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This article explains how to use Bluetooth to wirelessly transfer files like photos to and from your mobile devices without incurring data charges. To set up a Bluetooth file transfer between smartphones, tablets, and PCs, enable Bluetooth (and visibility). You can set up (or pair) the mobile device with a desktop or laptop. Send Files from Smartphones and TabletsTo transfer files from a smartphone or tablet to a PC:
Send Files from ComputersWhile macOS supports Bluetooth, file transfers with that system are managed by AirDrop. Windows PCs are able to send files to a mobile device (and vice versa).
Bluetooth file transfer is a simple way to send files to another nearby Bluetooth device without the need for a separate app. Bluetooth is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. You can transfer files over Bluetooth using Android OS, Fire OS, Windows OS, Mac OS, and Linux OS. Bluetooth file transfer isn't supported between iOS and Chrome OS. On iOS, you need to use a separate app such as Move to iOS or Apple AirDrop to transfer files and photos from the iPhone to Android or Chrome OS over Bluetooth. Devices that are compatible with Bluetooth file transfer have a system setting that supports Bluetooth and is called Bluetooth Share (or something similar). Chrome OS 89 adds a feature called Nearby Share, which lets you move files between your Chromebook and other Chrome OS or Android devices instantly and securely. Why Use Bluetooth File Transfer?Lifewire / Miguel CoThere are several ways to transfer files from smartphone to smartphone, Android to Android, or from one OS platform to another. Bluetooth isn't the fastest method, but it has the fewest requirements—no app, no cable or hardware, no Wi-Fi network, and no data connection. When you want to share photos between smartphones, here are the advantages of using Bluetooth:
Types of Transferrable FilesMost any type of file can be transferred over Bluetooth: documents, photos, videos, music, apps, and more. If a file is stored in a folder on a computer or smartphone, you can send it. The receiving device needs to be able to recognize the file type to open it (for example, if the sending devices transfer a PDF document, the receiving device needs an app that reads PDFs). The limitation of using Bluetooth to transfer data is the size of the files versus the transfer rate. The Bluetooth transfer rate depends on the version:
To use Bluetooth to send an 8 MB photo from one smartphone to another, and both smartphones have Bluetooth version 3.x/4.x, the photo transfers in about three seconds. A single 25 MB music file takes about nine seconds. A 1 GB video file takes about seven minutes. These times reflect the maximum speed, actual data transfer rates are less than the maximum specified. Compared to other ways of transferring data, Bluetooth is slow. For example, USB 2.0 has an effective throughput of up to 35 MB/s, 11 times faster than the Bluetooth 3.x/4.x maximum rate. USB 3.0, which is the most common, is around 600MB/s. Wi-Fi speeds range from 6 MB/s to over 25 MB/s (depending on protocol version), which is anywhere between two to six times faster than the Bluetooth 3.x/4.x maximum rate. Tips for Bluetooth File TransferTo get the best speed and results when transferring files, follow these tips:
How to Turn On BluetoothThe steps to turn on Bluetooth on phones and other devices vary. Here are the general steps, with some examples.
FAQ
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Can you send files via Bluetooth from iPhone to Android?On iOS, you need to use a separate app such as Move to iOS or Apple AirDrop to transfer files and photos from the iPhone to Android or Chrome OS over Bluetooth. Devices that are compatible with Bluetooth file transfer have a system setting that supports Bluetooth and is called Bluetooth Share (or something similar).
Can I transfer photos from iPhone using Bluetooth?Yes, you can wirelessly send photos from your iPhone to your PC via bluetooth, Wi-fi transfer apps, icloud, itunes and email as well.
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