Receiving files via Bluetooth on Ubuntu


Nitin Venkatesh's Gravatar

Nitin Venkatesh
published Oct. 12, 2013, 4:26 a.m.


You are able to transfer files from your computer to your mobile device using bluetooth, but are unable to do it the other way around (Mobile device to computer), you get a "Unable to Connect" or "File sending failed" or some other similar error message and you are puzzled.

Well, the solution is as simple as tweaking a single setting to allow receiving files on your computer using bluetooth. This is disabled by default as a security measure.

The fix:

  • Click on the Dash home and type Personal File Sharing.
  • Check the box that says Receive files in Downloads folder over Bluetooth
  • If you have paired your device with the computer already, then choose Only for set up devices under Accept files, else choose Always (this is not preferred as pretty much anyone in your bluetooth's range could send you files)
  • Click close and you're done!

Screenshot Walkthrough:

Dash home, clicking on personal file sharing icon screenshot

personal file sharing preferences screenshot