Transferring files between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop can seem tricky at first. However, there are several effective methods you can use to wirelessly share files and data between the two operating systems.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the main techniques for exchanging files between Android and Ubuntu. We will also provide step-by-step instructions and examples to help you get set up quickly.
Overview of Main File Transfer Methods
Here is a quick overview of the main wireless methods we will cover for transferring files between Android and Ubuntu:
- KDE Connect – An open-source utility that allows different devices to communicate over a local network. It provides file transfer features between Android and Linux desktops.
- SSH – Uses the SSH protocol to access your Ubuntu system from an Android device. You can then use SCP commands to copy files over SSH.
- FTP – Setting up an FTP server on your Android device gives network access to your files. You can connect from Ubuntu using an FTP client.
- Bluetooth – Android and Ubuntu both support transferring files over Bluetooth. This method provides easy wireless file sharing without any apps.
- DLNA – Using DLNA servers, you can stream media between Android and Ubuntu on the same WiFi network.
- Cloud Storage – Services like Google Drive provide cloud storage accessible on both operating systems. You can upload files on one device and download them on the other.
Each method has its own pros and cons depending on your specific needs. We will explore them in more depth throughout this guide.
Step-by-Step Tutorials for File Transfers
Below you will find detailed walkthroughs for setting up and using the main file transfer techniques between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop.
Using KDE Connect for Seamless File Sharing
One of the most popular and full-featured ways to exchange files between Android and Ubuntu is using KDE Connect.
KDE Connect provides a broad set of integration features between mobile devices and the Linux desktop. It uses a combination of an Android app and desktop application to sync notifications, share URLs, and transfer files.
Here is an overview of using KDE Connect for wireless file transfers between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop:
- Install the KDE Connect app on Ubuntu and your Android device.
- Pair the Android device and Ubuntu desktop over your local network.
- Transfer files seamlessly in either direction using the KDE Connect interface.
- Shared folders provide quick access to media, downloads, and other files.
Let‘s look at how to get started with setting up KDE Connect for file transfers.
Installing KDE Connect
KDE Connect needs to be installed on both your Ubuntu system and Android device before you can begin transferring files.
On Ubuntu, you can install KDE Connect through the official Ubuntu repositories:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kdeconnect
For the Android app, simply search "KDE Connect" on the Google Play Store and install it.
Pairing Devices on KDE Connect
Once you have KDE Connect installed on both devices, you need to pair them to allow communication over the network.
On Ubuntu, launch the KDE Connect desktop app. It will display available Android devices on your network.
Select your Android device and click "Pair" to send a pairing request.
On the Android app, accept the pairing request to complete the process. The device will now show as paired within KDE Connect.
Transferring Files Using KDE Connect
With your Android device paired to your Ubuntu desktop, you can now easily transfer files in either direction.
To send files from Android to Ubuntu:
- Open the KDE Connect Android app.
- Tap on your paired Linux device.
- Select the "Send files" option.
- Choose the files or folders you want to transfer.
- The files will transfer to the Ubuntu Downloads folder by default.
To send files from Ubuntu to your Android device:
- Right-click your selected files in the file manager.
- Choose the "Send to mobile device" option.
- Your files will appear in the KDE Connect folder on your Android device.
That‘s it! KDE Connect makes wireless file transfers incredibly easy between your mobile and desktop.
Transferring Files Over SSH from Android to Ubuntu
If you are comfortable using the command line, you can also transfer files between Android and Ubuntu using SSH.
This method relies on running an SSH server on your Ubuntu desktop and connecting to it using a terminal emulator app on your Android device.
Here is an overview of transferring files over SSH:
- Install and run an SSH server on your Ubuntu desktop.
- Install a terminal emulator like Termux on your Android device.
- Connect to your Ubuntu SSH server from the Android terminal.
- Use SCP commands to securely copy files from Android to Ubuntu.
Let‘s go through the step-by-step process.
Enabling SSH on Ubuntu
Your first step is to make sure OpenSSH is installed and running on your Ubuntu desktop.
You can install OpenSSH using the following apt command:
sudo apt install openssh-server
This will install the SSH server in the background, ready for connections.
You can also check that the SSH service is running with:
sudo systemctl status ssh
By default, Ubuntu‘s firewall allows SSH connections. But you may need to open port 22 if you have customized firewall policies.
Connecting to SSH from Android
With SSH set up on your Ubuntu desktop, you next need an SSH client on your Android device to connect.
One of the best options is Termux, a powerful terminal emulator available for free on Google Play Store.
