Send files from Android to a PC

Android to PC should be simple, and usually isn't: the USB cable needs the right end, Bluetooth crawls, and emailing yourself fails the moment the file is over about 25MB.

A 6-digit code skips all of it. Upload on the phone's browser, type six numbers on the computer, done.

How to do it

1. On your Android phone, open buddysend.com in Chrome.
2. Tap the upload area and pick your files. Up to 5 files, 100MB in total.
3. When the upload finishes you'll see a 6-digit code.
4. On the PC, open buddysend.com/receive and type the code.
5. Download. The files are removed from BuddySend afterwards.

Why a code instead of the alternatives

• USB cable: fine for hundreds of photos, annoying for two. You need the cable, and the PC has to recognise the phone.
• Bluetooth: slow for anything above a few megabytes, and pairing is fiddly.
• Email to yourself: blocked by attachment limits, and you must sign in to email on the PC.
• Nearby Share: works well between Android devices and newer Windows setups, but both devices must be close and set up for it. A code works across any network and any operating system.

It works the other way too

Upload on the PC, open buddysend.com/receive on the phone, type the code, and the file lands in your phone's downloads. Handy for sending a boarding pass or PDF to your phone before leaving the house.

FAQ

Do I need to install an app?

No. It runs in the browser on both devices, so there is nothing to install on the phone or the PC.

Does it work if the phone is on mobile data?

Yes. The transfer goes through the internet rather than your local network, so the two devices can be on different networks or in different countries.

What is the file size limit?

Up to 5 files per transfer, 100MB in total. For larger transfers use a cable or a cloud service.

Is it free?

Yes. Sending and receiving files is free and needs no account.

What happens to my files afterwards?

They are deleted once downloaded, and expire about an hour after upload if nobody collects them.

For the longer version, see how to send files from your phone to your PC without an app.