If you want to transfer files between different devices, you have several options. You can use a direct cable connection, but this only works if your device supports it and if you have a suitable cable on hand. You can use cloud storage to sync files between devices, but it depends on your internet connection.
For most users, the best option for transferring files locally from devices such as smartphones or digital cameras to your computer is to use Bluetooth While you can use Bluetooth for all kinds of uses, including communications, one of its best uses is for transferring files. You can transfer files via Bluetooth on Windows by following these instructions.]
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How to enable Bluetooth in Windows 10
Before you can send files to your Windows PC via Bluetooth, you first need to turn on Bluetooth so it can connect to your PC.
- This requires access to the Bluetooth settings menu. To get started, right-click the Windows Start menu and select Settings.
- From the Settings menu, select Devices> Bluetooth to access Bluetooth settings. To turn on Bluetooth, click the slider next to the Bluetooth option. You will know that Bluetooth is on because after Bluetooth is turned on, “On†appears next to the slider.
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- You need to allow Bluetooth devices to find your computer. To do this, select the “Advanced Bluetooth Settings” option in the “Related Settings” section on the right.
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- On the Options tab, select the check box next to Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer.
- You probably want to quickly access your Bluetooth devices and settings using the Bluetooth taskbar icon, but this may be disabled by default. To enable this, select the check box next to Show Bluetooth Icon in Notification Area that appears on the Options tab in the Bluetooth Options window.
- Click OK to save.
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Bluetooth To Your PC”/>
Now that these settings are enabled, you can transfer files via Bluetooth from other devices. This process will differ depending on the type of device you are using.
Pair Bluetooth devices on Windows
Before you can send files to your Windows PC via Bluetooth, you need to pair the devices together. This creates a secure connection between your PC and your Bluetooth-enabled device, allowing you to send and receive files.
- To pair a device in Windows, open the Bluetooth settings menu (Settings> Devices> BluetoothBluetooth or other device button at the top.
- On the Add Device menu, click Bluetooth Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and discoverable on your other device.
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- Windows will search for nearby devices. Once it detects your device, tap on it to start the connection. Windows will provide an authentication PIN, which you may need to enter on another device to make sure the connection is established.
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- After establishing a connection and successfully pairing your devices, you should see the message “Your device is ready to work” in the “Add device” window.
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Bluetooth To Your PC”/>
Transfer files via Bluetooth to a Windows PC
You can send and receive files on your Windows PC when Bluetooth is turned on, your computer is configured to be discoverable by others, and if you have successfully connected your Bluetooth device to your computer. If you followed the instructions above, it should now be like this.
- To send a file to your Windows PC, find the Bluetooth icon in the notification area on the taskbar. Right-click the icon and select the Get File option.
- Windows can now receive files. You should see a message “Waiting for connection” in the Bluetooth file transfer window.
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Bluetooth To Your PC”/>
You can now send files to your computer if the device you are sending files from supports Bluetooth This process will differ depending on your platform.
- There are several ways to transfer files via Bluetooth from Android to PC. However, most Android file or photo gallery apps have a Share button that lists different ways to share files. Select the files in the app of your choice, click Share, then select the Bluetooth option to start the file transfer process (while choosing your paired Windows 10 computer).
- Unfortunately, you cannot send photos or other files from iPhone or iPad to Windows PC via Bluetooth Apple devices use AirDrop to easily transfer files, but this method is not supported on Windows PCs. If you want to move files between iPhone, iPad and Windows, you can use iCloud to do this. Files stored in iCloud storage on Windows can be accessed through the iCloud web interface.
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Bluetooth To Your PC”/>
Other devices, such as digital cameras, will have their own methods of turning on Bluetooth and sending files. However, the process of pairing and transferring files remains the same. Make sure Bluetooth is active and your device is paired with your computer, and make sure the Receive File window is open and ready to receive files.
If the process fails at first, try again. Bluetooth connections may not work for a variety of reasons, including too long distance between devices, interference from other sources, or lack of approval for transmission (for example, your devices are too slow to confirm them), so be sure to double check your connections before proceeding.
Send files to a Mac
Transferring files from Bluetooth devices to Mac is usually easy if you’re using an iPhone or iPad, since you’ll be using AirDrop to transfer. You can access your devices and Bluetooth settings in System Preferences> Bluetooth, where you can view and connect to other devices.
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You can quickly access AirDrop on your Mac by opening Finder and clicking AirDrop in the left menu, which will list nearby Apple devices.
If the Allow Me found at the bottom of the window is set to Everyone, other local Mac, iPhone, and iPad users can send files to that device.
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Unfortunately, transferring files to Mac from other types of devices is a little more difficult.
For example, Android devices will find it difficult to connect to a Mac and use Bluetooth file transfer. You can use Bluetooth for other purposes, such as connecting to the Internet, but file transfers usually fail. Instead, you will need to use an alternative method such as a direct USB connection or an alternative cloud storage method to move files.
You may face similar issues with other types of Bluetooth enabled devices. In this case, explore other connection methods for these devices, such as using a cable or external media.
Using Bluetooth on Windows and Mac
You can save time and effort if you choose to transfer files via Bluetooth, but this is only possible if your devices are nearby. Other methods are better for transferring files over long distances, including sending large files via email or using a secure online file transfer service.
However, Bluetooth has other uses as well. When your computer is Bluetooth-enabled, you can connect wireless peripherals to it, stream music wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers like the Amazon Echo, or use Bluetooth wirelessly with a headset or microphone.
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