiar thing to you. This is the most versatile app that allows you to do much more that you might expect from a WiFi tool. It is an all-in-one package that can send messages, dial a number, manage contacts and apps, capture a screenshot, launch phone’s camera, transfer files, set ringtone, locate your device and wipe data in case of loss or theft and so on. If you have an Android device, AirDroid is the first app you should download on it.
[googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sand.airdroid”]Some Other Apps for WiFi File Transfer:
The reason why I am listing the remaining apps without much detail will be obvious to you after using AirDroid beside which all other look so dwarf. Anyway, here are some more nice apps that you might consider giving a try.
[googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pt.webprods.android.file.manager”] [googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smarterdroid.wififiletransfer”] [googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coderplus.android.ipmsg”] [googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.filesdnd”] [googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dooblou.WiFiFileExplorerPRO”]Give these apps a try and forget about the USB cable because you’ll not need it any more! If you have some better apps in mind, do not forget to share with us all. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing. Added to the post. 🙂
I used Airdroid for the longest time and then it started getting wonky on me. It would just drop the connection in the middle of an operation. Chances are good the issue has probably gone away by now, but in the meantime I downloaded Wifi File Explorer and never looked back. It does everything I need and swiftly. I use the USB cord so rarely these days, I tend to forget how it’s done.
Hi Mark, I am always astonished by your insight and knowledge of good apps. I have added the suggested app to the list.
By the way, I was curious if you would like to do the app review section or any Android related topic on DroidViews. Consider it as a job. Would like to hear from you. 🙂
I’d be happy to. DroidViews has been among my favorite sites since I found the absolutely correct way to root and unlock the Galaxy SIII here.
Hi Mark, just invited you to Gtalk. Please add me.