Share files between Android and PC with KDE Connect
Check each other's device names on Android and PC, pair, send files from the share menu, and manage recipients and permissions.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- People who want to send files between Android and PC without a USB cable
- People who want to complete sharing between devices within the same LAN
What you need
- Connect your Android device and PC to the same reliable LAN
- Set different device names for both devices
Introduce the official version to both
KDE Connect is free and open source. The Android app is available from Google Play, F-Droid, and Huawei AppGallery. The Windows version is available from Microsoft Store, Chocolatey, or the official offline installer; desktop versions also exist for Linux and macOS. Start KDE Connect on both Android and Windows and grant only the permissions required for the features you intend to use, such as local-network access or notifications.
Check the device name and pair
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi or LAN. In KDE Connect on either Android or Windows, select the other device by name and choose [Request Pairing]. On the receiving device, verify the requesting device's name before selecting [Accept]. Never accept an unknown request on public Wi-Fi. If the devices cannot find each other, disconnect any VPN, avoid guest Wi-Fi, and allow KDE Connect to communicate on private networks through Windows Firewall.
- Connect both devices to the same LAN
- Select the correct device name from the list
- Press [Request Pairing]
- Verify the requesting device's name on the other device and select [Accept]
Send from Android to PC
In Android's Files or Photos app, select a file, choose [Share], select KDE Connect's [Send to Device], and choose the paired PC. When Windows shows a completion notification, inspect the filename, size, and contents in the Downloads folder. To send from Windows, right-click the KDE Connect icon in the notification area and choose [Device name] > [Send a file/URL] > [Send File], then select the file. Open it from the Android notification or Downloads folder to verify it.
Stop and resume sharing
To stop sharing temporarily, close KDE Connect on each device. If the devices no longer need to trust each other, select [Unpair] in the device settings and confirm the change on both Android and Windows. Disable KDE Connect's automatic startup in Windows and turn off plugins you do not need, such as notification sync or clipboard sharing. Unpairing does not delete received files, so remove or organize them separately in their save folders.
Limitations and requirements
- Do not accept pairing requests from public Wi-Fi or unknown devices
- Clipboard and notification sync transfers their contents to the paired device, so enable only the plugins you need
Frequently asked questions
I can't find my device even though it's the same Wi-Fi
Check whether guest Wi-Fi blocks communication between devices, disconnect any VPN, and review Windows Firewall. Mark the trusted network as private, allow KDE Connect, and restart the app on both devices.
Will received files also be deleted if pairing is canceled?
It won't disappear. What is broken is the trust relationship between devices. Delete received files from your PC or Android's Downloads as necessary.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.
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