Moto G Phone Guide

How to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, Moto E and Moto X?

how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_on_moto_g_moto_e_moto_xBluetooth, which is available in almost all smartphones and many other mobile devices,  is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances.  With Bluetooth, you can directly transfer files between devices: sending and receiving, without any other hardware.

Moto G, Moto G 2nd Generation, Moto E, Moto X, and Moto X 2nd generation all  support Bluetooth fully.  So, you can use Bluetooth to transfer files between Moto devices, and/or with other mobile devices.

This guide shows you how to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, Moto E and Moto X.  Although in the guide, Moto G is used, instead of listing the devices again and again, this guide works exactly identical on Moto E and Moto X (including Moto X 2nd generation).

How to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G: pairing devices

To use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, you need pair your Moto G with the other mobile device first.

On your Moto G, go to Settings–Bluetooth, drag the off button to right to turn it on as shown below.

Once the Bluetooth is turned on in your Moto G, it will search for two types of devices:

  1. Paired devices (with which you paired Moto G before). For such devices, you can tap the name in the paired devices list to pair with it immediately.
  2. Visible Bluetooth devices (which turn on their visibility to the public). If this is the first time you are trying to pair with such a device, you must make sure to make that device visible to others.  You need check the manual for these devices on how to turn on the visibility.  On Moto G, Moto E and Moto X, you can simply tap the own device name as shown below to turn on visibility for 5 mins by default. You can change this setting by tapping the menu button (3 vertical dots) in bottom right. Anyway, to pair two devices for the first time, one of them must turn on visibility.

how_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_enable_bluetoothhow_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_searching_devices

In this tutorial, I turned on the visibility of Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (named as GN3).  Moto G will then find this device and list it under “available devices”.

Tap the GN3 as shown below. You will then give the prompt of the passkey. Tap pair to finish the pairing.

how_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_found_a_bluetooth_devicehow_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_pairing_passkey

On the other device, a warning message is given as below:

how_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_pairing_devices

Important:  You MUST tap OK on this device as well. Otherwise, the pairing will fail.

Once paired. the new device will be moved to the list of paired devices as shown below.

how_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_paired_devices

How to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G: sending files

Moto G does not come with a Bluetooth app or a file manager, so you must get a file manager or an app  to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G.

In this tutorial, I will use ES File Explorer as an example. If you haven’t installed this free (and excellent) file manager, you may follow this guide to get it from Google play store.

Open ES File Explorer, navigate to the folder and select the files you want to send to other devices through Bluetooth.

Once the files are selected, tap the more button as shown below.

In the pop-out window, scroll down, tap Share as shown below.

how_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_selecting_files_es_file_explorerhow_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_share_via

Select Bluetooth to use Bluetooth to transfer files (sending) to other devices.

You will then be asked to select one of the currently paired device as shown below.

how_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_share_via_bluetoothhow_to_use_bluetooth_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_select_device

The selected files now are being sent through Bluetooth. You may notice the progress in the notification area as shown below.

how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_notifications

In the Settings page, the status will also be similarly updated as shown below.

how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_notifications_in_bluetooth_settings_page

Please note, when you use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, it is called “upload” or “outbound transfers”  for  sending files.

How to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G: receiving files

To receive files through Bluetooth on Moto G, it is very simple. Of course, you need pair your Moto G with the sending device as mentioned above.

When the device is trying to send you a file, you will get the file transfer alert similar to below. If you want to receive the file, tap Accept to receive it.

how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_receiving_files_alert

You should also get a notification for the transfer as shown below:

how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_notification_received_files

If you go to Settings–Bluetooth, you transferred files are also listed there as shown below. Tap the file name to open it.

how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_downloaded_fileshow_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_open_received_files

When you use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, it is called “download” or “inbound transfers” for receiving files.

How to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G: managing received files

All files received from Bluetooth transfer are saved, by default (if no app is used),  in the Bluetooth folder in the phone internal storage.

You can use any file managers to move the files to other locations. But moving the files will NOT clear the Bluetooth file transfer list automatically.

To clear the list, you can tap the moved files as shown below. Moto G will fail to open the file because you moved it out of the bluetooth folder.

Once Moto G knows the file is not there, it will be removed it from the list of Bluetooth received.

how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_moved_files how_to_use_bluetooth_to_transfer_files_moto_g_moto_e_moto_x_clear_receiving_list

Anyway, after you use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, you can clear the received file list by moving the files out of the bluetooth folder. This can be done with a file manager or through a USB cable on a PC (you may refer to this guide on connecting Moto G with your PC).

