How to transfer files to others, with Bluetooth, from Windows 10 Mobile

How to transfer files to others, with Bluetooth, from Windows 10 Mobile

Don't you hate it when you need to rapidly transfer a file to another device and an internet connection isn't available? All smartphones are equipped with Bluetooth , as well as many tablets, laptops and 2-in-1 devices. Unfortunately, there are only a few people who consider using this technology for quick transfers of a small batch of files and that's a shame. In this article we will show you how to transfer a file from your Windows 10 Mobile smartphone to other devices that are equipped with Bluetooth. Let's get started:

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NOTE: For the purpose of this tutorial we used a Microsoft Lumia 550 smartphone with Windows 10 Mobile. The transfer procedure is the same for all Windows 10 Mobile smartphones.

How to transfer a file from your Windows 10 Mobile smartphone, using Bluetooth

The first thing you need to do is to enable Bluetooth on your Windows 10 Mobile smartphone. Flick downwards to bring up the list of settings. Then, press the Bluetooth button from the list of quick shortcuts to activate it.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

An alternative is to go to "Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth". In the Bluetooth window, set the Bluetooth switch to On.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Now, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on the other device to which you want to send your files. The procedure depends on the device and the operating system that it uses. If you want to know how to enable Bluetooth on your Windows 10 PC or your Android device, read our article: How to connect an Android device to a Windows 10 PC using Bluetooth.

The next thing you have to do is to open the app containing the files you want to transfer. Most of the apps dealing with file management, such as File Explorer or Photos have an option which allows you to share files via Bluetooth.

Transfer files from File Explorer via Bluetooth

If you choose to transfer your file from File Explorer, open the app by tapping its icon from the Apps list or your Start screen, if you pinned it there. Now, tap This device to get to your files from the smartphone or SD Card to get to your files from the SD Card.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Locate the files that you want to transfer by opening one of the folders on the screen.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

The next thing you have to do is to select the files that you want to transfer. Press the Select button from the lower menu bar of the folder in File Explorer.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Now, tap the files you want to transfer and a checkmark will be shown at the upper right corner of the file icon.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Next, press the Share button from the lower menu bar.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
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If you previously enabled Bluetooth, this option will appear in the Share menu. Tap on it.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Choose the Bluetooth device you want to send the files to, from the list displayed.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Once pairing is complete, the file transfer will start after the target device confirms that it agrees to the file transfer. During the transfer process, a notification shows up on top of the screen, saying "Sharing X%".

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

When the transfer is complete, the files are saved on the device that you sent them to.

Transfer files from Photos via Bluetooth

Sending files from Photos in Windows 10 Mobile is quite similar to File Explorer. First, go to your Apps list and tap Photos. Locate the album containing the photos you want to send.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Now, press the Select button from the lower menu bar.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Select the files that you want to transfer and a checkmark will appear at the upper right corner of the photo.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Press the Share button which will appear on the lower menu bar.

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

Tap Bluetooth and, from this point, the procedure is identical to the one shown previously in File Explorer : Choose the Bluetooth device that you want to send the files to, from the list displayed. Once pairing is complete, the file transfer will start after the target device confirms that it agrees with the file transfer. During the transfer process, a notification shows up on top of the screen, saying "Sharing X%".

Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send
Windows 10 Mobile, Lumia, Bluetooth, sharing, files, send

When the transfer is complete, the files are saved on the device that you sent them to.

Conclusion

Using your Windows 10 Mobile smartphone for sending files through Bluetooth isn't very complicated. It can come in handy when you need to transfer something quickly and an internet connection isn't available. Just follow these steps we described and you'll do just fine. If you have any issues or questions, don't hesitate to ask using the comments form below.

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