How to Use Bluetooth to Transfer Files Between Devices

You may avoid paying data fees by using Bluetooth to wirelessly transfer information, such as images, to and from your mobile devices.

File Transferring using Mobile Devices

To use Bluetooth to transfer files from a mobile device to a computer, locate the file on your device, and then use the share option to transmit it. Using an Android phone, here is the process laid out in detail:

1. Launch the app that manages your device’s files. You may see it referred to as Files, Explorer, My Files, or a such name. To access the file manager on Android Marshmallow or later, launch the Settings app.
2. Find the file or files you want to transfer and click on them. You may transmit many files at once by pressing and holding them.
3. Press the Share icon.
4. Select Bluetooth from the sharing menu.
5. At this very moment, if prompted to do so, follow the on-screen instructions to activate Bluetooth.
6. Select the destination device by tapping on it. “Sending # Files to [device]” is the message that shows up on the screen.
7. In a file transfer notice, the recipient’s device displays the sending device, the name of the file, its size, and the date and time of the transfer. If you do not take action within 15 seconds, this window may expire without transferring anything. Try sending the files again if it doesn’t work.
8. To begin downloading the files, choose Accept on the receiver’s device. In the case of a PC, choose a destination folder to save the information.

not: It can take a few seconds to find the receiving device if the devices aren’t linked.

Send Files from Computers

Even though macOS has Bluetooth built in, AirDrop is in charge of file transfers. To transfer files between a Windows computer and an Android phone, follow these steps:

1. To transmit a file, use File Explorer and go to its folder.
2. Use the right mouse button to open a file, or use many files at once to open them all.
3. Or, if you’re using an older Windows version, go to Send to > Bluetooth. From there, choose Bluetooth File Transfer.
4. Press Next once you’ve chosen the device to begin the transfer.
5. The recipient’s screen will display a notice a short while later. If you want to receive the file on that device, tap Accept.
6. Be patient till the transfer is complete. It can take a few seconds to a few minutes or more, depending on the size and quantity of the data you’re delivering. Your Downloads folder is where the files will be saved.
7. On the computer, click Finish to close the confirmation window.

a hint: right-clicking the file in Windows 11 will bring up other choices, including Show more….

What Is Bluetooth File Transfer?

Without installing any additional software, you may easily share files with any nearby Bluetooth device via Bluetooth file transfer. All modern mobile devices and desktop PCs are Bluetooth compatible.

Despite Bluetooth’s many benefits, it isn’t compatible with iOS, Android, or ChromeOS for file transfers. There is an other method, like Apple’s Move to iOS software, that you may use to transfer files between Android and iOS.

There is a Bluetooth Share (or similar) system setting on devices that may transmit files over Bluetooth.

tip:With the addition of Nearby Share in Chrome OS 89, you may safely and quickly transfer files between your Chromebook and other devices running ChromeOS or Android.

Should I Use Bluetooth File Transfer?

If you want to move data across Android devices or from one operating system to another, you have a few options. While Bluetooth isn’t the quickest option, it does need the fewest things: no app, no cable, no Wi-Fi, and no data connection.

The benefits of utilizing Bluetooth while exchanging images across mobile devices are as follows:

If you happen to be without your device’s USB charging cord, you may still transfer data by turning on Bluetooth. Even if you have a cable, it could not be the kind that connects to other mobile devices, but rather to a regular USB port.

Using an OTG cable to transfer data between devices is possible, but only if both devices are compatible with USB OTG and have the appropriate connectors. Another option is to use Bluetooth.

Comparison of Bluetooth and OTG Flash Drives: Some flash drives come with two ports, so you may use them with your computer, smartphone, or tablet. But devices must be compatible with each other’s connectors.
Bluetooth as opposed to a personal hotspot: tethering isn’t necessary for all devices. On top of that, a robust signal and payment are necessities.

Comparing Bluetooth with Portable Media Hubs and Hard Drives: Some of these gadgets provide the option to connect to a local wireless network that is broadcast by the device itself. Both the mobile device and the disk must have fully charged batteries in order to transfer data.

