The right way to share files between PCs, smartphones, and tablets depends on which devices you have and whether they are nearby. Use a built-in transfer feature when the devices are compatible; use LocalSend when different platforms share a local Wi-Fi network; and use a OneDrive link when the recipient is elsewhere. There is no single nearby-transfer feature that works across every device combination.
Choose a transfer method by device and distance
| Devices | Method | Network and distance | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android phone or tablet and Windows PC | Google Quick Share | Nearby; both devices need the same network and must be within about 5 meters | Requires compatible Android and Windows versions, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi or Ethernet. |
| Windows PC to Windows PC | Windows Nearby sharing | Nearby; uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi | Built into supported Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. |
| Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS devices on one local network | LocalSend | Same local Wi-Fi network | Requires installing the app on both devices. Its publisher says no account is needed and transfers use HTTPS encryption. |
| Devices in different places or networks | OneDrive share link or email invitation | Internet access | Cloud sharing, not a direct nearby transfer. Choose access settings and recipients carefully. |
| Supported Android device to iPhone, iPad, or Mac | AirDrop-compatible Quick Share | Nearby | Works only with supported Android models; check Google’s current compatibility details. |
Share between an Android device and a Windows PC
Google Quick Share can send files between compatible Android devices and Windows PCs. Google’s requirements are Android 6.0 or later, a 64-bit Windows 10 or later PC (ARM-based PCs require Windows 11 or later), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the same network, and close proximity—within about 16 feet (5 meters).
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Check compatibility. Confirm the Android version and Windows PC meet Google’s requirements. Install and open Quick Share on the Windows PC if it is not already available.
- Prepare both devices. Turn on Bluetooth and connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, or connect the PC by Ethernet. Keep them within about 5 meters.
- Make the PC discoverable. Open Quick Share on the PC and choose a receiving visibility setting that allows the Android device to find it.
- Send the file. On Android, select the file or other content, choose the share option, select Quick Share, and pick the PC from the device list.
- Accept the transfer. Confirm the incoming transfer on the receiving PC and check the destination shown by the app.
If the PC does not appear
- Check that Bluetooth is on and both devices are connected to the same network.
- Review the PC’s Quick Share visibility setting and make sure the devices are close enough.
- Some office Wi-Fi networks block device-to-device sharing. Google identifies a phone hotspot as a possible workaround for some blocked networks; connect both devices to the hotspot and try again.
Send files between Windows PCs with Nearby sharing
Windows Nearby sharing is a built-in option for supported Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft documents transfers using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- On each PC, open Settings > System > Nearby sharing and select the visibility option you want.
- On the sending PC, open File Explorer, select the file, choose Share, and select the receiving PC.
- Accept the transfer prompt on the receiving PC, then check where Windows saved the file.
Choose visibility with privacy in mind. Microsoft says that selecting Everyone nearby makes the PC’s name and Bluetooth MAC address available to nearby devices. If you only need to transfer between PCs you use, choose the option limited to your own devices when available. Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025; the feature’s availability does not mean that Windows 10 continues to receive security updates.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Latest Version USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable】ZeroneTeck latest USB C for Thunderbolt cable: ①This 20Gbps USB C to USB C data cable is capable of meeting your ultra-fast data transfer needs. ②USB C to USB C monitor cable support 4K@60Hz Ultra HD video output ③In addition, this Type c to Type c cable also has a faster than normal 60W data cable with 100W ultra fast charging. Makes it easy for you to solve all your problems with just one cable.
- 【20Gbps USB C Data Cable】USBC to USBC data transfer cable provides explosive transfer speed up to 20Gbps, connect hard drives and SSDs, Also suitable for phone to laptop data transfer, transfer large files in seconds and save you more work time. Meanwhile, USBC to USBC 3.2 gen 2 20gbps data transfer cable backward compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.(*Note: Maximum speeds are achieved when both upstream and downstream devices are Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces.)
