What software do I need to transfer music from PC to Android?

Transferring music between devices is a common need, even in today’s streaming era. While services like Spotify and Apple Music make it easy to access vast music libraries everywhere, many people still maintain personal collections of owned music files. Reasons include wanting access to obscure or rare tracks not available on streaming, the ability to listen offline, and retaining purchases from the pre-streaming days. So the need remains to transfer MP3s, lossless audio files, and other owned music between devices.

Transferring music from a computer to an Android device is simpler than ever thanks to wireless technologies like Bluetooth and WiFi as well as cloud storage apps. But USB cables still offer a quick, reliable way to migrate all your music files to a new phone or tablet. This guide will cover the main methods available and key considerations in choosing the right approach.

Reasons to Transfer Music to Android

There are several key reasons why you may want to transfer music files from your computer to your Android device:

Access full music library on the go – By transferring your music library to your Android, you’ll be able to listen to all your songs, albums, and playlists anywhere you go. This allows you to access your entire music collection without needing an internet connection.

Save mobile data by storing songs locally – Streaming music online can use up a lot of mobile data. Transferring music to your Android allows you to listen offline and avoid using data when on the go.

Listen to music offline – If you are somewhere without internet access, having your music stored directly on your Android means you can listen to tunes without needing a connection.

File Types to Transfer

When transferring music files from a PC to an Android device, the two most common file formats are MP3 and FLAC:

MP3: This is the most widely compatible audio format. MP3 stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, and it uses lossy compression to shrink file sizes by removing some inaudible frequencies. This makes it ideal for transferring a large music library while saving storage space on your Android device. Though not the highest audio quality, MP3 provides a good balance of sound quality and file size that will work with any music player. According to Android Authority, MP3 is supported by essentially every mobile device and music app.

FLAC: This format stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec, and as the name implies, it is a lossless format that preserves CD-quality audio in compressed files that take up about half the space. FLAC files sound fantastic, especially with high-end headphones or speakers. The downside is that some basic music players do not support FLAC. Still, it can be a good choice for transferring your favorite songs or albums where sound quality matters most, while using MP3 for the rest of your library. As noted by Ditto Music, FLAC is ideal if you have the storage space and audio setup to take advantage of its superior quality.

Connect with USB Cable

One of the easiest ways to transfer music from your PC to Android is by using a USB cable connection. To do this:

1. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure you are using the cable that came with your phone or tablet.
2. On your Android device, you may get a notification asking what type of USB connection you want to use. Select File Transfer or Transfer Files.
3. Your Android device should then appear in your computer’s file manager app (like Windows Explorer or Finder on a Mac). You can now drag and drop files from your computer onto your Android device.
4. Open the folder on your Android device where you want to transfer the music files, like the Music folder. Then drag and drop your music files into that folder.
5. When done, eject the Android device safely before unplugging the USB cable.

This USB method allows you to quickly transfer multiple music files at once. You can use your computer’s file manager to copy entire albums or playlists. Just make sure you have enough storage space on your Android device. Some key file manager apps that can manage the transfer include Windows Explorer, Finder on Mac, and certain Android file managers.

Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth can be a convenient way to transfer music files from your PC to your Android device wirelessly. Here are the steps to pair your devices and send music via Bluetooth:

First, on your Android device, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. Make sure your device is set to be discoverable so your PC can find it.

Next, on your PC, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. Click “Add Bluetooth Device” and your Android device should show up in the list. Select it to pair the devices.

Once paired, open your music folder on your PC and right click on the song files you want to transfer. Select “Send To” and choose your Android device. This will start sending the music files via Bluetooth.

On your Android, you may get a request to accept the file transfer. Accept it and the files will begin transferring. Depending on the size of the files, this may take a few minutes. Bluetooth transfer speeds are generally slower than wired options.

Once completed, you can find your music files imported into the “Music” app on your Android device, ready to play! Bluetooth provides a simple wireless way to transfer files between your PC and Android.

Cloud Storage Apps

One simple way to transfer music from a PC to an Android device is by using a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Here’s how it works:

First, upload the music files from your computer to a folder in your cloud storage account. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox make it easy to upload files through a desktop app or web browser.

