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To transfer files from an Android phone to a computer over USB-C, unlock the phone, connect it with a data-capable cable, then select File Transfer from the phone’s USB notification. USB-C describes the connector, not a guaranteed transfer speed: the phone, computer port, cable, and other connected hardware determine the link’s capabilities.
Transfer files from Android to a Windows PC or Chromebook
- Unlock your phone and connect it to the computer using a USB cable that supports data.
- On the phone, tap the notification labeled Charging this device via USB or similar.
- Select File Transfer.
- On Windows, open the file-transfer window that appears and copy files between the phone and computer. On Chromebook, use the Files app.
- When finished on Windows, eject the phone from the computer before unplugging it. On Chromebook, disconnect it when your transfer is complete.
Google documents these steps for transferring files between a computer and Android device. Notification wording and behavior can vary with the phone and Android version.
Why USB-C does not tell you the transfer speed
USB-C is the shape of the connector. It does not, by itself, identify the USB data standard or rate supported by a phone. The USB Implementers Forum’s USB 3.2 overview lists link rates of 5, 10, and 20 Gbps; the 20 Gbps mode uses two 10 Gbps lanes. These are standard link rates, not promised file-copy speeds for an Android phone.
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A connection operates within the capabilities of the devices and accessories in its path. The phone, computer port, cable, hub, and storage device can all affect the available link. USB-IF describes USB products as operating at the lowest common speed capability, so a higher-rated port cannot make a lower-capability phone or cable faster. For your phone’s supported USB generation, check its exact manufacturer specifications. Android’s USB host documentation also notes that USB support depends on device hardware.
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- 【5A/100W Fast Charging Cable】USB Type C fast charging cable with E-Marker IC chip, safely charges your devices with up to 100W power. It can fully charge a MacBook Pro 60%, an iPad Pro 75%, a iPhone 15 85%, and a Switch 95% in 35 minutes. Fully satisfies the charging power needs of professionals for MacBooks Pro, Android devices, Samsung and iPad Pro. Charge any USB-C device at maximum speed for timely use and no more waiting. *Note: Requires a C-port adapter of appropriate power.
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If your phone charges but file transfer does not appear
Charging alone does not confirm that the connection supports data or that file transfer is selected. Google’s troubleshooting guidance notes: “Not all USB cables can transfer files.”
- Unlock the phone and look for its USB notification; choose File Transfer if available.
- Try another cable known to support data.
- If the phone or computer still does not detect the connection, try another port or test the ports with a known-working device where practical.
- Check the computer’s settings and restart the phone and computer if the connection still fails.
These troubleshooting steps are covered in Google Android Help. A missing notification or option may also reflect device-specific behavior.
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- [ Fast Charging & High Speed Data Transfer ] This usba to usbc data power cable can sync your favourite photos, videos and music at a data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps(1250MB/s). Files can be synchronised in seconds. In addition, it can quick-charge your USB-C devices at up to 3A safe charging power. Tested charge Samsung Galaxy S22 from 0 to 60% in 30mins with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology.Tips: USB 3.1 Gen 2 renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 2 by USB-IF in 2019.
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Use a USB-C flash drive or connect a peripheral
If you want to copy files directly to removable storage rather than a computer, a USB-C flash drive may work when your phone supports USB host or OTG operation. Check that the phone supports it and that the drive’s connectors match the devices you plan to use. Android can act as a USB host for accessories such as keyboards, mice, cameras, and game controllers, but support depends on the phone’s hardware.
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For example, SanDisk describes its Phone Drive as a dual USB-C/USB-A drive for compatible phones and USB-A computers; its datasheet specifies USB-C and OTG support for mobile use. SanDisk lists read speeds of up to 100 MB/s under internal testing with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 1 host, and says write speeds are lower. That is a product specification, not a measurement of Android phone performance.
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- Move Files Fast: Transfer music, movies, or entire seasons of TV shows in seconds at 40 Gbps.
- HD Display: Connect your laptop to an external monitor to mirror or extend your screen in up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz.
- Huge Range of Power: Supports a maximum 240W charge when paired up with a compatible charger. Charge virtually any USB-C device from phones and accessories to laptops.
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- What You Get: Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4, 3.3ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Android also supports USB accessory mode, in which compatible external USB hardware acts as host and the Android device behaves as the accessory. The Android USB host and accessory guide explains both modes and notes that device hardware determines support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.USB data protection on supported Pixel phones
On supported Pixel 6-and-later devices, USB Protection—when enabled through Advanced Protection—blocks a new USB data connection from being established while the phone is locked, although charging continues. A data connection started while the phone was unlocked remains active until disconnected. This behavior is specific to the supported Pixel devices and feature; it should not be assumed for every Android phone. See Google’s USB Protection guidance.
Quick Recap
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- 20Gbps Data Transfer: This USB C data cable (USB C 3.2 Gen 2x2 cable) supports blazing-fast 20Gbps data transfer for fast file transfers, high-speed storage access, and external drive connections. This USB C 3.2 Gen 2 cable / USB-C data cable ensures reliable performance and is backward compatible with earlier USB-C versions.
- 8K or 4K UHD Video Output: This USB C video cable / USBC display cable supports 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz video output to a USB-C monitor. Use this USB-C monitor cable to connect your computer to a USBC monitor like the MB169C Type-C portable monitor, ZenScreen MB16AC, AOC i1601fwux, or LG 4K USB C monitor for gaming, content creation, or extended desktop viewing.
- 240W Power Delivery: This 240W USB C display cable charges laptops, tablets, and phones with up to 240W. The USB C to USB C video cable for monitor (USB C to USB C data cable) supports devices like iPad Pro, Google Pixel 2/3XL, OnePlus 2/3, HTC 10, Huawei P9, LG G5, Nexus 6P, and Galaxy S9/S9+, S8/S8+, Note 9/Note 8 when used with a USB Type C charger, USB C power adapter, or USB C car charger.
- Broad Monitor & Dock Compatibility: This USB C to USB C monitor cable works with USB-C monitors and docks such as Dell U2520D, P2720DC, U2721DE, U2719DC, and HP E273d, E24d G4, E223d, E27d G4—delivering smooth video output and charging.
- Thunderbolt 4 & USB-C Device Support: This Thunderbolt 4 & USB C cable is compatible with USB-C computers such as MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13/15, Dell Alienware 13/15/17, Dell Precision 15/17, Aspire R13/V15, S5-391-6419 Nitro, V17 Nitro, Predator 15/17, ROG G752VL, GT752VT, GT752VY, GX700VO, ZenBook Pro UX501VW, Clevo P750DM/P770DM/P870DM, ThinkPad P50/P70, MSI GS40, GS60, GT72, GT80, Vortex, WS60, WS72, and VAIO S11.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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