Database Users

Wirelessly Transfer Files to and from Xoom using FTP (look mom no cables)

Hello Everyone,
This isn't anything ground breaking but it might be something that someone has not thought about doing to their Xoom yet. You can easily turn your Xoom into an FTP Server through a free application. And then get an FTP client for your computer. Then use your computer to upload and download files onto your Xoom over the local Wifi or Internet. File transfer between devices is really fast and works very well. I have a video tutorial running through the basics on getting this working both on your Computer and on your Xoom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy_wnSKN_CM

What makes this more or less desire able than say dropbox?

cwizardtx said:
What makes this more or less desire able than say dropbox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dropbox is cloud based. Your information is saved on a remote server where any device that supports Dropbox can download from it. So you have to upload it to the cloud from your computer, then download the files to your xoom.
This type of direct FTP transfer is similar to a USB transfer. There is no intermediate storage space, like a dropbox, you are directly transferring files from your Xoom to your computer or vice versa.
I personally use both. They have different functionality. If I want to quickly transfer a file to my android device, I use FTP. If I want to store a file so I can grab it later from any of my devices, I use cloud.

grab an app from the market called Websharing.
It allows you to transfer files, wirelessly, from an android device/to a computer and vice versa, all through a web browser..
very handy for transferring stuff without a wire...

FYI, all of the decent file explorers for android have this feature built in. No need to download another app.

mobius999 said:
FYI, all of the decent file explorers for android have this feature built in. No need to download another app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I was more or less throwing the idea out there. But there are many options and applications both for the Server and Client.

What I like about this option is that it uses such an age-old-tried-and-true method of moving files.
Nothing weird, ****ed up, magical about it like USB on Linux that dosn't want to work 90% of the time

please try wifi explorer available in the market.

I use SwiFTP server on my Xoom & DroidX. The I just FTP files to and from my devices with Filezilla. There might be better ways but this works just fine for me.

With as fast as the USB data is on the xoom (like a movie a minute, if not faster) i dont see why you would want to do this if your already at your computer. If your out and about then yeah, that's cool.

I've done the same on my Nexus One for ages.
The idea is that this effectively gives you ability to push files onto the device wirelessly without having to go and find it. And you don't actually need an FTP client - in Windows, at least, Explorer (not IE, but the stock file manager) can perfectly well handle ftp://... if you type it in the address bar. If you also assign a name to your phone on the router, you can use that instead of IP, so you don't have to look it up on the phone.
Also note that we're talking about running an FTP server on the phone (exposing /sdcard), not connecting to other servers out there. "All of the decent file explorers for android" are FTP clients, which is quite different.

Yea, there's multiple ways to go about this. I just use an app called Samba Filesharing from the market. It just makes your internal storage visible on the network as an SMB share. Works really well. I've also started to use AndSMB to browse my home FreeNAS server as well so that's another option I suppose.

I actually prefer awesome drop or dropbox(when it is working right) but nice thinking outside of the box

I can highly recommend "File Expert",
for me it's the ultimate app/toolkit - all in one
just uploaded 2 GB of music files to my Xoom via that "Sharing" -> "Start Share via FTP" function

Wi-fi file sharing

Hi, how can i transfer files PC>TRANSFORMER or TRANSFORMER>PC via WI-FI?
thanks for answering...

i'm interested two...
also would like toknow if a good upnp soft exit without needing multiple tools like upnplay and moboplayer...

Try AndSMB.
Also if you have a kernel with cifs support, you can use cifs manager to mount your windows shares, so that you can directly open your shared files without copying them.

There are a few ways to do this.
The first is to use SwiFTP. This makes the transformer behave as an FTP server, then you can explore files on it using an ftp client from your computer.
The second is to use your computer as an FTP server and use AndFTP to explore files on your computer to move files onto your tablet.
I use both all the time, and they work really well.
Cheers.

