# USB-C cable **<—Return to:** @[https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/file-transfer-0EKEjk5z53](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/file-transfer-0EKEjk5z53) --- **<— Previous lesson:** @[https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/usb-thumb-drive-oP4Ixef0wV](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/usb-thumb-drive-oP4Ixef0wV) **—> Next lesson:** @[https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/localsend-HWbRh6RJA4](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/localsend-HWbRh6RJA4) ## Phone to Desktop In order to access your files from a computer, just connect your phone through an USB-C cable. By default, this will just charge your device. To access the files, you'll have to enable ***File Transfer*** on the phone. ***Settings > Connected devices > USB*** * Make sure ***USB controlled by*** is set to ***This device*** * Make sure ***Use USB for*** is set to ***File Transfer*** :::success Most modern **Linux** and **Windows** computers should be able to automatically recognize the phone once connected in *File Transfer* mode. ::: :::tip For **macOS** we recommend to use the open source software [OpenMTP](https://openmtp.ganeshrvel.com/). This can be downloaded and installed for free. It will allow to drag & drop files from the computer storage (left) to the phone storage (right) and vice versa. [Here is a basic video tutorial](https://youtu.be/7usMwFmZJZk) explaining how to set up and use OpenMTP. ::: ![access the USB options via notifications or Settings > Connected Devices > USB](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My83NmQwMzBhMy03ZDY1LTQxMzctOTcwOS02Yzc3NWMyMWJlNzQvZmlsZXMtMi11c2IuZ2lmIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.cADmFmUsTQEFmfrHOWwGoe9aKVLJ3SNGVC2TfL48J9o " =214x449") We can also enable *File Transfer* by pulling down the notification menu from the top of the screen. There should be a notification saying '*Charging this device via USB*'. Tap on this notification to make a menu pop up, allowing us to define different ways of how the USB connection will be used. By selecting ***'File Transfer'***, we enable for the computer to mount the device, and in effect it should show up in the computer's file explorer. ![Example showing all folders from a Pixel 4 phone on a Linux machine](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My8xMTJkYzZhOS1kNzBkLTQ4MjItYWViOC0yMzg2MTFmMzYwZmQvZmlsZXMtNS11c2ItZmlsZXN5c3RlbS5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.u5Kml4vO2H9MqNisA9GA_U9JbwSdjrj5cojW_9KDzJw " =471x486") **Note**: Depending on your machine, you may need to install drivers for this. :::tip Learn more about other methods: [File Transfer](/doc/5ea927d7-4cc0-4bc0-9dde-a6b1fcba87fd) For remote file transfer consider using [LocalSend](/doc/6c37c802-53e7-43b4-82a3-1dac4ade6667) ::: ## Phone to Phone ***Note:*** *this method requires that both devices feature modern USB-C ports. You'll need a cable that has a USB type-C connector on both sides, like this one:*   ![USB-C connector on both ends](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9hMTBmYWQ5Ni0yOGM5LTQyZmQtOGVmNi1lOTQ2ZjhkMjZjNTkvY2FibGUtdXNiLWMtMzAweDE5My5qcGciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.i9ssjcFTf9dumTOiCb63EjWCysbK6JzBWneFzPp1uyI " =300x193") :::warning Please be sure that **at least one of your devices have sufficient battery** - especially you want to copy large amounts of data, which may take some time. :::   :::tip **__Reason:__** As soon as two phones are connected via a USB-C cable, one device will be charging the other one at, so the battery of device providing power will get drained pretty quickly, which could lead to undesired results. ::: :::success Note that it is possible to choose which of the two devices is providing power to the other one. This is explained in **Step 2** of this guide. ::: ### **Step 1: Connect the Devices** * **Get a good USB-C Cable:**  Use a compatible USB-C cable to connect the two Android devices. :::warning Note that **not all USB-C cables are the same** - be sure to use a high quality cable (certified for PD power delivery). :::   * **Connect Devices:** Plug one end of the USB-C cable into the first device and the other end into the second device. You should see a USB icon in your notifications - if you don’t see it off the bat, try swiping down and scrolling to find it. