To set up a Bluetooth file transfer between smartphones, tablets, and PCs, enable Bluetooth (and visibility). You can set up (or pair) the mobile device with a desktop or laptop.
Send Files from Smartphones and Tablets
To transfer files from a smartphone or tablet to a PC:
Send Files from Computers
While macOS supports Bluetooth, file transfers with that system are managed by AirDrop. Windows PCs are able to send files to a mobile device (and vice versa).
What Is Bluetooth File Transfer?
Bluetooth file transfer is a simple way to send files to another nearby Bluetooth device without the need for a separate app. Bluetooth is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. You can transfer files over Bluetooth using Android OS, Fire OS, Windows OS, Mac OS, and Linux OS. Bluetooth file transfer isn’t supported between iOS and Chrome OS. On iOS, you need to use a separate app such as Move to iOS or Apple AirDrop to transfer files and photos from the iPhone to Android or Chrome OS over Bluetooth. Devices that are compatible with Bluetooth file transfer have a system setting that supports Bluetooth and is called Bluetooth Share (or something similar).
Why Use Bluetooth File Transfer?
There are several ways to transfer files from smartphone to smartphone, Android to Android, or from one OS platform to another. Bluetooth isn’t the fastest method, but it has the fewest requirements—no app, no cable or hardware, no Wi-Fi network, and no data connection. When you want to share photos between smartphones, here are the advantages of using Bluetooth:
Bluetooth vs. USB Cable: If you don’t have the USB charging cable for your device, turn on Bluetooth to transfer files. If you do have the USB cable, it may be the type that plugs into a standard USB port instead of into another mobile device. Bluetooth vs. OTG Cable: OTG cables will transfer files between devices, but both devices must support USB OTG and have the right connections for the cables. Bluetooth vs. OTG Flash Drive: There are flash drives that have dual connectors for use with computers, smartphones, and tablets. While more convenient than OTG cable, OTG, and connector compatibility between devices is required. Bluetooth vs. Personal Hotspot: Not all devices use a personal hotspot (tethering). A personal hotspot requires a fee and a strong signal. Bluetooth vs. Portable Media Hub/Hard Drive: Some portable media hubs and hard drives broadcast their own local wireless network for devices to connect to. The mobile device needs the companion app to transfer files and the drive needs its battery charged. Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi Direct: Transferring files over Wi-Fi direct is similar to transferring files over Bluetooth. But Wi-Fi direct isn’t as universal as Bluetooth, not many devices support the feature, and may require an app to use it. Bluetooth vs. Cloud Storage/Email: Cloud storage and email work well for saving and sending files. However, each device needs a strong data or internet connection to transfer files or access email. Bluetooth vs. File Transfer App: The Google Play Store and the Apple App Store have apps that transfer files from one device to another. Some of these apps only work when both devices have the same app and some may need a wireless or data connection.
Types of Transferrable Files
Most any type of file can be transferred over Bluetooth: documents, photos, videos, music, apps, and more. If a file is stored in a folder on a computer or smartphone, you can send it. The receiving device needs to be able to recognize the file type to open it (for example, if the sending devices transfer a PDF document, the receiving device needs an app that reads PDFs). The limitation of using Bluetooth to transfer data is the size of the files versus the transfer rate. The Bluetooth transfer rate depends on the version:
Bluetooth 2.x has a maximum data transfer rate of 2.1 Mbit/s (about 0.25 MB/s).Bluetooth 3.x has a maximum data transfer rate of 24 Mbit/s (about 3 MB/s).Bluetooth 4.x has a maximum data transfer rate of 24 Mbit/s (about 3 MB/s).Bluetooth 5.x has a maximum data transfer rate of 50 Mbit/s (about 6 MB/s).
To use Bluetooth to send an 8 MB photo from one smartphone to another, and both smartphones have Bluetooth version 3.x/4.x, the photo transfers in about three seconds. A single 25 MB music file takes about nine seconds. A 1 GB video file takes about seven minutes. These times reflect the maximum speed, actual data transfer rates are less than the maximum specified. Compared to other ways of transferring data, Bluetooth is slow. For example, USB 2.0 has an effective throughput of up to 35 MB/s, 11 times faster than the Bluetooth 3.x/4.x maximum rate. USB 3.0, which is the most common, is around 600MB/s. Wi-Fi speeds range from 6 MB/s to over 25 MB/s (depending on protocol version), which is anywhere between two to six times faster than the Bluetooth 3.x/4.x maximum rate.
Tips for Bluetooth File Transfer
To get the best speed and results when transferring files, follow these tips:
Disconnect smartphones, tablets, and computers from other Bluetooth devices (for example, wireless speakers and headphones). Some devices may limit the number of files that can be transferred at a given time, so it may be necessary to transfer files one at a time, rather than in batches. Keep the sending and receiving devices as close to each other as possible with a clear line of sight. This maintains the best signal strength that won’t be interrupted by other wireless signals and physical obstacles. Close other apps until all files have transferred. Bluetooth does the sending and receiving, but the device needs processing power to write the data to storage. Troubleshoot your Bluetooth devices if there are problems with pairing.
How to Turn On Bluetooth
The steps to turn on Bluetooth on phones and other devices vary. Here are the general steps, with some examples.
