Shipping files from one device to another–a simple process in theory–has a way of becoming remarkably complicated when the devices on each end of the transfer use a different operating system. Enter Xender for PC, an app designed to boil this process down to what it ought to be; we’re going to show you how to get it set up for Windows, Android, and iOS, so that you can start sharing almost any type of file you want with remarkable ease.
How often have you wanted to transfer a file from your smartphone to your computer, or between two different computers, expecting the process to take only a moment since the devices in question are on the same Wi-Fi network. You were probably shocked at how convoluted the process can be and outright irritated when the only solutions recommended to you involved shared cloud storage servers, synced at each end of devices you wanted to transfer from and to.
On the surface, that seems simple too. Toss a file into Dropbox on your PC, sync, and then wait for it to sync onto your other device. Except now, you have to go back and delete that file unless you want it to hang out in your cloud storage forever. And then sync the thing again. The absolute most fun comes from having to repeat this process every time you want to do it. Portable media is out of the question, too, since you’re not going to have much luck plugging your USB thumb drive into a smartphone.
As always, an app has risen to the occasion to solve this problem as simply as it should be. Xender is a lightweight app that allows you to simply move files from device to device using local Wi-Fi networks and mobile device hotspots to do so. It’s entirely legitimate and is available on the Google Play app store as well as the Apple iOS App Store. You’ll need very little to get this nifty little piece of software up and running, but based on frequently asked questions online, it’ll be worth your while to read on and catch some of the specifics as to how it works.
It’s clear that Xender wanted to create a simple alternative where no other truly existed, and after giving the app a few test-drives myself, I’m inclined to agree that they’ve succeeded. Mobile users wanted a dedicated app, rather than a cloud storage workaround, and now they’ve got it.
How Does Xender Work?
Here’s the single caveat you’ll have to deal with, in Xender (and also the reason that it works so damn well.) The devices that you’re transferring between–even if you’re transferring to a PC–need to be on the same, local Wi-Fi network, or at least in close proximity to one another. They also need to be discoverable on said networks, so no hiding! The second major requirement that the app needs to be fulfilled in order to work is the mobile hotspot feature.
This is the option–almost every recent smartphone from the past several years ships with it–allows you to take advantage of your device’s data connection and turn it into a “Wi-Fi hotspot” that can be discovered and used by other Wi-Fi enabled devices.
If you have those two simple requirements going on, then you’re ready to use Xender. Make sure you know where, in your settings, to turn on your device’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
Sending Files Through Xender
First things first: make sure that your mobile devices have the Xender app installed on them! Alternatively, if you’re transferring files to or from a PC (Windows or Mac, either will work!) go to the website http://web.xender.com. We’ll talk more about this briefly, but you don’t actually need to have any Xender software installed on your PC to transfer files. I did say that it was lightweight, didn’t I?
Mobile to Mobile Transfers
Transferring information between your mobile devices is the bread and butter of Xender since it’s by far the most cumbersome thing to do without a handy app to make it simpler. Sure, you could go the cloud storage route (I’ll even give you some good options for it at the end of the article), but the Xender method is the best method. Let’s get started by preparing:
- Make sure that Xender is installed on all devices you want to transfer to and from.
- Activate your primary device’s mobile hotspot.
- Ensure that neither device is “hidden” on the Wi-Fi network that you’re sharing.
From here, the file transfer process is going to differ slightly depending on the operating system that each of your devices is using. The following will walk you through transfers from Android to Android, Android to iOS, and iOS to iOS. After, we’ll look into how you can start transferring files between your mobile device and your PC.
Android to Android
I’d say, “this will be the simplest of these processes,” but that wouldn’t exactly be true. They’re all the same degree of “simple,” and getting yourself set up to transfer files between two separate Android devices is a breeze. Once again, make sure that you have Xender installed on both devices! The “Wi-Fi hotspot” feature needs to be enabled on both as well.
- From within Xender, tap the “+” button on the primary device that you’re going to use (you can select either.)
- Select “Create Group” from the available options.
- On the opposite Android device, select “+” followed by “Join Group.”
- You should find the other devices easily. Click on it, and your devices will automatically connect.
You’re not set up to start transferring files! Documents, images, videos, and even entire apps can be passed from one device to another by way of Xender.
Android to iOS
We’ve all heard the anecdotes that hint to iOS and Android not exactly getting along. You might assume that transferring files between the two devices would be a headache and a half, but this isn’t true, either! While we’re not going to find Apple and Google sharing a candlelit dinner anytime soon, we can absolutely rely on Xender to bridge the two operating systems. As above, ensure that Xender is installed on both devices, and the Wi-Fi hotspots are activated.
- Begin with your Android device. Select “+” and then “Connect iPhone.”
- On the iOS device, open up your settings and select “Wi-Fi,” then connect to the Android device’s hotspot.
- Still on iOS, open up Xender and select “Connect Friend.”
- After the automatic pairing process, you’re good to go!
Keep in mind that iOS apps are not compatible with Android, and vice versa. Apart from this stipulation, however, most media files and documents can be shared between both devices and opened with the software contained on each. See? Sharing doesn’t have to be hard, Apple!
iOS to iOS
Now that we’ve tackled Android-to-Android and Android-to-iOS, let’s wrap up with iOS-to-iOS before moving on to PCs. In this instance, you might not need to have the Wi-Fi hotspot feature enabled. Instead, simply ensure that both iOS devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- From within the Xender app, tap “+” and then “Connect Friend.”
- You’ll be shown a list of devices on the current Wi-Fi network. Select the iOS device that you’d like to transfer with.
- After this, your devices should automatically pair, and you’ll be ready to transfer!
Transferring entire apps between iOS devices remains a tricky process that I don’t entirely recommend, given Apple’s penchant for proprietary software and its traditionally “closed” iOS platform. However, most common file types remain fair game!
Mobile to PC Transfers
While getting files between your mobile devices is often the most cumbersome type of file transfer, moving those files between your mobile device and your PC is often the most useful. Whether you’re just unloading some images or video from your smartphone or moving documents for the office, Xender can simplify this process, too.
The best part? You’re not even going to have to install anything on your computer! Simply go to http://web.xender.com, and stand by with your mobile device! We won’t require separate instructions depending on your operating systems. Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android will all follow the same few steps.
- From the Xender app, tap “+” followed by “Connect PC.”
- This should open up your device’s camera (you may have to enable permissions for this step.)
- Scan the QR code present at http://web.xender.com, and your device will automatically be paired with your PC!
You’ll also need to have both connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but this should be a no-brainer if you’re standing right next to your computer. With those few steps completed, you can begin transferring files between your Windows PC or Mac and your Android or iOS device with relative ease.
Xender opens up a wide field for possible file transfers, but it’s certainly not the only way to get the job done. If cloud storage is a more compelling method for you, then give Google Drive or Dropbox a try. Both will require some extra fussing and fiddling with settings on your part, and you’ll also need to ensure that you’re syncing your apps properly, but they’ll work in a pinch, as well.
Are you a regular Xender user? If you’ve used it on a Windows PC (or if you have any remaining questions) post them in the comments below!