I use ES File Explorer (free from Android Market) on my Transformer (and before that, my GTab).
It supports browsing of FTP and LAN. So as long as you know how to set up shares on your windows PC, you can access those directories from your T.F. and copy / paste / install APK straight from your PC.

or install File Manager HD.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rhmsoft.fm.hd&feature=search_result
and you can browse files on your pc from the Transformer (once you have shared them in windows.) and set up the connection in File Manager HD.
You can then copy and paste them as if they were on the same machine.
It will ask for login details, these are:
your computers network ip address eg 192.168.0.2,
your log on which is the name you use to log into windows with,
and a password, again, this is your windows password.
You will need to install Windows Media Player 11 or higher and add the shared directories to your 'library' then they will show up on the shared network using UpnP or SMB.

eliak said:
Hi, how can i transfer files PC>TRANSFORMER or TRANSFORMER>PC via WI-FI?
thanks for answering...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Cloud

I originally tried that. But, for whatever reason, it wouldn't see my "shares" across my network whereas ES File Explorer did.
Also, File Manager HD has advertisements. ES File Explorer doesn't clutter up your screen with ads. Unless of course you are rooted and have ad blocking software installed on your TF.
CarsnGadgets said:
or install File Manager HD.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rhmsoft.fm.hd&feature=search_result
<SNIP>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm going to offer a different solution...dropbox.
I use it constantly to transfer files to and from my phone, laptop, and TF...
Its fast and brainless.

rpavich said:
I'm going to offer a different solution...dropbox.
I use it constantly to transfer files to and from my phone, laptop, and TF...
Its fast and brainless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This and "my cloud" are really simply and easy solutions that i also prefer, however they are not really wifi, or your home internal network. They require moving the data up over your broadband access and back again. If you have a large broadband monthly rate who really cares i guess but it seems kind of silly to push it up and back again. But at the same time i do't really trust free services like drop box to snoop over my stuff if not to just sell my habits or likes and dislikes to potential sales.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

proplayer44 said:
This and "my cloud" are really simply and easy solutions that i also prefer, however they are not really wifi, or your home internal network. They require moving the data up over your broadband access and back again. If you have a large broadband monthly rate who really cares i guess but it seems kind of silly to push it up and back again. But at the same time i do't really trust free services like drop box to snoop over my stuff if not to just sell my habits or likes and dislikes to potential sales.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh...right, I never thought of it that way....true.

There is a free app called Wireless File Transfer Lite in the Market that does what you want to do.

thanks for the tip..I'm going to try it too.

you can try es fie explorer they have lan tab where you cantrasfer to share folders

Dropbox
rpavich said:
I'm going to offer a different solution...dropbox.
I use it constantly to transfer files to and from my phone, laptop, and TF...
Its fast and brainless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for Dropbox!!!

proplayer44 said:
This and "my cloud" are really simply and easy solutions that i also prefer, however they are not really wifi, or your home internal network. They require moving the data up over your broadband access and back again. If you have a large broadband monthly rate who really cares i guess but it seems kind of silly to push it up and back again. But at the same time i do't really trust free services like drop box to snoop over my stuff if not to just sell my habits or likes and dislikes to potential sales.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true!!! I never thought of dropbox like that!!! OK!!!

Many awesome suggestions so far. Going to try a few of them, since I've been wondering the same. Thanks!

CarsnGadgets said:
or install File Manager HD.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rhmsoft.fm.hd&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this works really well. I hate having multiple apps that have overlapping functions, so was keen to avoid a separate app just for file transfer. Was using File Manager HD anyway, so that works!
As for Dropbox, want to keep my files where they are, not put them in a special Dropbox folder. Also, having read somewhere that the only thing stopping Dropbox employees accessing your storage space is trust (ie no specific security measures stopping them from snooping), not sure I really trust that service!!

Thanks you work much .for information .is Very fine work on my galaxy tab
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

i installed DROPBOX too...

[Q] G2 Media Transfer with Macs

Hey everyone,
I was looking to get an LG G2 but my only concern is that my primary computer is a Mac, and I see no compatible way for me to transfer media files (primarily music) from my computer to my phone. Other companies such as Samsung have Kies that works with Macs as well, or Sony that has Bridge for Mac compatibility, but LG doesn't have this alternative I believe.
Does anyone know of any alternatives I can use? As I really do want this phone.
Thanks in advance!

Not a problem. Use http://www.android.com/filetransfer/

izzuedotcom said:
Hey everyone,
I was looking to get an LG G2 but my only concern is that my primary computer is a Mac, and I see no compatible way for me to transfer media files (primarily music) from my computer to my phone. Other companies such as Samsung have Kies that works with Macs as well, or Sony that has Bridge for Mac compatibility, but LG doesn't have this alternative I believe.
Does anyone know of any alternatives I can use? As I really do want this phone.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use google chrome on your mac and proceed to download and install the Google Music Manager.
Good Luck
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57582439-285/the-complete-guide-to-using-android-with-a-mac/

meln4ya said:
Use google chrome on your mac and proceed to download and install the Google Music Manager.
Good Luck
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57582439-285/the-complete-guide-to-using-android-with-a-mac/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also, you can use the Terminal and the Android SDK, and 'adb push file locationOnPhone' to get files onto the phone.

