Device Connect — Android File Access from PC Browser
Device Connect starts a secure HTTP server on your phone. Type the IP address into any browser on your PC or Mac — you get a full file manager for your Android device, in the browser, no software to install.
How It Works
- Open AnExplorer → sidebar → Device Connect → tap Start.
- AnExplorer shows a local IP address and port (e.g.
http://192.168.xxx.xxxx:8080) and a QR code. - On your PC: open any browser → enter the address (or scan the QR code).
- The browser shows AnExplorer's web file manager — browse, download, and upload files.
No USB cable. No ADB. No drivers. Works from Windows, macOS, Linux, or any device with a browser.
What You Can Do From the Browser
- Browse all AnExplorer storage locations — internal storage, SD card, USB OTG
- Download files to the PC with a click
- Upload files from the PC to any folder on the phone
- Create folders, rename and delete items
- Batch download — select multiple files → download as ZIP
- Trigger APK installation — upload an APK → install it remotely on the phone
Transfer Speed
Device Connect uses your local WiFi, so transfers run at WiFi speeds — the same as transferring to a NAS. On WiFi 5 a 1 GB video transfers in under 30 seconds.
Security
- The server is local-only — it binds to your WiFi IP, not reachable from the internet
- Optional PIN lock — set a 4-digit PIN so only you can connect
- The server stops automatically when you close AnExplorer or lock the screen (configurable)
- All data stays on your local network
Use Cases
| Scenario | How Device Connect Helps |
|---|---|
| Back up photos to PC | Open browser → select all photos → Download as ZIP |
| Move development APK to phone | Browser → Upload APK → Install remotely |
| Bulk copy from phone to NAS | Use PC to download from phone and re-upload to NAS |
| Access phone storage from SmartTV browser | Enter IP in the TV's browser |
| Transfer from Chromebook (no ADB) | Browser-based — works natively |
Related Features
For offline peer-to-peer transfers, use WiFi Transfer. For connecting to network drives from the phone, use Network Storage or SMB File Manager.