Transfer files between phone and computer

You can move music, photos, and other files between your phone and computer, in either direction.

Choose your connection method

You have several ways to connect your phone, depending on what you're transferring and what type of computer you have.

USB data cable

Best for large batches of photos, videos, or music

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, ChromeOS

Learn more.

Google Drive

Best for files or documents you need to access from all devices

Compatibility: all (cloud-based)

Learn more.

Smart Connect

Best for seamless Motorola-to-Windows integration

Compatibility: Windows

Learn more.

Quick Share

Best for sending a few photos or files instantly

Compatibility: Windows, Android

Learn more.

Move files with USB data cable

ImportantBe sure to use a USB data cable. Many cables included with cheap accessories are “charge-only” and can't allow the computer to see your phone.

Step 1: Prepare the USB connection

  1. Power on your phone and computer, then connect them with the USB data cable.

  2. Unlock the phone.

  3. Set the USB mode: swipe down from the top of your phone screen to see the Charging this device via USB notification. Tap it and select:

    • File transfer: For most files (recommended)
    • PTP: For photos and videos
  4. Optionally, if you're transferring high-quality video and want to ensure it plays on older media players, turn Convert videos to AVC on toggle on switch. This may slightly reduce file quality.

Step 2: Move your files (Windows)

  1. On your computer, open File Explorer and click on your phone's name in the sidebar.
  2. Double-click Internal shared storage or SD card.
  3. Open a second File Explorer window to see your computer's folders.
  4. Drag and drop files between the two windows.

Step 2: Move your files (Mac)

  1. On your Mac, download and install a third-party appp like OpenMTP.
  2. Use the app to move files from your phone to your Mac.

Where to find files on your phone

Once transferred to your phone, files are automaticallly sorted into these standard folders:

  • DCIM: (Digital Camera Images) Photos and videos taken with the Camera app
  • Pictures: Photos you edited and photos from apps other than Camera
  • Download: Files downloaded from the internet
  • Music: Files for apps that play music
  • Ringtones: Sound files for ringtones
  • Notifications: Sound files for notifications
  • Alarms: Sound files for alarms

Fix an issue

If you’re having issues, try these troubleshooting steps.