Google Pixel: Connect to Windows or MacOS PC

Learn how to connect your Google Pixel smartphone to your PC and transfer files between the devices using these steps.

Option 1 – Physical Cable Connection

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

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.

Windows

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

MacOS

1. On the Pixel, open “Settings” > “Bluetooth” and ensure it is turned “On“, and make your device visible/discoverable.
2. On the Mac, select the Apple Menu, then choose “System Preferences…“.
3. Select “Sharing“.
4. Ensure that “Bluetooth Sharing” is checked.
5. Back out to the System Preferences screen again, and choose “Bluetooth“.
6. Ensure “Bluetooth” is set to “On“, then connect and pair with the Android device.
7. Do one of the following:
   • To send a file from the Android to the Mac, tap and hold a file on the Android device, select the “Share” icon, then choose “Bluetooth“.
   • To send a file from the Mac to the Android, open “Bluetooth File Exchange” on the Mac, navigate to the files, then choose the Android device you wish to send the file(s) to.