Can I transfer files from both Android and IOS?

QI have a new Android phone and an Apple ipad Air tablet, and I’m looking for a program that lets me transfer files between these and my Windows 10 computer. I loathe itunes, and it doesn’t support Android anyway. Is there an alternative, preferably one that will let me connect my PC to both devices? I don’t need any flashy features – just basic file transfer. The cheaper, the better! Tim Hunter

ATo transfer files between your computer and your Android phone, you don’t need any extra software at all. Just plug the device into your PC using the USB cable that came with it and it’ll show up in File Explorer, where you can drag and drop files to and from the phone’s storage as if it were a USB stick.

Sadly, Apple doesn’t make it as easy. As you point out, itunes isn’t brilliant. And, because Apple’s devices are much more locked-down than Android products, plugging an ipad into a USB port only gives you access to photos you’ve taken on the device’s camera.

Anytrans (free from www.snipca.com/21733) is a pretty good alternative for transferring, organising and backing up data from ipads and iphones, although some of its features – such as the ability to copy apps and their data – are limited to devices running IOS 8.3 and earlier.

For your purposes, Syncios ( www.snipca.com/21726) might be better. Despite the ‘ios’ bit of its name, it’s compatible with both Android and Apple devices (see screenshot above) and lets you convert and download media as well as transfer songs, photos and other files back and forth. There’s a Pro version for around £15, but the free version should provide all the features you need.