How to Transfer Data from a Motorola, Nexus, Pixel, or Alcatel Phone to a PC

Objective

  • Manually transfer files from phone to computer

Environment

  • Motorola phones
  • Nexus & Pixel phones
  • Alcatel phones
  • Android 6.0 Marshmallow and above
  • Windows Desktop/Laptop

Procedure

  1. Ensure the phone is unlocked
  2. Connect the phone to the PC using a USB cable
  3. Drag the notification bar down
  4. Tap USB charging this device, or Use USB for
  5. Tap Transfer files or File Transfer
  6. Click your phone's model on the PC desktop
  7. Click Open device to view files
  8. In the window that appears, click Internal storage
  9. When finished, eject the phone before unplugging

Additional Notes

  • Most phones store photos and videos in the DCIM folder
  • Not all charging cables have the proper pins for data transfer. For the best experience, use the cable that came with the phone