Transfer files between your Android tablet and PC using Wi-Fi

One of the issues I get hit with a lot is how to transfer files back and forth between a PC and a tablet. There are a few methods that I’ve previously discussed, but none are as versatile as using Wi-Fi and a browser. That’s what you get when you add the simple-to-use WiFi File Transfer app to your tablet. With a wireless connection, you can transfer files from any machine (if it’s on the same network). You can transfer from multiple machines and do so with the ease of a very well designed web-based interface.

Here are some features that you’ll find with WiFi File Transfer:

• Upload or download multiple files at once
• Upload entire folder structures (Google Chrome only)
• Delete, rename, copy, zip, or unzip files
• Password authentication
• Shortcuts to photo, video, and music directories
• Runs as a background service
• View photos directly in your web browser
• Autostart service when connected to home network (optional)
• Access to external SD cards and USB storage devices
• Supports hotspot mode

There are two version of the app: Free and Pro for $1.40 (USD). The only limitation of the free version is that you can’t upload files larger than 5MB. If you have a need for larger file transfers, the price of the Pro version is well worth the cost.

What I really like about this tool is the ability to upload/download from any machine on your wireless network — all from a browser. Let’s find out just how easy it is to use.

Installation

As with any Android application, WiFi File Transfer can be installed with these simple steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Search for “wifi file” (no quotes)
3. Tap on the WiFi File Transfer entry (or the Pro version if you know that you want to purchase the software)
4. Tap on the Install button
5. Tap Accept

Once the installation is complete, you’ll find the application in your app drawer (you might also find a launcher on the home screen). Tap the icon to begin using the application.

Usage

As I already mentioned, you must first make sure your device is connected to the same wireless network as the desktop machine(s) you wish to transfer files to/from. Once you have that taken care of, open the WiFi File Transfer tool and tap the Start button (Figure A) to start the file transferring service. Figure A

• File browser: Where you can navigate your device file structure and download files
• Media gallery: Where you can view a thumbnail gallery of your device’s images
• Device information: Get storage information of the device at a glance
• Transfer files: Where you can transfer files and folders (Chrome only) to the device

To transfer a file to your device, follow these steps:

1. Point your browser to the WiFi File Transfer web page
2. Click the Select Files button under Transfer files to device
3. In the file manager, locate the file to be uploaded and click Open
4. Click Start upload from the main window
5. Allow the upload to complete

To download files from your device, do the following:

1. In the file browser, navigate to the location of the file
2. Select the file(s) to be downloaded (Figure C)
3. Click the Download button
4. Select to download the files individually or as a zipped archive
5. Allow the download to complete

Figure C

Click on the Media gallery tabIf you want to download media, you can quickly download from the thumbnail gallery. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the file you want to download
2. Click on the Download link (Figure D)

Figure D

Once your Android tablet is on the network, anyone who knows the password could add or remove files to that tablet — but not if you password protect the WiFi File Transfer application. To do this, follow these steps:Password protection

1. Open the application
2. Tap the Settings button
3. Tap Access Password
4. Enter a password to be used
5. Tap OK

Now, when anyone points their browser to that address:port, they’ll have to enter the password to gain access.

If you’re looking for one of the best ways to transfer files to and from your Android tablet, look no further than WiFi File Transfer. Not only does it allow you to easily gain access to the files/folders on your tablet, it offers the simplicity of a web browser for the process of transferring that information. What method of file transfer do you prefer on your Android tablet? Share your opinion in the discussion thread below.