How do I back up or transfer data using a computer?

Valid for

Computers running Windows® 8.1 or higher

It is recommended that you back up your data to a computer when you have large volumes of media files, such as photos, videos, or music files. You can also transfer your data from an old phone to your new phone by connecting both phones to the computer simultaneously.

Back up files to your computer

1. Unlock the phone screen and connect it to a computer using a USB cable.
2. On your phone: if prompted to Allow access, tap ALLOW.
   Or
   On your phone: drag down the status bar, then tap Charging this device via USB → tap Tap for more options → tap File transfer. This will allow the computer to detect your phone.
   Or
   Go to your phone's Settings → Device connection → USB → File transfer
3. On your computer, open File Explorer and find and select which files to back up from your phone.
4. On your computer: copy/paste or drag and drop the files to a location on your computer.

Transfer files between two phones using a computer

1. Unlock the phones' screens and connect them to a computer using USB cables.
2. On each phone: if prompted to Allow access, tap ALLOW.
   Or
   On each phone: drag down the status bar, then tap Charging this device via USB → tap Tap for more options → tap File transfer. This will allow the computer to detect your phones.
   Or
   Go to your phone's Settings → Device connection → USB → File transfer
3. On your computer, open File Explorer and find and select which files to transfer from your old phone.
4. On your computer: copy/paste or drag and drop the files to a location on your new device. Make sure that the folder names are the same on both devices.

Alternate backup or transfer methods

You can use Google Cloud services to back up or transfer your data.

Troubleshooting USB connection

If you are experiencing issues with the USB Connection,
refer to The device isn't detected by the computer when it's connected using a USB cable