Install and open the Termux app on your Android device. You can now use the ssh command within Termux to connect to your Ubuntu desktop over SSH:
ssh username@ubuntu_ip_address
Replace username
with your account name on Ubuntu and ubuntu_ip_address
with your Ubuntu desktop‘s IP address.
If you configured SSH authentication on Ubuntu, you will be prompted to enter your password to log in.
Transferring Files Using SCP
Now that you have an SSH connection open between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop, you can transfer files using the scp command.
For example, to copy a file from your Android device to Ubuntu:
scp /storage/emulated/0/original_file.txt username@ubuntu_ip_address:/home/username/
This will copy original_file.txt
from your Android device to your Ubuntu home directory.
You can also transfer entire directories by adding the -r
option:
scp -r /storage/emulated/0/filename_folder username@ubuntu_ip_address:/target_directory/
Using SSH and SCP gives you secure command line-based file transfers between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop.
Setting Up an FTP Server on Android
Another approach for wireless file sharing involves running an FTP server on your Android device. This allows your Ubuntu system to connect and directly access your mobile files.
Here is how setting up FTP-based file transfers works:
- Install an FTP server app on your Android device.
- Start the server and get your Android IP address.
- Use an FTP client on Ubuntu to connect to the server.
- Transfer files between the devices over FTP.
Let‘s look at how to configure this method in more detail.
Installing an FTP Server App on Android
There are a few good FTP server apps available for Android. For this example, we will use FTP Server by The Olive Tree.
You can install this free FTP server app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and tap the power button to start the server.
The app will display the URL, username, and password for connecting to the FTP server. Take note of these.
You can also use an app like Fing to scan your network and find the IP address assigned to your Android device.
Connecting to the FTP Server from Ubuntu
With the FTP server set up on your Android device, you can now connect to it from Ubuntu using an FTP client.
On Ubuntu, a simple option is to use the built-in file manager. Hit Ctrl+L in the file manager to open the "Connect to Server" dialog.
Enter the FTP URL shown in your Android app. For example:
ftp://192.168.1.123:2121
Enter the username and password when prompted. Then you will have access to your Android file system through the FTP connection.
You can also use more advanced FTP clients like FileZilla if desired.
Transferring Files Over FTP
With a connection open to your Android FTP server from Ubuntu, you can easily transfer files:
- On Ubuntu, browse to the file or folder you want to transfer.
- Right click and choose "Copy" or "Cut" to copy/move the file or folder.
- Navigate to the target directory on your Android device file system.
- Right click and select "Paste" to transfer the file or folder.
Your Android device will show transferred files in the root of the FTP server folder or directories.
Using an FTP connection allows seamless drag-and-drop file management between your Ubuntu desktop and Android device.
Transferring Files Using Bluetooth
Bluetooth can also provide a simple wireless transfer method between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop.
Here is an overview of using Bluetooth for file sharing:
- Enable Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
- Use the file manager on Ubuntu to send files to Android via Bluetooth.
- Accept the file transfer request on the Android device.
Let‘s go through the steps in more detail.
Enabling Bluetooth
First, you need to ensure Bluetooth is enabled and your Android device and Ubuntu desktop are paired.
On Ubuntu:
- Open Settings and go to Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth and make your device visible.
On Android:
- Open Settings and go to Connected Devices > Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth and make your device visible.
Your Android device should now show up as an available device on Ubuntu. Select it and complete pairing.
Sending Files from Ubuntu to Android
With Bluetooth set up and connected, you can send files from Ubuntu to your Android device:
- Right click on the files you want to transfer in Ubuntu‘s file manager.
- Select the "Send via Bluetooth" option.
- Choose your paired Android device.
- Confirm the file transfer on your Android device.
The files will begin transferring to your Android device over the Bluetooth connection.
Accepting File Transfers on Android
When Ubuntu attempts to send files via Bluetooth, you will get a notification on your Android device.
Expand the notification and tap "Accept" to receive the files from Ubuntu.
The transferred files are saved in the "Bluetooth" folder on your Android device by default.
And that‘s all there is to easy wireless file transfers using Bluetooth!
Streaming Media Over DLNA
If you want to stream media like music and videos between your Android device and Ubuntu, you can use DLNA.
DLNA uses your WiFi network to let DLNA-compatible devices share media libraries and streams.
Here is how to set up DLNA streaming between Android and Ubuntu:
- Install a DLNA server app on your Android device.
- Enable media sharing in the app and start the server.
- Install a DLNA client on your Ubuntu desktop.
- Connect to the Android media server from Ubuntu.
- Stream music, videos, and photos from Android to Ubuntu.
