Methods for Transferring Files Between VollaOS and a Desktop

Guide to Transferring Files Between VollaOS and a Linux Computer

This guide describes several methods for transferring files between a VollaOS device (phone or tablet) and a Linux computer. The methods include:

• Transfer via USB with a Linux file manager
• Transfer via WLAN with KDE Connect or GSConnect
• Synchronization with Syncthing
• Transfer using File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
• Transfer with NitroShare

Prerequisites

• A VollaOS phone or tablet
• A Linux computer (e.g., running Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.)

Steps on the Volla Device

Enable USB Connection:

1. Connect your Volla device to the Linux computer using a USB cable.
2. A notification appears on the Android screen asking how the USB connection should be used (e.g., "Charge only," "File transfer").
3. Select "File transfer" (MTP – Media Transfer Protocol). If this option is not displayed, go to Settings > System > Developer options and ensure that "Default USB configuration" is set to "File transfer."
   • Note: Enable Developer options by tapping the Build number seven times under Settings > About phone.

Allow Access:

1. If your device is locked, unlock it to grant access to the Linux computer.

Steps on the Linux Computer

Recognize Device:

1. The Linux file manager (e.g., Nautilus, Dolphin, Thunar) detects the device and displays it in the sidebar.
2. If not, install the required MTP tools:

<source lang="bash"> sudo apt install mtp-tools mtp-utils # For Debian/Ubuntu sudo dnf install mtp-tools # For Fedora </source>

1. Test the connection with:

<source lang="bash"> mtp-detect </source>

Transfer Files:

1. Drag and drop files.
2. Important: Always copy, never move!

Safely Remove:

1. Click the "Eject" icon in the file manager.

Notes

• Works without internet.
• No additional software required.

Prerequisites

Component	KDE Connect	GSConnect
Desktop Environment	KDE Plasma	GNOME
Platform	Qt	GTK
Extension Required?	No	Yes (GNOME Shell Extension)

• On VollaOS: Install KDE Connect via F-Droid.
• Both devices must be on the same WLAN.

Steps on the Linux Computer

Install KDE Connect or GSConnect:

Ubuntu/Debian <source lang="bash"> sudo apt install kdeconnect </source>

Fedora <source lang="bash"> sudo dnf install kdeconnect </source>

GSConnect (for GNOME) <source lang="bash"> sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-gsconnect </source>

• Start KDE Connect or enable GSConnect via GNOME Tweaks.

Configure Firewall: <source lang="bash"> sudo ufw allow 1714:1764/udp sudo ufw allow 1714:1764/tcp </source>

Steps on the Volla Device

1. Open KDE Connect.
2. Pair with the Linux computer.
3. Confirm the request.

Transfer Files

Direction	Steps
VollaOS → Linux	Open app → Select device → Send file → Choose destination
Linux → VollaOS	Open tray menu → Select device → Send file → Saved on Volla

Setting Up KDE Connect on Windows

To use KDE Connect on a Windows PC and pair it with your VollaOS device, follow these steps:

Prerequisites

• Both devices (PC & smartphone) must be on the same WLAN.
• The KDE Connect app is installed and running on the smartphone.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows

1. Install KDE Connect for Windows

• Download the Windows client from the official KDE website:

https://kdeconnect.kde.org/download.html

• Select the appropriate version for your system (32- or 64-bit).
• Install the program by double-clicking the downloaded file.
• After installation, start KDE Connect from the Start menu.

2. Configure Windows Firewall

• On first launch, Windows may prompt for firewall access.
• Allow access for private networks (not public ones).
• If the prompt was skipped:

• Open Windows Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Firewall & Network Protection → Allow an app through firewall
• Ensure "kdeconnectd.exe" and "kdeconnect-indicator.exe" are allowed for private networks.

3. Pair Smartphone and PC

• Open KDE Connect on the smartphone.
• Start KDE Connect on the PC. Your smartphone should appear in the device list shortly.
• Select the device and click "Pair."
• Confirm the pairing request on the smartphone.

4. Test Functions

• After successful pairing, enable various functions under "Plugins":

• File transfer
• Notification mirroring
• Clipboard sharing
• Media control

• Send files easily via right-click on your PC using KDE Connect.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Device not found	Different networks or firewall blocking	Check WLAN and firewall settings
Pairing fails	Ports blocked	Allow ports 1714–1764 (TCP/UDP) in firewall
File transfer fails	Plugin disabled	Enable "Send files" in KDE Connect menu

More information at: https://kdeconnect.kde.org

Tip: KDE Connect offers the free app "KDE Connect SMS" to send SMS from your PC if your device supports it.

Notes

• Fast and wireless.
• KDE Connect is more universal, GSConnect is GNOME-specific.

What is Syncthing?

Peer-to-peer folder synchronization between devices. Ideal for continuous backups.

Prerequisites

• Syncthing installed on both devices.
• Shared network (local or via internet).