Once the files finish uploading, open the cloud storage app on your Android device and navigate to the folder containing the music. Both Google Drive and Dropbox have Android apps that allow you to access, download, and stream files in your cloud account.

At this point, you can either stream the music directly within the app, or tap on each song to download it onto your Android device. The files will be downloaded into a cloud storage folder, usually called something like “Google Drive” or “Dropbox.”

This method makes it simple to keep both your PC and Android device in sync. Any new music you upload to the cloud will automatically appear in the app on your Android phone or tablet.

Third Party Apps

There are a number of popular third party apps that allow you to easily transfer files and music from your PC to your Android device. Some top options include:

• SHAREit – This free app lets you transfer files, apps, photos, and more between devices. You can send or receive files from PC to Android using SHAREit with speeds up to 40 times faster than Bluetooth. (Source)
• Xender – Xender allows cross-platform file sharing between PC and mobile devices with speeds up to 40MB/s. You can transfer files without internet connection or cellular data. (Source)

The benefit of using these apps is that they allow direct phone-to-phone file transfers without the need for a USB cable or internet connection. They utilize wifi hotspot or Bluetooth to quickly transfer music, photos, videos, and other files between devices.

Music Streaming Apps

One convenient way to get your music collection onto your Android device is through music streaming apps like Spotify. With Spotify, you can upload your local music files to the app on your computer. This will add them to your Spotify library and make them available across all your devices where you are logged into Spotify. This includes both desktop and mobile.

To upload your local files to Spotify on desktop, simply go to the app settings and find the “Local Files” section. Here you can select folders on your computer to upload. The files will appear in a “Local Files” section in your Spotify library. They can then be downloaded on your mobile Spotify app so you can listen to them on your Android device.

Other popular streaming apps like Pandora and Apple Music also allow you to upload and sync your music libraries across devices. Using a music streaming service can be a convenient way to get all your music onto your Android phone or tablet without needing to connect it directly to your computer.

Choosing the Right Method

When deciding how to transfer music from a PC to an Android device, there are a few key factors to consider:

Library size – For small libraries, a USB cable transfer may be quick and easy. But for large libraries, cloud storage or a third party app may be better to avoid transfer issues.

File types – Make sure the method you choose supports the file formats you want to transfer, like MP3, FLAC, etc. Bluetooth only works for certain file types.

Connectivity – If you want a wireless transfer, Bluetooth or cloud apps are best. USB cable requires physically connecting devices.

Here are some pros and cons of each method:

USB Cable Transfer:

Pros – Fast transfer speed, works for all file types, simple direct connection.

Cons – Need cable and direct device access, not wireless, can be issues with large libraries.

Bluetooth Transfer:

Pros – Wireless, easy pairing between devices.

Cons – Slower speeds, file size and type limitations, device must be in range.

Cloud Storage Apps:

Pros – Wireless access, can manage large libraries, access from multiple devices.

Cons – Need internet connection, transfer speed depends on connection.

Third Party Apps:

Pros – Specialized for music transfer, extra features like playlists.

Cons – May have learning curve or bloated interfaces.

So in summary, factors like your library size, file types, and need for wireless transfer will determine the best method. Evaluate the pros and cons to pick what works for your needs.

Conclusion

When it comes to transferring your personal music library from a PC to your Android device, you have several solid options to choose from. Using a USB cable to directly connect your devices is a simple wired transfer method. Bluetooth can also enable quick wireless file sharing between your PC and Android. Cloud storage apps like Google Drive provide free space to upload your music library remotely. And dedicated third party apps like ShareIt can wirelessly transfer music libraries with just a click.

While streaming apps like Spotify let you access vast music libraries on-demand, having your own music collection available offline and integrated into your Android device’s media apps is extremely convenient. Whether you rely on your personally curated playlists, have niche genres that aren’t well represented on streaming services, or want to listen to your music ad-free and uninterrupted, transferring your files from PC to Android is an important way to enjoy your owned music library seamlessly on mobile.

In the end, the best method depends on your specific needs and preferences around wired vs wireless transfers, free vs paid tools, and direct file access vs cloud-based streaming. Any of the options outlined above can successfully transfer music from your PC to Android device and allow you to enjoy your personal music library anywhere you go.