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ES File Explorer is one of the most popular file managers for Android. It comes with many valuable features that outclass the standard file manager that Android users get out of the box. Its features include file compression, cloud integration, and app management.
Users of ES File Explorer can also use the app to connect their Android devices to a PC for file sharing. Doing so is a pretty straightforward procedure. However, several factors can prohibit you from performing this action. This article will help you troubleshoot issues that prevent users from connecting to PC from Android via ES File Explorer.
How to connect Android to PC via ES File Explorer?
Connecting Android devices to a Windows PC is straightforward. You have to follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Create a new folder anywhere on the PC and remember its location. The folder can be named anything. It is created for easy file sharing between the two devices.
- Step 2: Copy/move all files you wish to transfer to your Android. If there aren’t any, keep the folder empty for now.
- Step 3: Connect your Android and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Step 4: Launch ES File Explorer on your Android device.
- Step 5: Look for the globe icon on the top left side of the app and click on it.
- Step 6: From the menu, click on Network -> LAN.
- Step 7: Click Search in the LAN menu. ES File Explorer will show the PC’s IP address if both devices are connected to the same network. If multiple PCs appear in the list, connect to the correct one.
- Step 8: You will now be asked to enter the username and password if they were set. Enter them, and you should be connected.
How to fix: Unable to Connect to PC From Android via ES File Explorer
While connecting to ES File Explorer is pretty straightforward, various bottlenecks can stop you from doing so. Here is how to fix each of them:
1. Connect both devices to the same network
ES File Explorer uses LAN technology to connect Android devices to a PC. Both devices must be connected to the same network to use this technology. Similar to LAN gaming, a multiplayer connection is only formed by being on the same network.
2. Enable file sharing
File sharing is a Control Panel option for Windows users to allow or disallow public file sharing with other devices. The possibility exists to keep your PC safe from unwanted file sharing, but it also prevents you from sharing files yourself. If your device’s setting is toggled off, you cannot share files using ES Explorer. Here is how to check:
- Step 1: Open Control Panel on your PC.
- Step 2: Go to Network and Sharing Center (It may also be listed as View network status and tasks).
- Step 3: Go to Change advanced sharing settings.
- Step 4: Open the All Networks option.
- Step 5: Find out the Public folder-sharing option. If it is off, turn it on to share files from your Android to your PC and vice versa.
3. Disable firewall blocking
Sometimes specific firewall settings can prevent apps like ES File Explorer from connecting to a PC. Go to your firewall settings and look for any option that may be doing so. Try chopping and changing until a connection between your Android and the PC can be formed. If not, the firewall isn’t causing this problem.
4. Disable Password Protected Sharing
Password-protected sharing is an extension to Public file sharing in the Control Panel. Disabling it can sometimes connect apps like ES File Explorer to the PC. The method is especially for those who can’t see their PC on the ES File Explorer LAN menu Search. Here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Open Control Panel on your PC.
- Step 2: Go to Network and Sharing Center (It may also be listed as View network status and tasks).
- Step 3: Go to Change advanced sharing settings.
- Step 4: Open the All Networks option.
- Step 5: Find out the Public folder-sharing option. Please turn it off and search for your PC again. If the PC now shows in your list, Password Protected Sharing was preventing you from connecting.
Note: Turn on Password Protected Sharing after use, as this setting is crucial for protecting your PC from unwanted file sharing.
5. Update ES File Explorer
Outdated software can cause particular app features not to work, and ES File Explorer is no different. Go to the Google Play Store and see if there is an update for ES Explorer. Update it if there is, and try again.
6. Disable Wireless Isolation
Wireless isolation is a router setting that prevents two devices on the same network from connecting. To disable it, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open Router Settings on your browser using the login IP address.
- Step 2: Log in to your network account. If you don’t know these details, ask the internet service provider.
- Step 3: Go to Wireless Settings -> Basic Wireless Settings (These options may vary)
- Step 4: Find Enable Wireless Isolation or enable multiAP isolation. If the option is on, switch it off. You will now be able to connect ES File Explorer to your PC.
7. Perform a power cycle
Power cycling a device means turning it off completely, allowing it to rest and calibrate again. While connecting Android to PC via ES File Explorer, you need to shut down your PC, switch off your Android device, and switch off the router/modem.
It would be best to consider removing all power plugs to let those hardware rest too. Now wait for about a minute or two and switch all devices usually. You can now try to form the connection again.
If you want to know more about the issue, please refer to the video mentioned below:
Conclusion
File sharing between Android and PC can be tricky at times. Unlike Apple products, there is no conventional way of connecting the two for sharing files. Therefore, users have no choice but to turn to third-party solutions like ES File Explorer.
Establishing a connection between Android and a PC using ES File Explorer is relatively easy as long as both devices are connected to the same network. However, there are many ways this connection may be prevented. We covered all possible reasons why it could happen and how to fix each of them in the article above.