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2Y5OGVlZjBjLTk2NmItNGNkYi1hYTAwLTFjOWE1NThlYzQxNC83MzkyYjg5Ni1kNmU2LTQ3NDgtOWYxYi1lMmFiODJiYjk1NDcvdXNiMS1ub3RpZmljYXRpb24ucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.XY9r-Nv0eAnZmbeeOgReC7rSYSWV-t0Uryv4pnThKJg " =257x557") ### **Step 2: Enable File Transfer Mode from sending device** * **Open Notification section:** On the device that is connected, swipe down from the very top of the screen to access the notification section. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2Y5OGVlZjBjLTk2NmItNGNkYi1hYTAwLTFjOWE1NThlYzQxNC9iYzQwMjVmYi05Yzk5LTRlMzEtYTY5MC1hOGU3YTdmZDcyYTcvdXNiY2FibGUxLW5vdGlmaWNhdGlvbi5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.lbi2CLJVAZeI5PHmeeJ4gD22o2_a2E-4DW4NzPBKFQo " =257x562") * **Select USB Options:** Look for a notification that says *USB for file transfer* or similar. Tap on it. ![Note: With many phones (including the Above Phone) you can also access this menu via:Settings > Connected Devices > USB ](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9hMzRmYjU0Ny04ZjMzLTRkZGEtODAwMS1lZjI4N2EyYjIyODUvbm90aWZpY2F0aW9ucy11c2ItLnBuZyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkyOTYxMTAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTMwNDc1MDB9.Jd6bQwbQ8OMkRVdt7Lu_Edy26tA-ZUN8_5JdwhXVTRE " =446x547") :::info Note: With many phones (including the Above Phone) you can also access this menu via: ***Settings > Connected Devices > USB*** ::: **Choose File Transfer:** On the sending device, select ***File Transfer*** or "*MTP*" (Media Transfer Protocol) from the options. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9kMDc0MjlkMC1lYjU1LTQ0ZDAtYTVjNi0zMzdlNWRiMTllNWIvdXNiY2FibGUyLWZpbGV0cmFuc2Zlci5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.hDbnXTb_pdcQ5enWRVs6vRb0zMLjv3blAQpF4WMj_so " =214x468") ### Making sense of the connection settings When connecting two USB-C capable phones, one may be presented with several different options of how this wired connection is being used. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My82ZDc3MTE4My1jZmVlLTRjZDQtOWVhMC1iYTQxODI3ODQyYWIvY29ubmVjdGVkIGRldmljZXMgZGVmYXVsdCBvdGhlciBkZXZpY2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.GYcK3rmntDzvZ0lg58tMvUIsrZJW5DeEqNelB2V-8U8 " =214x476") The same __device that is controlling the USB connection will allow to decide how to make itself available__ to the other device __To explain this better:__ Let’s say, you have: Phone A as your new phone - Phone B as your old phone Now, if you want to bring files (ex. photos) over from your old to the new device: → you’ll want the ***USB controlled by*** setting set to ***This device*** on Phone B! ![Phone A](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My8xYTlkM2NlYS0wYmRhLTQ4ZDUtYmIyYi1iMDI5NzAwNWM4YzUvY29ubmVjdGVkIGRldmljZXMgZGVmYXVsdCBvdGhlciBkZXZpY2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.thyY2N0GCYaN7Cq5JgREPjgFnRKU6q_CnOSWEC4hiow "left-50 =342x760") ![Phone B](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9iYmIwYzNiNy00ZmIzLTRkNzUtYmFmNi1lN2I2NjhhNGQ5OTMvY29ubmVjdGVkIGRldmljZXMgdGhpcyBkZXZpY2UgZmlsZSB0cmFuc2Zlci5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.9gUBfuRwWZ9-lwspI26BveFYXMK3RVVf6hs7Bvqlltk "right-50 =342x760") :::info You can access this menu via: ***Settings > Connected Devices > USB*** ::: Additionally, be aware that **one device will be used to charge the battery of the other one!** At the bottom you’ll find a setting allowing you to switch which one is being charged. :::tip Be sure that you have enough charge on the device that is providing power to the other one! ::: ![Be aware of this setting, since it will drain the battery of one device, charging the other one](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My82N2JlZTRiNy1lOGEwLTQ2NzYtODc4Mi01MTMwODA0MGVlMDkvY2hhcmdlIGNvbm5lY3RlZCBkZXZpY2UgYmF0dGVyeS5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.fMQFxihc2jy9J4tcs6uOUHOwkd7uL0xqEa32iw4c5j4 " =214x476") :::warning Please be sure that **at least one of your devices have sufficient battery** - especially you want to copy large amounts of data, which may take some time. ::: ### **Step 3: Access Files on the Receiving Device** * **Access files from other phone:** After setting up file transfer via the USB type-C connection, you should be able to access the files of one phone from the other phone.  