How to Get Movies Onto Android Phones

Manual Conversion

1. Open your video conversion software and select the source video file that you want to convert for your Android phone. In the resolution settings, choose a size that matches your phone's screen size. For example, the first Android phone, the T-Mobile G1, has a screen resolution of 320 by 480 pixels; the Nexus One has a higher resolution of 480 by 800. Next, choose the 'H.264 video codec' and then the 'AAC audio codec.' Begin converting the video file. Depending on your computer and the size of the video, the conversion will take a few minutes to an hour.

2. Connect the Android phone to your computer with the USB cable that came with the phone. Drag down the notification area on the phone and tap 'USB Connected.' Click 'Mount' and wait for the computer to detect your phone as an external removable drive. If the folder doesn't open automatically, click 'Start,' 'Computer' and double-click the icon for your phone under 'Removable Storage.'

3. Double-click on the 'Video' folder. If it doesn't exist, create it. Right-click and then point to 'New' and click 'Folder.' Type 'Video' and press 'Enter.' Copy your converted file to the 'Video' folder on your phone. Wait for the file to transfer.

4. Drag down the notification area on your phone again and click 'USB Connected.' Click 'Disconnect.' Unplug your phone. Open the application launcher and tap the 'Gallery' icon. Tap the video file you just saved. Android will automatically launch the video player and begin playing.

Automatical Conversion

5. Download the DoubleTwist program for your computer from the DoubleTwist.com website. Double-click the downloaded file to begin installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

6. Open the application launcher on your Android phone. Tap the 'Market' icon. Search for 'DoubleTwist' and tap to select the player for your phone. Press the 'Install' button and wait for the player to finish downloading and installing.

7. Connect the Android to your computer using the USB cable supplied with the phone. Drag down the notification area on the phone and tap 'USB Connected.' Click 'Mount' and wait for the computer to recognize the phone. DoubleTwist should automatically launch on your computer. If it doesn't, then open it. Wait for your phone to be listed under 'Devices' in the list on the left.

8. Open the folder with the video file you want to watch on your Android. Position the window so you can see the DoubleTwist window too. Click and drag the video file over to the listing for your phone in DoubleTwist. The software will automatically convert the video file to the right size and video codec for your device.