- 【4K@60Hz USB C Cable for Monitor & Plug and Play】Plug and play, no drivers or applications required to use this cable! USB C monitor cord to stream 4K@60Hz (3840*2160) content directly from your phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers to large screens such as monitors, HDTVs and projectors. You will enjoy stunning Ultra HD video and colorful image quality. (Note: Please make sure your device has a USB-C port and supports DP Alt mode).
- 【5A/100W Fast Charging Cable】USB Type C fast charging cable with E-Marker IC chip, safely charges your devices with up to 100W power. It can fully charge a MacBook Pro 60%, an iPad Pro 75%, a iPhone 15 85%, and a Switch 95% in 35 minutes. Fully satisfies the charging power needs of professionals for MacBooks Pro, Android devices, Samsung and iPad Pro. Charge any USB-C device at maximum speed for timely use and no more waiting. *Note: Requires a C-port adapter of appropriate power.
- 【Dual Vehicle System】 Flawlessly supports CarPlay & Android Auto for seamless navigation/music streaming. 20Gbps ultra-speed — 40× faster than USB 2.0 CarPlay cables with enhanced signal stability.
Transfer between different platforms on the same Wi-Fi network
LocalSend supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Install and open it on both devices, choose the file on the sending device, select the receiving device, and accept the incoming transfer.
LocalSend uses the local Wi-Fi network rather than relaying files over the internet, so it is for devices on the same local network—not for sending to someone on a different network. Its publisher says no account is required and transfers are encrypted using HTTPS; those are product claims, not independent test results. A network that blocks local device-to-device traffic can prevent the transfer even when both devices have internet access.
Rank #2
- [ Excellent Performance ] This USB C 3.1 cable connects a portable external USB C 3.1 SSD to a computer for speedy file transfer or syncs and charges Samsung smartphones or tablets equipped with the USB C port. Data synchronization is 20 times faster than USB 2.0 cables (480Mbps). (Does not support video output.)
- [ Fast Charging & High Speed Data Transfer ] This usba to usbc data power cable can sync your favourite photos, videos and music at a data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps(1250MB/s). Files can be synchronised in seconds. In addition, it can quick-charge your USB-C devices at up to 3A safe charging power. Tested charge Samsung Galaxy S22 from 0 to 60% in 30mins with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology.Tips: USB 3.1 Gen 2 renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 2 by USB-IF in 2019.
- [ Extreme Durability & High Quality ] : Unique ABS case with the reinforced connector withstand 10000+ bending test. Durable TPE cable not only stay tangling-free but also flexible enough to be wrapped up and put in a bag ! (PS:The connector shell is wrapped around by a piece of plastic film to protect the shell from scraching ,feel free to remove the film when you use it.)
- [ Universal Compatibility ] This USB C to USB A Charger cable is Compatible with almost all USB-C devices. For Samsung Galaxy S24/S24+/S24 Ultra/S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/S22/S21/S20/S10/S9/Note 20/10/A70/A80/A90/A54, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9/8/7/6/5/, Moto G9/G8/G7/G Pure, LG G7/G6/V50, Sony XZ, Bose 700, GoPro, Nintendo switch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, iPad Pro 2018 11''/12.9", Samsung T7/T5, Crucial X8/X6, LaCie Rugged SSD, G-Drive, WD My Passport, Seagate Fast, SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD etc. (OnePlus phones are not supported.)
- [ What You Get ] 1 X Super-Fast USB-A to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable (3 ft including both ends), our worry-free LIFETIME WARRANTY and friendly customer service. NOTE: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to serve you and give you an easy and pleasant shopping experience.
Send a file to someone who is not nearby
Use OneDrive when the recipient needs to access a file or folder from elsewhere. Microsoft describes two options: create a share link or invite specific people by email. This sends access through a cloud service rather than directly from one nearby device to another.
- Choose the file or folder in OneDrive and open its sharing controls.
