File Transfer
NearMirror makes it easy to move files between your computer and your Android device.
Install an APK
You can install Android apps from APK files directly through NearMirror without needing the Play Store.
Using the Install dialog
- In the Devices panel, click the install icon (
) on the device you want to install to - The Install APK dialog opens
- Click Browse… and select an
.apkfile from your computer - Configure install options (see below)
- Click Install — the result appears in the dialog
Using drag and drop
While a mirror session is open, drag an .apk file from your computer and drop it onto the mirror window. The installation starts immediately with default options. This requires an active session — you cannot use drag-and-drop before launching a mirror.
Install options
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
Replace existing app (-r) | Updates an app that is already installed, keeping its data |
Grant all runtime permissions (-g) | Automatically grants all permissions the app requests, skipping the prompts |
Allow version downgrade (-d) | Installs an older version of an app over a newer one |
Allow test packages (-t) | Installs debug and development builds that are normally blocked |
Replace existing is enabled by default and is safe to leave on — it simply allows reinstalling or updating an app without uninstalling it first.
Push files to the device
While a mirror window is open, drag any file (document, image, video, etc.) from your computer and drop it onto the mirror window. The file is copied to the Downloads folder on your Android device.
You can then access it from the device's Files app or any other app that reads from Downloads.
Logcat (live logs and save)
Streaming logcat, filters, copy, and saving to disk are documented on the dedicated Logcat page (separate window from the Devices tab).
To push a file to a custom location rather than Downloads, use the Push Target field in the File Transfer settings tab to specify a different path on the device.