Connect Nexus 5X to Computer

If you want to transfer files to and from the Nexus 5X smartphone using your PC, here is a tutorial to assist you.

If you purchased your Nexus 5X from Google, you’ll quickly notice that they ship the device without a cable that connects to your computer. It only comes with the USB-C cable and the power adapter.

Option 1 – Physical Cable Connection

You have a couple of options for physically connecting the device to your PC.

• Obtain an adapter that will allow an existing Android Micro USB cable to work with the USB-C port on your Nexus 5X.
• Obtain a separate cable that connects a USB-C device to a USB-A port on the PC.

Once you have one of the above items, follow these steps.

1. Plug the cable into your Nexus 5X and the PC. If you are using a Mac, download and install Android File Transfer.
2. Swipe down the notification area on the 5X, and select “USB for file transfer”
   
3. Select “File transfers“.
   
4. A “Nexus 5X” option should appear under File Explorer (Windows). Open it, and there will be an option for “Internal Storage” where you can transfer files between your PC and device. MacOS users can open Android File Transfer.
   

Option 2 – Bluetooth Connection

This option is not recommended for transferring a large amount of files as it is rather cumbersome. But it will work for a few files.

1. On the 5X, open “Settings” > “Bluetooth” and ensure it is turned “On“, and make your device visible/discoverable.
2. Connect to the 5X from your device. In Windows 10, you can go to “Start” > type “Bluetooth” > “Bluetooth settings“. Select the Nexus 5X, then Pair and Connect to it.
3. Now you can transfer files to the device. In Windows 10, you can go to “Start” > type “Bluetooth” > “Bluetooth File Transfer Wizard” to send or receive files.