Let‘s look at how to configure DLNA streaming step-by-step.
Enabling DLNA Server on Android
There are a few DLNA server apps available for Android, such as BubbleUPnP. Install one of these apps on your device.
Open the app and enable media sharing from your music, video, and photo folders.
Tap start to run the DLNA media server. Make note of your Android IP address displayed in the app.
Installing a DLNA Client on Ubuntu
You next need a DLNA client media player on your Ubuntu desktop to connect to the server.
Kodi is one of the most powerful open-source media center apps for Linux. Install it on your Ubuntu system using:
sudo snap install kodi
Once installed, launch Kodi and it will automatically detect media servers on your network, including the DLNA server now running on your Android device.
Streaming Media from Android to Ubuntu
With Kodi connected to your Android DLNA server, you can now stream media:
- In Kodi, select the "Music" or "Videos" section.
- Navigate into your Android media server.
- Browse the music, videos, and photos shared from your Android device.
- Select media to stream it directly from Android to Ubuntu!
DLNA provides an easy way to access your Android media library from your Ubuntu desktop.
Using Cloud Storage for File Transfers
Storing files in the cloud can also help streamline transfers between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop.
Services like Google Drive provide apps on both Android and Ubuntu for syncing cloud storage.
Here is an overview of using cloud storage for file transfers:
- Install the Google Drive clients on both Ubuntu and Android.
- Upload a file from one device to Google Drive.
- Open Google Drive on the other device and download the uploaded file.
Let‘s look at how to configure Google Drive on each platform.
Installing Google Drive on Ubuntu
Google Drive has official 1st party clients for Ubuntu.
You can install the gnome-shell integration using:
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-desktop-icons-ng
sudo apt install nautilus-extension-gnome-drive
This will integrate Google Drive access directly into your Ubuntu file manager.
Alternatively, you can use the google-drive-ocamlfuse CLI tool for manual syncing.
Installing Google Drive on Android
On your Android device, download and install the official Google Drive app from the Play Store.
Sign in to your Google account to access your cloud storage.
Transferring Files Through Google Drive
With Google Drive set up on both platforms, you can now easily transfer files:
- On Android, open the Google Drive app and upload a file.
- On Ubuntu, open Files and navigate to Google Drive. The uploaded file will appear there.
- Right-click and download the file to your Ubuntu file system.
- You can upload files on Ubuntu and download them in the same way on your Android device.
This allows seamless cloud-based file transfers without a direct local connection.
Comparing File Transfer Methods
Now that we‘ve explored various options for transferring files between Android and Ubuntu, let‘s summarize the key differences between these methods:
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
KDE Connect | Easy to set up | Requires installing apps on both platforms |
SSH | Secure transfer over an encrypted connection | More complex to configure |
FTP | Allows direct file access from Ubuntu | Can be slower than other methods |
Bluetooth | Simple transfer with no apps needed | Only works for small files efficiently |
DLNA | Streams media seamlessly | Only useful for music, videos, and photos |
Cloud Storage | Access files anywhere | Requires uploading/downloading separately |
As you can see, each file transfer technique has pros and cons.
KDE Connect is generally the easiest overall option for general file management. SSH offers more security for sensitive transfers. Cloud storage gives you the most flexibility.
Consider which features are most important for your workflow when deciding on a file transfer method.
Tips for Successful File Transfers Between Android and Ubuntu
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your file transfers go smoothly between Android and Ubuntu:
- For the fastest transfers, use your local WiFi network rather than mobile data.
- Make sure you have the IP address handy for your Ubuntu desktop and Android device.
- Keep your devices close together during transfers to avoid connectivity issues.
- Confirm required ports are open on Ubuntu if you run into connection problems.
- When using an FTP server on Android, start it just before transferring and stop it after to save battery.
- For large transfers over 1GB, cloud storage may be more reliable than direct wireless transfers.
- If you run into permission issues, check the folder and file permissions on both devices.
- Using a static IP address on Ubuntu can make connecting from Android more reliable.
Following these tips will help avoid common problems when transferring files between your Android device and Ubuntu desktop.
Conclusion
Transferring files from Android to Ubuntu is simple once you know which method works best for your needs.
KDE Connect provides the smoothest overall file management experience. SSH gives you added security for sensitive data. Cloud storage like Google Drive can transfer large batches of files easily.
Whichever solution you choose, you now have several ways to wirelessly sync data between your phone and Ubuntu desktop. Each method provides flexible options for transferring photos, videos, documents, and other files.
With the ability to access your Android files directly on Ubuntu, you can integrate your mobile workflow seamlessly into your Linux desktop environment.