How to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G: limitations

Bluetooth is almost everywhere, so it is very  convenient to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G.

But there are some limitations of using Bluetooth to transfer files:

  • Transfer speed usually is slower than USB cable connections, WiFi or WiFi direct. So, it is not suitable for big files. It is very good for small files (less than 100MB).
  • The devices must be close enough. The Bluetooth specification says it is about 10 meters. But the actual distance is about just a few meters: the closer, the better.
  • Bluetooth may interfere with other home appliances and devices.   Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) band and it may interfere with other devices. It may also be affected by USB3 devices nearby.

Do you have any problems or questions on how to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, Moto E or Moto X? Please let us know in the comment box below.

More step-by-step guides , tips and tricks for your Moto G phone are available at our most popular Moto G how-to guide page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dave says

    Moto G will not pair with 2011 RAV4. All goes ok until the car asks me to enter pin 1212 into phone – but there is no number display on the phone to enter the pin. Any solution gratefully received.

    Reply

  2. Rob says

    I have a Moto G4 Play and I am trying to send my contacts from my old phone (Samsung Rugby) as a file. Both phones are paired. When I try to send the file from the Samsung, I get a message on the G4 that asks me to confirm, but there is no Accept or Deny button, so it constantly times out and fails

    Reply

  3. Howard says

    My moto g3 shows that a Bluetooth file is being received, but the option to accept or reject it is not enabled. How do I enable this?

    Reply

  5. Suhani says

    Hello I have Moto g4 plus,by mistake while transferring some multiple files I selected watsapp as always . How to correct it as now when iam sending multiple files only watsapp is showing as when I sending single files bluetooth n other options are coming. Please help.

    Reply

  6. Daren Martens says

    My bluetooth headset (M-Sound F900) can’t answer or place calls with my Moto E 2nd generation. The device pairs to the phone. In settings – bluetooth – paired devices, the F900 is named, the Use for Phone checkbox is checked. The volume is set adequately. When the media box is checked, media can be heard through the headset. The headset works on all other phones I’ve checked it with.

    Reply

  7. Carole Osborne says

    Hi, I have tried to transfer music from our Windows8 laptop by Bluetooth and cable, and they get to the phone, but are showing as ‘light grey’ and I cannot click on them to open them? I look in Music file and ‘unknown’ comes up, and when I click on that, they are there but in light grey and I can’t open them??? I want to set up 2 songs as ringtones, but when I go into ‘sound’ the ringtones I’ve sent are not showing…. This is my husbands phone, and I have managed to do this on my phone – both new MotoG 2nd Gen – and I have got the ringtones I like …. I don’t understand why I can do it on one phone and not on the other … Thank you – hope you can help!!

    Reply

  8. Carol Anderheggen says

    My MotoE will not pair with my Toyota Rav4 car. My HTC One had no issue pairing so I know the RAV’s Bluetooth is fine. Also, the MotoE will not pair with my Skech Bluetooth headphones which the HTC paired with just fine. MotoE finds my laptop and my Kindle. Can you help me?

    Reply

  9. Pranjit says

    Sir can i connect my moto e 1st edition with my pc by a data cable for internet browsing? and if yes then how.The pc does not shows any option for it when connected.

    Reply

  10. Rick says

    I have paired my moto g with my old phone, attempt to transfer contacts from old phone to moto g, moto g shows the message “incoming file, confirm you would like to receive this file…” (something close to this message anyway), but there is not accept/decline button or any way to confirm I want to receive the file.

    Reply

  15. Divyanshu says

    I m using a moto e frst gen…
    M nt able to switch on the Bluetooth since yesterday… It was working perfectly until den .. How can I fix it?

    Reply

  16. Krishna says

    Hi Simon,

    I had paired my moto E with my laptop and disconnected. Then after am unable to play music or even get call alert out from my phone speakers.
    But my mobile speakers are functioning well as i can call and communicate.

    Reply

  17. Vasantha says

    i transferred some pdf filies from Moto G (old) to the new moto e 2nd generation device i followed the transfer process and i could even get to read the file but later i am not able to locate the files or call them back kindly help to search the transfered files

    Reply

  20. NInad says

    Hi,

    on yesterday only i have purchsed MOTO E. but in that i can not see Music Player eikon and File Manager Eikon to access files from internal memory as well as from SD card.