Thanks for all your help!

meln4ya said:
Use google chrome on your mac and proceed to download and install the Google Music Manager.
Good Luck
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57582439-285/the-complete-guide-to-using-android-with-a-mac/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After checking out Google Music Manager I've noticed that I cannot use it in Canada, or as Google says "The Google Play music player is currently available in select territories." Do you happen to know when I would be able to use this alternative? Thanks again

I have used ISyncr for quite a while and a number of different Androids. It easily interfaces with itunes on my MacBook Pro. For file transfer I use Android Transfer you can easily drag and drop. Some limitations but overall works straight forward easy drag and drop.

I used DoubleTwist + AirTwist. I had it purchased a long time ago. Android File Transfer worked too but it would freeze randomly (on OSX 10.8.3).

Transfer photos and music from MAC to LGG2
This is really easy to do WITHOUT a third party application or a USB connection.
Just go to to your SETTINGS in the LG G2, then NETWORKS then tap on Share and Connect. Make sure Wireless Store is ON, then tap on it. You'll get a page with URLs on the bottom for Windows and Mac. Also a Username and Password.
On your MAC, click on the blue face FINDER and click on COMMAND K.
You'll get a little box, then type in the URL for MAC from your phone, click on ADD then click on URL in the second box . If it asks for the Username and Password, type those in too. Click on + then CONNECT.
Your phone will then pair with your MAC and you'll get a folder on your desktop for the phone. Open that up and click to open the SDCARD folder, you will see all the folders contained in your phone. Open the MUSIC or PICTURES folder, then copy your songs or pics to these folders. When you're done, check your phone. All that you've copied will be in your phone. My pics were all in folders, and this trsnsferred them all over in folders.
I stuffed about for days downloading all these programs that are supposed to connect up with the phone, waste of time, none of them worked. I even paid for 2 of them, so waste of money also. All the time, the function was sitting there in the phone !
Good Luck.

[Q] Access HDD from Kodi

Hi,
I've connected my 2TB HDD through a powered usb hub to my Nexus Player and I am able to access the files. However, I've tried to set my video library by setting a path in my HDD, but the problem is that I don't see my HDD in the list displayed in Kodi.
Any help will be appreciated.
Regards.

abo_mara7 said:
Hi,
I've connected my 2TB HDD through a powered usb hub to my Nexus Player and I am able to access the files. However, I've tried to set my video library by setting a path in my HDD, but the problem is that I don't see my HDD in the list displayed in Kodi.
Any help will be appreciated.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you are adding a path to your videos (assuming you have used Stickmount to mount the HDD), first click on Videos, then Files. Then Click Add Videos, Browse. Then go to External Storage. Your mounted HDD should be listed at the end of the list.

kaestnerkyle said:
When you are adding a path to your videos (assuming you have used Stickmount to mount the HDD), first click on Videos, then Files. Then Click Add Videos, Browse. Then go to External Storage. Your mounted HDD should be listed at the end of the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Well, I didn't use stickmount. Because I could access my HDD from ES File Explorer without it. Shall I root and use that app?

As far as I know, you can only fully access an external HDD after you root. I'd refer to the Development subforum for guides to do that.

kaestnerkyle said:
As far as I know, you can only fully access an external HDD after you root. I'd refer to the Development subforum for guides to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will try that.

I used Stickmount and it worked. Thanks again @kaestnerkyle .

It seems you've solved your problem, but here's some more info for future reference.
I didn't want to have a HDD plugged into each device directly. So, my movies are on a 3TB HDD that's plugged directly into my router via USB. The Nexus Player reads this just fine, as do other devices. We've had it (the router) streaming 3 HD movies at a time to various devices (though bitrates vary, and these were lower bitrate encodes).
It also doesn't require root or secondary apps to help read the media.

