How to Easily Share Files Between your Ubuntu Desktop and your Android Device

You download your favorite song on your Ubuntu desktop, play it in Rhythmbox, and you get hooked to it. You say to yourself, 'God, I got to have this song on my smartphone. I'm going to listen to it while I drive!' However, since you're used to the age-old iTunes way of transferring files from your computer to your iPhone or iPod Touch, you are confused about transferring files between your desktop and your phone. If you are in the same or similar situation, don't worry.

Transferring files from a Linux desktop to Android devices might be a bit confusing for some users, especially for those who are new to Linux itself. The following guide shows you multiple ways in which you can transfer your files be it videos, music, documents, or even application files (.apks) from your Ubuntu desktop to your Android smartphone or tablet.

Wired Way

Using USB Cable: This is the easiest way to transfer files. If you want to transfer music, for example, all you have to do is connect the cable to your computer and the other end to your device. Android will ask you whether to enable USB MASS STORAGE MODE or not. At this step, enable the mass storage mode and wait for a few seconds till your device gets recognized. 

Now, once the device is recognized, a dialog box will pop up asking you what you want to do with the file. Close that dialog box and open the File Manager. On the left pane you'll see a link to the device. Open the link so that you can browse the files on your phone. To transfer music to your device, simply create a folder called "Music". Then copy and paste any file you want into that folder like you normally would on a desktop.

Wireless Way

AirDroid: AirDroid is perhaps the easiest way to transfer your files from your Linux desktop to your Android device. The browser-based application works from almost everywhere and can be used to transfer any kind of file to and from your Android device. To get started, all you have to do is install the AirDroid application on your smartphone or tablet and then go to web.airdroid.com using a web browser on your desktop. 

Register on the site and then connect your device to the service by scanning a QR code or by simply logging in. Then, you'll be presented with a neat-looking desktop-like interface that lets you transfer all kinds of files from your desktop.  

Dropbox: This is one of the best ways to transfer photos between your phone and your Droid and your desktop. Once you install Dropbox on your phone, don't forget to enable the Camera Upload feature. This will automatically upload all the photos you take on your phone to your Dropbox account instantly. This is probably the best way to transfer all your photos from your phone to your computer.

Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.