    From where i can see these options/icons?

    Reply

  24. Justdavid says

    I’m trying to upload my contacts to my Ford Audio system but it keeps telling me that “the request cannot be handled correctly”. I’m trying to transfer a .vcf file through ES File Explorer. Can any one help?

    Reply

  25. chu says

    Hello,..I need to delete the file transferred list. I have already deleted the contents but I need to delete the file transferred list. Kindly do the needful.

    Reply

  26. mrj says

    having some problem with bluetooth. I am not able to send any app to other mobile using apk share or invite friends to join share it app using bluetooth. it always shows message file unknown file not sent. but can receive through same option from other mobiles.

    Reply

  28. Vinoth Kumar says

    Sir I am new to using the Android mobile. How to view the contents in my SD card which i have mounted in my MOTO G 2nd Gen. I can see only the APPS stored in my SD card(8 GB) where as i have Songs around 4 GB. How can i see those songs? Please help me out

    Reply

  29. Donna Barfield says

    Hi just got moto g for my husband and myself downloaded es file manager to both phones bluetoothed my music and moved it to the ringtone folder I can play it but when I try to set it as ringtones it says wrong file format what did I do wrong

    Reply

  31. Chintan says

    i m able to receive file via bluetooth on moto g but i m not able to send files via bluetooth. it says transfer cancelled by user.
    also i got notification that user memory low so i deleted some files and now i have 1.95gb free left but still not able to send files via bluetooth

    Reply

  32. Upasna Sharma says

    I have installed file commander in my moto G2. My music and photos are not getting sync in my “play music” sections and “albums” but they are showing up in the file commander. How do I sync it in my albums and library?

    Reply

  34. satheesh varma says

    I need to send apps like mxplayer, temple run via bluetooth in moto g2…. Is it possible??if how

    Kindly reply

    Reply

  35. Divya says

    Hi ,
    I have a Moto G 2gen, im unable to receive mp3 files from my laptop to my phone, it says connection failed and also FTP error.. only fotos are been sent from my laptop to mobile.. pls help…

    Reply

  36. Sonika Katmore says

    Can anyone tell me how to set location of Bluetooth receiving files as by default to memory card in Moto E?

    Biggest question for my Moto E cell phone.
    Even Google has no information about this.
    Can anyone help??? 🙁

    Reply

  37. Sameer says

    Hey, I’m unable to play music via my phone’s Bluetooth in my PC. There is no “audio services” option under bluetooth device control. Could you help with this? (Moto G, 1st gen). imgur.com/SafPJsj

    Reply

  38. Sasha says

    Hi, I followed instructions but I get a “connection unsuccessful” error message. I’m trying to send a music file to a HP steam laptop.

    Reply

  40. Divya says

    Hi, is it a must tat I should download file manager just to transfer music files to other device? It should be the basic need to any mobile r8? Doesn’t come it as in build in Moto X?

    Reply

  41. Maynard says

    Hello Simon… thanks for all your info. If I understand the previous comments you made, do I need a file manager just to transfer my list of contacts & phone numbers from my old phone (an LG flip phone) to my Moto G? As a previous person said, there’s no button to press to accept the incoming file transfer (although the Moto G does inform me that an incoming file is waiting for my approval)

    Reply

  43. Sumit says

    I want to move files received from Bluetooth to External Drive in Moto E. How can i do the same i am unable to find a way to it.

    Reply

  47. Liquidus says

    When trying to send a file from my laptop to the phone via Bluetooth, I get no Accept/Decline prompt, they are paired correctly, the laptop then times out and cancels the tranfer, I cant find anywhere where I can ‘Accept’ the transfer.

    Reply

  48. Lorraine Gard says

    For some reason when I try to send a file from the laptop to my Moto G the laptop shows my phone as a media player which I close down and the file then fails to be sent. This has only just happened. Is there a setting I need to change somewhere?

    Reply

  50. Robert says

    When I transfer photos on my Moto G they are all called image.jpg, so they get overwritten and only the last one is on the laptop. Other than doing it one by one, and changing the name, I can’t get it to transfer multiple photos. Help.

    Reply

  52. Subrata says

    Hi..
    If I want to receive 5 files (say pics) from a paired device, it asks five time if I want to accept or not. How to set it like ohne can always receive a file without asking, or asking only once?

    Thanks.

    Reply

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