You can automatically back up local files from your Pixel phone to Google Drive. Easily move documents, music, and other files from your Pixel phone to Google Drive.
Important:
- Any changes you make to your backed-up files in Google Drive don’t affect the original data on your device.
- You can’t back up photos and videos.
Option 1: Automatically back up local files to Google Drive
You can set up your Pixel phone to automatically back up local files directly to Google Drive. This includes files in your Downloads folder.
Important: You must manually turn on this feature.
- On your Pixel phone, open the Settings app.
- Tap System
Backup
- Turn on Back up downloads.
Backup Tip: In your Google Drive, your files will be organized within a device-specific folder which contains a copy of the structure of your Downloads folder.
Option 2: Move files with your Google Account
Upload files to your Google Account to use them on both your computer and device.
Option 3: Move files with a USB cable
Windows computer
- Unlock your device.
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
- On your device, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
- A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
- When you're done, eject your device from Windows.
- Unplug the USB cable.
Chromebook
- With a USB cable, connect your device to your Chromebook.
- Unlock your device.
- On your device, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
- On your Chromebook, the Files app opens. Use it to drag files. Learn what file types work on Chromebooks.
- When you're done, unplug the USB cable.
Troubleshoot moving files by USB
Windows computer
- Troubleshoot your computer
- Check your computer’s settings to make sure that Windows automatically detects new hardware.
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your device
- Update your Android version. Learn when you'll get software updates on Google Pixel phones.
- Restart your device.
- Troubleshoot your USB connections
- Try a different USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.
- To test the USB port on your device, connect your device to a different computer.
- To test the USB port on your computer, connect a different device to your computer.