Sync your Android Device with your Mac or PC using Airdroid (via WiFi)

There are many ways of syncing or transferring files from or to your Android Smartphones or Tablets with your Mac or PC. Most commonly used is via USB Cable and Bluetooth. I have been using both methods for quite a while and there is pro and cons of using these two approaches.

USB Method

There are many types of Android devices manufacturers and brands, namely Samsung, HTC, Sony Xperia, Motorola, Asus and a few more others. The easiest way to transfer is using Disk Mount where via USB Cable, where your Mac or PC will recognize your Android Device and a portable disk and you will be able to transfer as you normally do wil and USB Pendrive or External Hardrive.

Pro: Since you’re using USB, the transfer of files between your Android Device and Mac/PC is fast and will be a big advantage if you’ll like to do some backup or transferring huge files such as movies.

Cons:

Some brands disallow USB Disk Mount and will force you to use their own syncing software and drivers such as HTC Sync and Samsung Kies in order for this to work.
Using USB Disk Mount, you do not know exactly where you store the contact numbers, your musics and movies and photos. So you’ll need to check every single folders to check.
You might easily forget to bring along the USB Cable when you really need to transfer file between your Android device and you Mac/PC.

Bluetooth Method

Pro: Most computers and all Android device nowadays have bluetooth as a standard pre-installed, so you can basically can send your files back and forth with your Mac/PC.

Cons:

Some companies disable bluetooth drivers on their corporate laptops/ computers by defaults for security reasons, so you’re out of luck
It is super slow especially for transferring big and huge files. Very much slower using USB and WiFi.
No specific UI for specific job. Only transfer file

Well, I’ve discovered recently an app which is called ‘AirDroid’ which make the syncing and transferring files between the Android Device and Mac/PC looks extremely easy and stylish using the Wifi connection. Here are some special features that this AirDroid have:

Wireless File Transfer – You can transfer files to and from your device via web browser wirelessly using WIFI.
Using Browser – You do not need to install any software or drivers on your computer. Just use your favorite browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer) to enjoy all the features and functions.
Desktop SMS Management – You can access your SMS very easily from your computer via stylish IM like interface. You can search contacts or copy the messages, chat with your friends more through quick and easy group texting from the comfort of your desktop.
Media and Files Organization- You can organize music, photos, videos, ringtones, messages and call logs with contacts. Much easier apps install, uninstall and even backing up. You can play music and video clips stored on device, or view your photos on the big computer screen.

…. and many more.

Tutorial

Well, I will go through you on the step-by-step on using some of this features.

1. Install the AirDroid app from Google Play from the barcode or the link below:

2. Important Step

Before start, please make sure the Android device and computer are connected to the same network (same WIFI Connection).

What if you cannot connect to the same wifi connection?

Some Android devices can be used as a portable modem in that you can hook it up to your PC via USB or tethering so you can use it as a Wi-Fi hub. After you have connected your computer to the Wifi hub you can use AirDroid to manage and control your Android device. Use either one of the methods below:

Warning: Using your Android phone as a WiFi hub enables your computer to use your phone’s data service, so please make sure you have an affordable data plan.

a) Wi-Fi hotspot:
1. Open AirDroid, go to Tools tab, open Network and choose Tethering & portable hotspot.
2. Check the box next to Portable Wi-Fi hotspot to enable it. Your Android may display a notification of “Tethering or hotspot active” if everything goes well.
3. Connect your computer to the Wi-Fi hotspot you just created.
4. Open or restart AirDroid.
5. You may now be able to log in AirDroid from the computer tethered to your Android device.

b) Use USB to connect your Android device to your computer.
1. Open AirDroid, go to Tools tab, open Network and choose Tethering & portable hotspot.
2. Check the box next to USB tethering to enable it. Your Android may display a notification of “Tethering or hotspot active” if everything goes well.
3. Open or restart AirDroid.
4. You may now be able to log in AirDroid from the computer tethered to your Android device.

3. Start the application on your Android Device

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4. Connect AirDroid

You’ll be directed to the screen below with the direction to open the web address through http://web.airdroid.com or http://192.168.x.x:8080.

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Open http://web.airdroid.com with your favorite web browser on computer.
Press the camera button in AirDroid on your Android device and point your Android device at the QR code displayed at http://web.airdroid.com.
Once the QR code is successfully scanned you’ll log in instantly.