There are three easy ways to move files between a phone and a computer. Pick the one that suits the size of the job.

Method 1: USB cable

Android to Windows

1. Plug the phone into the PC with a cable that carries data. Some cables only charge.
2. Unlock the phone. Pull down the notification and tap the USB notification (look for “Charging this device via USB”).
3. Choose File transfer (also called Transferring files or MTP).
4. On the PC, open File Explorer and look for your phone under This PC. Open Internal storage, then DCIM for photos.
5. Drag files across.

Android to Mac: a Mac needs a small transfer program from the phone maker or Google before it can read Android storage. Cloud storage (below) is easier.

iPhone to Windows: plug in, tap Trust on the phone and enter the passcode, then open Photos on the PC and look for Import. iPhone to Mac: open Photos or Image Capture, or use AirDrop.

Method 2: Wi-Fi and nearby sharing

• Android: look for Quick Share or Nearby Share in the share menu to send to a nearby Windows PC with the matching app.
• iPhone and Mac: AirDrop with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both.
• Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network and close to each other.

Method 3: cloud storage or email

Upload from the phone to a cloud drive, then download on the computer. This also doubles as a backup. See how to back up an Android phone. Watch your data use if you are on mobile data.

If the PC does not see your phone

1. Change the USB cable or port.
2. Make sure the phone is unlocked and the USB mode is File transfer, not Charging only.
3. Restart both devices.
4. Try a different USB port on the back of a desktop.

Free up space safely

After the files are copied, open a few on the PC to check they play before you delete them from the phone. See what to do when phone storage is full or how to free up storage on an iPhone.