Steps on the Volla Device

• Installation: Via F-Droid.
• Note the Device ID.
• Add folders for synchronization.

Steps on the Linux Computer

Installation:

Ubuntu/Debian <source lang="bash"> sudo apt install syncthing </source>

Fedora <source lang="bash"> sudo dnf install syncthing </source>

• Access the web interface: http://localhost:8384
• Pair devices using Device ID or QR code.
• Synchronize folders.

Firewall Configuration

<source lang="bash"> sudo ufw allow 22000/tcp sudo ufw allow 21027/udp </source>

Comparison with Other Methods

Criterion	USB (M1)	KDE Connect (M2)	Syncthing (M3)
Connection	Cable	WLAN	WLAN/Internet
Transfer	Manual	Manual	Automatic
Security	Local	Optional	E2E Encryption
Setup	Minimal	Medium	More complex

Advantages of Syncthing

• Automatic and secure.
• Continuously synchronizes.

Disadvantages

• Higher setup effort.
• Background service consumes resources.

Prerequisites

• Both devices on the same WLAN.
• FTP server app on VollaOS.

Steps on the Volla Device

1. Start the FTP server.
2. Note the IP and port.
3. Optional: Set username/password.

Steps on the Linux Computer

Connect via file manager:

ftp://192.168.1.100:2121

Alternatively, via terminal: <source lang="bash"> sudo apt install lftp lftp ftp://192.168.1.100:2121 </source>

Advantages

• Fast and straightforward.

Disadvantages

• No encryption (unless using SFTP).
• Manual IP entry required.

Prerequisites

• NitroShare installed on both devices.
• Shared network.

Steps on the Volla Device

1. Install NitroShare (e.g., via F-Droid or APK).
2. Name the device and make it visible on the network.

Steps on the Linux Computer

Installation:

Ubuntu/Debian <source lang="bash"> sudo apt install nitroshare </source>

Fedora (via COPR) <source lang="bash"> sudo dnf copr enable ta4ek/nitroshare sudo dnf install nitroshare </source>

Start: <source lang="bash"> nitroshare </source>

Device discovery is automatic.

Advantages

• Very simple and user-friendly.

Disadvantages

• Less common on Android.
• Fewer additional features.

Summary

Method	Connection	Advantages	Disadvantages	Suitable for ...
USB	Cable	Fast, no WLAN required	Cable-bound, less flexible	One-time transfers
KDE Connect / GSConnect	WLAN	Versatile, wireless	Setup required	Spontaneous transfers
Syncthing	WLAN/Internet	Automatic, secure	More complex setup	Synchronization
FTP	WLAN	Fast, simple	Insecure, manual IP needed	Simple transfers
NitroShare	WLAN	User-friendly	Rarely used on Android	Simple file transfers

Recommendation: Choose the method based on your use case:

• USB for quick one-time transfers
• KDE Connect/GSConnect for spontaneous wireless transfers
• Syncthing for regular and automatic synchronization
• FTP for simple, manual transfers
• NitroShare for intuitive transfers within a LAN

General Notes

• Ensure your VollaOS device is unlocked and powered on.
• For WLAN transfers: Verify both devices are on the same network.
• Restart both devices if issues occur.
• Temporarily disable VPNs or firewalls for troubleshooting.

Issues with USB Connection (Method 1)

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Device not recognized	"Charge only" instead of "File transfer" set	Switch USB mode to "File transfer (MTP)"
No file access	Device locked	Unlock Volla device
No entry in file manager	Missing MTP support	Install `mtp-tools` and `mtpfs` packages

Issues with KDE Connect / GSConnect (Method 2)

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Devices don't see each other	Not on same WLAN	Connect both devices to the same WLAN
Pairing fails	Firewall blocking ports	Allow ports 1714–1764 (TCP/UDP)
File transfer fails	Connection interrupted or permission error	Restart app on smartphone, re-pair

Issues with Syncthing (Method 3)

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Devices don't recognize each other	Devices not paired	Enter Device IDs correctly and confirm sharing
Folders don't sync	No sharing enabled	Explicitly enable folders on both sides
Unstable connection	Power-saving mode active	Disable power-saving, mark Syncthing as protected app

Issues with FTP Connection (Method 4)

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Connection refused	Wrong IP or port	Verify Volla device's IP and use correct port
No data transfer	Passive mode or firewall issue	Enable passive FTP mode or check firewall

Issues with NitroShare (Method 5)

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Devices not recognized	Discovery protocol blocked	Allow NitroShare in firewall settings
File transfer aborts	Large files or unstable connection	Retry transfer, check network connection

Additional Tips

• Enable Logging: Many apps (e.g., Syncthing, KDE Connect) offer log outputs or debug modes for diagnostics.
• Test Alternatives: If a method consistently fails, try another (e.g., Syncthing instead of FTP).
• Check Updates: Ensure all apps and VollaOS are up to date.