On the Above Phone, you should see a notification like this: ![Shows the other device as connected](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9hNmZhNzE1MC1iN2EwLTQ4YTItYjQwYy05NWY3YjQ1MjQ2NDEvU2NyZWVuc2hvdF8yMDI1MDIyNS0xMjAzNTctNDYxeDEwMjQucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.XbLmPQf-A3i0fKa0qpd8PpZGwPBezPSjNt9Mek7I74c " =214x475") * **Open File Manager:** On the sending device, open the file manager app. On the Above Phone this app is simply called ***Files*** Use the **☰ three bars top left** to open the sidebar, where you should now see the storage of the other device you connected. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My84OTQ4MDJiNC1lNGM5LTRhN2YtYjI4ZS00NTg2ODM2Yjk3YTMvc2hhcmVfNjc5NDE3MjU3NjAxNDg1MzgyNy00NjV4MTAyNC5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.Kw36laG90gFah7dEsZX3gQ-MTtGC7YD2H9u7nXb2LLw " =214x471") * **Select Files:** Navigate to the files you want to transfer (photos, videos, documents, etc.). ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9iYTk5YzFhOC02OTlmLTRlMTgtYTM3OS1lZTZiMzZmZGYwYjkvdXNiNS1maWxlZXhwbC1zZWxlY3QucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.cRZclNFECsNhC577yGIWPjnI-yhIi7lVzWMwqzr-j6E " =214x468") * **Choose Files:** Long-press on a file to select it. You can select multiple files if needed. When the files are highlighted in blue, they are selected. ### **Step 4: Transfer Files** * **Copy or Move Files:** Tap the *Copy* or *Move* option (usually represented by icons) after selecting the files. ![Once your files are selected use the action options](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My82MTQ0Nzc5Yy1hZGQ0LTQ3OTQtOTBlMi1iNzMyYTgyYTE5ZjcvdXNiNi1maWxlZXhwbC1zZWxlY3QucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.orDk0WpLRQCRSQfSU8Ure3JmNCKUROkvQmWRtc5HtpI " =214x468")  > You may need to tap on the three dots on the upper right to reveal those options. * **Select Destination:** Switch to the receiving device's file manager.  > Use the three lines towards the top left to navigate to the storage of the other device ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My84OTQ4MDJiNC1lNGM5LTRhN2YtYjI4ZS00NTg2ODM2Yjk3YTMvc2hhcmVfNjc5NDE3MjU3NjAxNDg1MzgyNy00NjV4MTAyNC5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.Kw36laG90gFah7dEsZX3gQ-MTtGC7YD2H9u7nXb2LLw " =214x471") *  **Paste Files:** Navigate to the desired folder on the receiving device and tap ***Copy*** / ***Paste*** to transfer the files. * **Monitor progress:** Swipe down from the very top to reveal the notifications - you should find one that shows the progress in real-time ![Swipe down to see the progress of your transfer in the notification section](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9kMjhkMzc0MC04YWM3LTQ5ZmYtYWYwNC00Mjk4YzYyMTBiOTkvdXNiOS1jb3B5LXByb2dyZXNzLnBuZyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkyOTYxMTAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTMwNDc1MDB9.KtqPp8k1tQCAGuwpWvRaNlq7HTSYGl-XooXAC8-bYss " =214x468")   ### **Step 5: Disconnect the Devices** * **Safely Remove Devices:** After the transfer is complete, safely disconnect the USB-C cable from both devices.  > Be sure that all file transfers are completed. You can check the progress in the notification section (swipe down from top).   **Additional Tips** * **Check Storage Space:** Ensure the receiving device has enough storage space for the files being transferred. * **File Types:** Most file types can be transferred, including photos, videos, and documents. * **USB-C Compatibility:** Ensure both devices support USB-C connections. Try a different cable if it doesn’t work. For better results, you may want to set the other device to ‘*File transfer*’ in USB settings, so that you can access its storage via the Files app of the Above Phone. --- **Documents** - [Getting Started](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/getting-started-2PIp21MpGq) - [Application Guides](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/application-guides-jAjlxuCIBy) - [Above Essentials](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/above-essentials-KkbCdqt7F7) - [Profiles](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/profiles-UiYjt5uT5E) - [Migrating from other devices](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/migrating-from-other-devices-h0cJeSFPOe) - [Backup & Restore](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/backup-restore-8eA0cmjC3G) - [FAQs](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/faqs-HUNU8JOych) - [Privacy Strategies](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/privacy-strategies-uHCZH7KxdC) - [Older Above Phones](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/older-above-phones-fG3zUVbYnS)