Compared to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct is a comparable method of file transfer; however, not as many devices support it, and an app may be necessary.

When it comes to storing and transmitting data, cloud storage and email are superior than Bluetooth. The catch is that you can’t use any device without a reliable internet connection, and you have to have faith in the intermediate firm to keep your information safe.

Bluetooth vs. File Transfer App: You may find file transfer applications in both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. A data connection may be required for some of these applications, while others require that both devices have the exact same app installed.

The Top 8 Online Methods for Transferring Huge Files

Bluetooth has several advantages over competing file transfer protocols, but its restrictions should not be disregarded. The version determines the transmission rate of Bluetooth:

The top data transmission rate for Bluetooth 2.x is 2.1 Mbit/s, which is about 0.25 MB/s.

The maximum data transmission rate for Bluetooth 3.x is 24 Mbit/s, which is about 3 MB/s.

The maximum data transmission rate for Bluetooth 4.x is 25 Mbit/s, which is about 3 MB/s.

The top data transmission rate for Bluetooth 5.x is 50 Mbit/s, which is about 6 MB/s.

It takes around three seconds for two cellphones with Bluetooth versions 3.x or 4.x to transmit an 8 MB picture to each other. About nine seconds is required for a single 25 MB music file. Seven minutes is approximately right for a one gigabyte video clip. Although these timeframes represent the highest speed, the real data transmission speeds are lower.

Bluetooth is sluggish when compared to other data transport methods. Take USB 2.0 as an example; its maximum effective throughput is 35 MB/s, which is eleven times quicker than the highest rate offered by Bluetooth 3.x/4.x. The most prevalent USB 3.0 standard has a data rate of around 600 MB/s. Wi-Fi data transfer rates are two to six times more than the maximum rate of Bluetooth 3.x/4.x, ranging from 6 MB/s to more than 25 MB/s (based on protocol version).

File Formats That Can Be Transferred

You may send and receive almost any kind of material over Bluetooth, including documents, images, movies, music, applications, and more. It is possible to transfer files that are located in a folder on a computer or smartphone. For files like PDFs, which the transmitting devices may deliver, the receiving device must have an app that can read them in order to open them.

Hints for Transferring Files over Bluetooth

Adhere to following guidelines for optimal speed and results:

Take your computer, tablet, or smartphone out of the Bluetooth range of any other Bluetooth devices. This includes headphones and speakers.

Because certain devices have limitations on the amount of data that can be sent simultaneously, it could be more practical to upload files individually instead of in batches.

Maintain close proximity and direct line of sight between the transmitting and receiving devices. This ensures that the strongest possible signal is maintained, unaffected by nearby physical obstructions or other wireless signals.

Keep all other applications closed until the transfer is complete. The device requires processing resources to write the data to storage, even if Bluetooth handles the transmission and receiving.

If you’re having issues linking your Bluetooth devices, try troubleshooting them one by one.

The Best Way to Enable Bluetooth

Turning on Bluetooth may be done in different ways on different devices. For Windows 11, we have instructions on how to turn on Bluetooth, and for Macs, we have a separate tutorial. Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad by going to the Settings app.

Here are the procedures to take for Android users (the exact instructions may differ from one device to another):

1. Go to the app called Settings.
2. To access the list of connected devices, tap on the linked items.
3. Select Bluetooth from the list of connection choices.
4. Activate Bluetooth by toggling the corresponding switch.

How do I check what Bluetooth version is on my Android phone?

With the helpful software AIDA64, you can determine your Bluetooth version the simplest manner possible. Look in System > Bluetooth > Version of Bluetooth. It could be found under Settings > Apps > three vertical dots > Show All Apps > Bluetooth or Bluetooth Share > App details on older Android versions.

How can I use my Android phone to play music from my phone using Bluetooth in my car?

Initially, you must turn on Bluetooth in your car. Next, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth > Scan on your Android phone (or first enable Bluetooth). After your Android smartphone finds your automobile via scanning, choose it and launch your music app.