Has anyone managed to connect multiple hard drives? I've tried to do this because I have my movie library on multiple drives and it only ever sees the first Drive that gets plugged in. Am I doing something wrong? Will stickmount accomplish this and if so, how do I do it? I had stickmount installed before and didn't get what I desired.

abo_mara7 said:
I used Stickmount and it worked. Thanks again @kaestnerkyle .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to root the Nexus Player at all?

unix4linux said:
Did you have to root the Nexus Player at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Stickmount requires root.

jaykresge said:
It seems you've solved your problem, but here's some more info for future reference.
I didn't want to have a HDD plugged into each device directly. So, my movies are on a 3TB HDD that's plugged directly into my router via USB. The Nexus Player reads this just fine, as do other devices. We've had it (the router) streaming 3 HD movies at a time to various devices (though bitrates vary, and these were lower bitrate encodes).
It also doesn't require root or secondary apps to help read the media.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious how you did this? How does your router show the hard drive on the np..
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app

jestexman said:
Curious how you did this? How does your router show the hard drive on the np..
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kodi can see it as an SMB share.

Okay great. . Just found that setting.. off to find a fast drive. . Mind listing the one you have?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app

jestexman said:
Okay great. . Just found that setting.. off to find a fast drive. . Mind listing the one you have?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a slow one. I have an older 3TB Seagate, connected via USB 2.0 (yes, two point zero), to a router known for slow read times. At best, it seems to read and transfer 48mbit (6MByte)/sec over the network. Under ideal situations, that's 1 Blu-Ray rip (no re-encode), or 3-5 1080p Handbrake encodes streaming throughout the house. We've done 3 to different devices simultaneously with no issues.
You won't need a fast hard drive. Your router will be the main limitation for read speeds. Go over to small net builder and compare their routers, especially by HDD read speed.

jaykresge said:
I have a slow one. I have an older 3TB Seagate, connected via USB 2.0 (yes, two point zero), to a router known for slow read times. At best, it seems to read and transfer 48mbit (6MByte)/sec over the network. Under ideal situations, that's 1 Blu-Ray rip (no re-encode), or 3-5 1080p Handbrake encodes streaming throughout the house. We've done 3 to different devices simultaneously with no issues.
You won't need a fast hard drive. Your router will be the main limitation for read speeds. Go over to small net builder and compare their routers, especially by HDD read speed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you explain exactly how you were able to make the SMB work? I'm having problems with it, with a timeout/connection issue.

dancooley22 said:
Could you explain exactly how you were able to make the SMB work? I'm having problems with it, with a timeout/connection issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please provide me the following:
-Router model
-Make and model of HDD plugged into the router via USB

jaykresge said:
Please provide me the following:
-Router model
-Make and model of HDD plugged into the router via USB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
router model - netgear WNDR3700
HDD - WD 2TB my passport ultra
What router and HDD combination do you recommend?

dancooley22 said:
router model - netgear WNDR3700
HDD - WD 2TB my passport ultra
What router and HDD combination do you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no recommendation. I just wanted to know your hardware so that I can help you configure it.
That said, first, I need you to access your router's settings. To do that, open your web browser and in the URL box, type "192.168.1.1" without the quote marks, then hit enter. You should get a popup asking for a username and password. If you didn't change these, they will be (by default):
username: admin
password: password
That said, you should get a page with two tabs that are labeled "BASIC" and "ADVANCED." Click on advanced.
From there, on the left side, click "USB Functions." After that, click "Ready SHARE Storage."
This will bring up your storage management screen, displaying whatever you have connected via USB. You should see a Network/Device name, and a Workgroup name. Assign something or leave them as default (don't tell me what they are). Under "Available Network Folders" at the bottom you should see something that says \\XXX\USB_Storage, where XXX = your Network/Device name. This should display total and free storage, and there should be a grayed out radio button to the left.
If all of this is correct, then your storage is working properly. If it's not, we'll need to mess with it. So, report back and let me know where you stand on this.