- Select whether to create a link or invite particular people by email, then review the available access settings.
- Share only with the intended recipients and send the link or invitation through an appropriate channel.
Anyone with access to a link may be able to open the shared content according to the link’s settings. Check those settings before sending, especially for personal or sensitive files.
Rank #3
- 10Gbps Data Transfer: USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable for ultra-fast sync of 4K movies, photos, & music. It's also backward compatible with USB 3.0. DOES NOT support video output
- Universal Compatibility: Designed for iPhone 15/16/17 Series and compatible with CarPlay, Android Auto, Portable SSDs (including Samsung T7), Samsung Phone and all USB-C devices
- 3A Fast Charging & Heavy-Duty: Equipped with a 22AWG thick copper core, it handles 3A current effortlessly, ensuring stability and reliability for extended use
- Innovative Braiding: Features a sleek white nylon braiding and silver aluminum port housing, offering a stylish yet durable design
- IRMZ USB-C Data Cable Specifications: 10Gbps High-Speed Data Transfer, 3A Fast Charging, Innovative Braided Design, 3ft Length, White Color
Share from Android to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Android-to-Apple nearby sharing depends on the Android model. Google documents AirDrop-compatible Quick Share for Pixel 8a or later and certain models from other manufacturers. Consult Google’s current support information for the exact device rather than assuming every Android phone or tablet can use this route.
- On the supported Android device, select the file and start sharing with Quick Share.
- On the Apple recipient’s device, set AirDrop visibility to Everyone for 10 minutes.
- Select the Apple device from the Android sharing options and accept the incoming transfer on the Apple device.
If the Android device is not supported
Google documents QR-code sharing as a fallback. It requires internet access: the file is uploaded to Google’s servers, encrypted end to end, and made available for download for 24 hours. The recipient scans the QR code to access the file. This is not the same as a direct local transfer, so consider whether uploading the file is appropriate before using it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Note: To get the full 10 Gbps, both ends of the cable must be plugged into USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C and USB-A). if in doubt, check with the device's brand service or FEMORO support
- up to 10 Gbps High-Speed Data Transfer: This USB-C cable meets USB 3.2 Gen 2 spec, delivering up to 1 050 MB/s—twice the speed of USB 3.0
- up to 3A Fast Charging: This USB-A to USB-C cable carries up to 3 A. It supports both slow charging and fast charging in accordance with the USB-A standard
- 10X Tensile Strength: Double-layer cotton braided delivers 10× the tensile strength of ordinary cables and reinforced strain relief survives 20 000+ bend cycles
- Compatible with Various USB-A Devices: Including Android Auto/CarPlay; iPhone 15/16/17 series; Galaxy S08-S26 series; Galaxy A series, Google Pixel 7/8/9/10 series; Portable SSDs; MacBook Air/Pro/Neo, HP/Dell/ASUS/Surface Laptop, Mac Mini/Pro, iMac, etc.
Rank #4
- Move Files Fast: Transfer music, movies, or entire seasons of TV shows in seconds at 40 Gbps.
- HD Display: Connect your laptop to an external monitor to mirror or extend your screen in up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz.
- Huge Range of Power: Supports a maximum 240W charge when paired up with a compatible charger. Charge virtually any USB-C device from phones and accessories to laptops.
- Built to Last: Proven in lab tests to withstand up to 5,000 bends.
- What You Get: Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4, 3.3ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check visibility, network, and destination when a transfer fails
- The receiving device is missing: Confirm the devices are compatible, nearby, discoverable, and using the required Bluetooth and network settings for the chosen method.
- Both devices have internet, but local sharing fails: Internet access does not guarantee that the local network permits devices to communicate. Office networks and other managed networks may block device-to-device traffic.
- You are using a cloud link: Verify the recipient and access permissions, and make sure the recipient can open the link.
- The transfer appears complete but the file is hard to find: Check the receiving app’s stated destination or the device’s downloads/files location.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
