Are you thinking of transferring files from your tablet to your PC? Then, you need to know how to connect tablet to PC via WiFi. Luckily, we just know how to do it!
The most common approach to connecting a tablet to a PC is via a USB cable. However, there are wireless ways too.
They work just as well and often connect faster. Plus, they provide an added convenience when you don’t have a cable on hand.
So, how do you connect a tablet to a PC over WiFi? Stay tuned to find out!
To connect your Android tablet to your PC via WiFi, first, make sure that they are connected to the same network. Once confirmed, open your tablet’s WiFi settings and select Connect to a device. Next, select your PC from the list and enter your WiFi password. You can also use a third-party tool like AirDroid.
There are many other ways to connect your tablet to your PC wirelessly. Before we discuss them, you need to understand the benefits of connecting via WiFi first.
Can I Connect My Tablet to My PC
Yes, it is possible to connect your tablet to your PC. A USB cable is a great tool for transferring files.
However, wireless solutions are deemed faster and more convenient. The most common ways are through Bluetooth and WiFi.
Why Connect Your Tablet to Your PC via WiFi
While Bluetooth allows for short-range data transfer, it is best employed in headsets and mobile phones.
Connecting your tablet to your PC via WiFi is the best option if you wish to access online content.
Here are other reasons why you should consider connecting your devices through WiFi:
1. Transfer Files Quickly
A WiFi file transfer is faster than a Bluetooth file transfer. You can transfer a 1.5GB file in approximately 125 minutes via Bluetooth. On the other hand, WiFi data transfer accomplishes that in just 10 minutes.
2. Don’t Have a Cable Handy
Away from home or your office? No problem. You don’t need a cable to transfer files via WiFi. Your devices only need to be on the same WiFi network.
3. Added Convenience
WiFi file transfer does not require any wires or cables. You don’t need to set up and impose the risk of safety either. Moreover, you can charge your tablet simultaneously.
4. Use as an extra monitor
This method allows you to make your tablet a second screen for portability.
However, you need a fast, reliable WiFi connection and sufficient RAM to avoid lags.
Now, you know why you should consider connecting your tablet to your PC via WiFi.
Let us proceed to the steps of various wireless file transfers.
How to Connect Tablet to Computer Wirelessly
Knowing how to connect tablet to PC via WiFi can be advantageous, especially if you want to transfer files quickly without a cable.
Before we discuss the different ways to connect devices wirelessly, you want to ensure that both devices are linked to the same WiFi network.
Once connected, you can transfer files between your tablet and PC.
Method #1: How to Connect Your Tablet to Your PC via WiFi Direct
Since your tablet and laptop can both connect to your WiFi network, you can set it up in a way where they’ll be able to link with each other.
A feature named WiFi Direct allows you to connect devices as long as they’re connected to the same network.
WiFi Direct is also something that you can use if there are no available routers or access points that you can use to connect your tablet and computer.
You can then use this connection to transfer files, play games, and even share applications.
Step #1: Adding Your Tablet to Your Computer
To connect your tablet and PC using WiFi Direct, you must go through a couple of important steps.
One is going to be steps to identify your tablet from your computer. The next would be accepting that connection with your tablet.
Here’s how to add your tablet to your computer:
- Open your computer’s Settings.
- Go to Devices, then Bluetooth and other devices.
- Click on Add a device.
- Choose Everything else.
- When your tablet appears, click on it.
Step #2: Enable WiFi Direct on Your Tablet
- Go to your tablet’s Settings.
- Select Connections, then WiFi.
- At the top, look for WiFi Direct.
- Tap on it to start scanning for compatible devices.
- Once your laptop appears on the list, tap on it.
Note: You’ll need to do these steps on both devices one after the other so they’ll be able to detect each other.
Method #2: Connecting Your Tablet and PC Using a Third-Party App
WiFi Direct is a more manual method, and you might run into compatibility issues with iOS devices.
However, this next method should work whether you’re linking an Android tablet or an iPad to your computer.
Here, we explore using a third-party tool that allows you to do more than just transfer files. There are a number of these tools that you can use.
One in particular that stands out is AirDroid. It’s a tool that allows you to connect any tablet to your computer, whether an Android or iPad.
Step #1: Install AirDroid on Your Tablet (Android or iPad)
- Open your device’s app store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
- Search for AirDroid.
- Select the app.
- Tap on Install to get the app.
Step #2: Use AirDroid to Connect Your Tablet to Your PC
- Open AirDroid on your tablet.
- Go to the Nearby tab and select Search.
- Tap on your PC when it appears on your screen.
- Select the file you want to share.
- Tap on Send.
Note: Once connected, you can also use AirDroid to mirror your screen and even manage your tablet’s files and apps on your computer.
Method #3: Connecting Your iPad to PC to Transfer Files
iPads and Windows PCs usually don’t work well together. However, they have found a way to let you transfer files between the two devices easily.
You’ll use iTunes since that’s the only bridge you get between these two platforms.
Now, if you were doing this on a Mac, AirDrop would be an easy option that you can work with.
However, AirDrop is not compatible with PC. Instead, Apple uses WiFi Syncing via iTunes to get you to connect your iPad and PC wirelessly.
Here’s how to use WiFi Syncing:
- Open the iTunes app on your computer.
- Click on the iPad icon at the top left of iTunes.
- Go to Summary.
- Under Options, choose Sync with the device over WiFi.
- Click on File Sharing, then select the files you want to share.
Note: You should also be able to modify other device files using this method.
Method #4: Use Tablet (Android and iPad) as a Second Monitor
One of the things you can do when connecting your tablet to your PC is to use it as an alternate monitor.
This should give you extra screen real estate allowing you to work more efficiently. For this to work, we’re going to use a third-party app called Spacedesk.
This app’s primary consideration is that it’s compatible with Android tablets and iPads.
This way, you don’t have to keep on switching apps if you want to use one tablet over another.
Step #1: Get the Spacedesk App for Your Devices:
- Go to the Spacedesk website and download the installer for your PC.
- On your tablet, search for Spacedesk in your app store.
- Install Spacedesk on your Android tablet or iPad.
- Make sure that your computer and tablet are connected to the same WiFi network.
Step #2: How to Connect Your Tablet to Your Computer via Spacedesk
- Open the Spacedesk app on your tablet.
- The Spacedesk app will show you a list of available computers.
- Tap on the computer you want to connect to.
- Wait for your tablet to connect to your computer.
- Your computer’s desktop should appear on your tablet’s screen.
Note: The entire connection process may take up to a few seconds, and your tablet screen may flash or go black shortly.
This is how you can connect your tablet to your PC using your WiFi network. It certainly is a convenient way to move large files around.
However, you can connect both devices via Bluetooth if you’re only concerned with transferring a few photos.
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Bottom Line
Now that you know how to connect tablet to PC via WiFi, it’s time to follow these steps and link your devices. You can do a lot of things once they are connected.
It’s not just about transferring files you can also manage and control the devices using the other.
You can even use it as an extra screen, which is perfect for power users who want that added screen space.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.