How to Move Files on an Android Phone or Tablet

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A step-by-step tutorial on moving files in your Android file manager
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Do you want to move a file on your Android? Fortunately, this feat isn't too difficult, and this article guides you through it. Continue reading to learn more about moving files on Android using Google's file manager or file management apps that come with your phone.

Quick Steps to Moving Files on Your Android

  1. Open Files by Google or your file manager.
  2. Tap and hold to select a file.
  3. Tap the vertical three dots.
  4. Tap Move to .
  5. Select a destination.
  6. Tap Move here .
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Files by Google

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  1. If you're using a Samsung phone or any similar phone with proprietary software, you will have to download the Files by Google app , which you can find on the Google Play Store for free.
    • Most other Android phones already have Files by Google pre-installed.
  2. You will see your data grouped in categories like "Downloads", "Images", and "Audio."
    • You can also choose the storage type instead of Categories. For example, you want to select Other storage if you know a file is on your SD card. [1]
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  3. The item is selected when you see a blue checkmark in the upper left corner of the thumbnail, or on the right.
    • To move multiple files at once, continue tapping thumbnails to select them.
    • Switch between grid and list view by tapping the 3x2 or bullet list icons in the top right corner.
  4. It's the vertical three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  5. It's the second option on the menu.
    • You can also drag and drop selected files from one location to another. [2]
  6. If you have an SD card inserted, you can choose between Internal storage or SD Card/Removable Storage .
    • If you're moving files from your phone to your computer , you'll see your computer's name here.
    • Tap a folder if you want to save the files to an existing folder, or select Add new folder to create a new destination.
  7. This moves the selected file(s) to the new location.
  8. If you’re using a device that supports split screen mode, such as the Google Pixel, you can drag and drop files from Files to another Google app. Here’s how to do it: [3]
    • Open Files and another Google app, such as Docs.
    • Put your phone in split screen mode . The way to do this depends on your device. For example, on a Pixel: Open an app. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, hold for a second, then let go. Tap the app’s icon, then tap Split Screen . [4]
    • In Files, select the file you want to move, then drag and drop it to the location in the other app where you want it to go. You can also move files from the other app to Files.
      • This method will make a copy of the file you’re moving, so you’ll have copies in both locations.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Another File Manager

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  1. If you’re using a Samsung, the app is called My Files, and you’ll find it in the app drawer. On other Android devices, the file manager app is usually called File Manager or File Browser .
  2. Tap the folder containing the file you want to move to display its contents.
  3. This selects the file in most file managers. In other file managers, you'll just need to tap the file once to select it. [5]
  4. A list of locations will appear.
  5. If you want to move the file to your Google Drive, select it, then tap the folder where you want to move it.
  6. The file will now appear in its new location.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/files/answer/9808833?hl=en-GB
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/files/answer/13530280
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/files/answer/13530280
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7444033
      5. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-203885/

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