jaykresge said:
I have no recommendation. I just wanted to know your hardware so that I can help you configure it.
That said, first, I need you to access your router's settings. To do that, open your web browser and in the URL box, type "192.168.1.1" without the quote marks, then hit enter. You should get a popup asking for a username and password. If you didn't change these, they will be (by default):
username: admin
password: password
That said, you should get a page with two tabs that are labeled "BASIC" and "ADVANCED." Click on advanced.
From there, on the left side, click "USB Functions." After that, click "Ready SHARE Storage."
This will bring up your storage management screen, displaying whatever you have connected via USB. You should see a Network/Device name, and a Workgroup name. Assign something or leave them as default (don't tell me what they are). Under "Available Network Folders" at the bottom you should see something that says \\XXX\USB_Storage, where XXX = your Network/Device name. This should display total and free storage, and there should be a grayed out radio button to the left.
If all of this is correct, then your storage is working properly. If it's not, we'll need to mess with it. So, report back and let me know where you stand on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good! I also found this guide:
http://blog.en.uptodown.com/hard-drive-local-network/
I'm going to buy a new router and I was asking myself if I need a router with usb port or save some money and buy one cheaper without any port ...
and I now discovered I can use the usb to share a full HDD ... and reproduce all of my media files from multiple devices!
This is great.
Can you confirm I can access contents through Kodi or some Music Player directly? How is the shared HDD seen from the Android devices? I mean: I need some configuration (maybe with ES File Explorer) or any app that has explorer capabilities can see it directly??
Last question: can I also write files on the HDD (with my computer) while other devices are streaming/reading contents from it??
thanks!

Just to mention, you do not need root to access an external drive. ES File Explorer finds the connected HDD without any problems what so ever. Browse to your video and choose which app to play in. So far I've been able to play videos in MX Player and KODI from ES. But the mentioned players can't find the HDD, don't know why ES can.

[Q] How to share a Nexus Player directory?

Hi,
any idea how to setup a Samba share on a NP without root?
I tried WEBDAV Server (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.theolivetree.webdavserver), but it fails to start.
Any other idea?
I'ld like to be able to copy files (Kodi stuff) from my Windows PC to my NP to sync settings/addons.
thx

Sorry, can't help you but I've also always wondered how to "share" a directory in a Android Device. Would be of great benefit for my Tablet and Phone, etc... to transfer files over a local LAN. Keeping an eye on this one to see if anyone has an answer.

I have no idea if it will work on androidTV but for my phone i always use SambaDroid
great little app

serpentxx said:
I have no idea if it will work on androidTV but for my phone i always use SambaDroid
great little app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try sideloading it...
thx for the hint...

serpentxx said:
I have no idea if it will work on androidTV but for my phone i always use SambaDroid
great little app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for that. Just installed it on my Nexus6 and can't get the service to "Start" however. Once I figure what the heck is wrong, this will probably be exactly what I'm looking for!

After getting tired of opening ES File Explorer and enabling FTP access everytime, I started using 'SSH Server' (available on Play Store), which loads on boot (after you tick the right boxes to do so) so I can access my Nexus Player storage via SFTP from my Openelec box and my MacBook. I'm sure there are other options, but this one's enough for what I need.

serpentxx said:
I have no idea if it will work on androidTV but for my phone i always use SambaDroid
great little app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sambadroid needs root to run...
is there any easy way to root apart from adb/fastboot...?

nd4spdviper said:
After getting tired of opening ES File Explorer and enabling FTP access everytime, I started using 'SSH Server' (available on Play Store), which loads on boot (after you tick the right boxes to do so) so I can access my Nexus Player storage via SFTP from my Openelec box and my MacBook. I'm sure there are other options, but this one's enough for what I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try.
thx!

shadow_empire1 said:
Sambadroid needs root to run...
is there any easy way to root apart from adb/fastboot...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It needs root AND SEL set to "permissive" on Marshmallow. That's why I can't get it to work. I had it working on an old tablet (because there is no way I'm setting SEL mode to "permissive" anymore) and tried to transfer a file, all sorts of errors and when it did work, it was VERY slow.
So this app, really not useful.

nd4spdviper said:
After getting tired of opening ES File Explorer and enabling FTP access everytime, I started using 'SSH Server' (available on Play Store), which loads on boot (after you tick the right boxes to do so) so I can access my Nexus Player storage via SFTP from my Openelec box and my MacBook. I'm sure there are other options, but this one's enough for what I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SSH Server is the perfect solution!
thx its working great!

shadow_empire1 said:
SSH Server is the perfect solution!
thx its working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help. I myself I'm new at this, just got my Nexus Player last saturday I've been using Android for the past 4 months after a life on iOS. However, I love how this sort of stuff can be done on this OS!

If you have ES File Explorer open on 2 devices on the same LAN you can just send from 1 to the other directly.

kuroneko007 said:
If you have ES File Explorer open on 2 devices on the same LAN you can just send from 1 to the other directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, yes. But there is no ES File Explorer for your PC / MAC, so sending files from a PC to a Android device won't work that way. (unless you count installing bluestacks emulator and running ES that way from a PC)