Need to download something in a pinch? Peer-to-peer networking is probably the answer, but how do you download files through BitTorrent on Android? Several apps are available.

Most torrent downloaders for Android offer interesting features like bandwidth control by allowing you to download files only via Wi-Fi which saves your data plan. Note: If the files you are downloading are big in size, use this guide to connect an external hard drive to Android. What is TorrDroid. To download torrents on an Android device we are going to use an app called TorrDroid, a popular, minimalist, and free Android torrent downloader. BitTorrent is the popular torrent downloading client for PC users and the developer team has created something similar for the Android users, which gives you the most simplified way to find, download and play torrent files on your smartphone and tablet devices.

Here’s how to use the best option available and download and share your files on BitTorrent.

BitTorrent Is Not Illegal

You might wonder why we’re seemingly promoting illegal downloads by discussing a topic like this. But we aren’t; in fact, BitTorrent isn’t illegal.

It’s a peer-to-peer (P2P) networking system that makes downloading and sharing data easy. Instead of everyone downloading a single file from a server, P2P networking lets the people who have downloaded the file then share it with others who want the file.

And yes, there are illegal applications for BitTorrent. Almost all torrent sites serve copyrighted data. But the illegality comes in downloading data you haven’t paid the owner for. The actual BitTorrent P2P technology is legal, and used more widely than you might expect.

For instance, you might want to download a new ROM for your Android device. There might be a Linux operating system you need to downloaded, or a video game update. Or you might be using Resilio Sync to sync data between your Android phone or tablet and another device.

In short, there are many legal uses for BitTorrent8 Legal Uses for BitTorrent: You'd Be Surprised8 Legal Uses for BitTorrent: You'd Be SurprisedLike HTTP, which your browser uses to communicate with websites, BitTorrent is just a protocol. You could use your browser to download pirated content, just as you could use a BitTorrent client to download pirated...Read More.

Setting Up a BitTorrent App on Android

Several BitTorrent apps are available for AndroidWhat Is The Best Free BitTorrent Client For Android?What Is The Best Free BitTorrent Client For Android?Looking for a good torrent client for Android? Look no further.Read More, but we would suggest you stick with the official BitTorrent app.

Once installed, you’ll need to give permission to the app so it can access photos, media and files. Browsing the app, you’ll find a screen for torrent files, as well as views for audio and video files.

At this stage, the torrent view will be empty, while the audio and video views will list corresponding media on your device.

Finding and Downloading a Torrent File

Finding a torrent file to download shouldn’t be too difficult, as several legitimate torrent sites exist on the web. For example, the Internet Archive offers legal torrents of media in its archive.

To demonstrate downloading a torrent file on Android, I’m using the example of a Linux distribution, specifically a version of Ubuntu called Lubuntu. This lightweight OS offers a standard download, as well as options for torrent and magnet links (magnet files are essentially a simplified version of torrent files).

By visiting Lubuntu’s download page, I found the link to the 64-bit version of the ISO file for Lubuntu. However, I had to confirm a few points before I proceeded to download.

Does Your Android Device Have Enough Space?

Before downloading any data to an Android phone or tablet, you should ensure you have enough storage space. If it’s just a few songs, it’s no problem. But if you’re downloading desktop apps, games, videos, or operating systems, you’re going to run out of space sooner or later.

Monitoring your device’s storage is thus important. If you don’t have a phone with a good deal of storage space already, adding more storage through a microSD card is wise. Our guide to choosing and installing a microSD card3 Ways to Get More Storage on Android Using a microSD Card3 Ways to Get More Storage on Android Using a microSD CardmicroSD cards are a great way of adding storage to your Android device -- but you need to know these tricks!Read More should prove useful here.

In short, don’t download until you’re certain your device has enough space. It’s also important to ensure your battery isn’t low; BitTorrent will let you know if the device needs to go on charge.

3 Essential Android Tools When Downloading Torrents

Aside from space, your Android device also needs an antivirus, Wi-Fi connection, and a VPN to torrent optimally.

1. Antivirus

Even when downloading data from a trusted source, it’s a good idea to have antivirus software on your phone6 Android Security Apps You Should Install Today6 Android Security Apps You Should Install TodayAndroid security apps - capable of blocking malware and phishing attempts - are necessary if you wish to run a safe and secure smartphone. Let's look at some of the best Android security apps currently...Read More or tablet. Wait until the file has downloaded before scanning. If it detects any problems, delete the download immediately. It’s simply not worth letting malware infect your phone.

2. Wi-Fi

Mobile data these days isn’t as generous as it used to be. As such, if you’re torrenting larger files, it’s a good idea to do this on unmetered wireless internet. After all, you wouldn’t want your data allowance to run out! Switch to Wi-Fi before downloading data.

3. VPN

On a similar note, it’s a good idea to use a VPN for downloading torrent files. Many VPNs support this functionality, and it’s a useful option that can help to prevent privacy issues.

While this isn’t likely to be a problem when downloading an open-source operating system, you still might want to take a look at the best Android VPNs on offerThe 5 Best VPNs for AndroidThe 5 Best VPNs for AndroidNeed a VPN for your Android device? Here are the best Android VPNs and how to get started with them.Read More to protect yourself.

Download the Data to Your Android Phone

Ready to download your BitTorrent file? Upon tapping the link, the BitTorrent app will immediately open, and the data begins to download.

You have two views: the Files tab, which lists any torrents currently on the device (uploading, downloading, or otherwise), and Details tab. Here, you’ll see time to download (ETA) and the Speed, as well as the number of Peers (people you’re sharing with) and the number of Seeds (people you’re sharing from).

The Download Location is also listed. You can use this option to change the destination of your downloaded files.

Obviously, how long this takes will depend upon the data you chose. It’s worth keeping your Android device on a charger for larger downloads.

What Next? Use the Data or Share to Another Device

Once the data has downloaded, you’re free to use it in whatever way you can. Note that if you pause sharing, peers won’t receive the data you’ve downloaded, potentially slowing their download speed. As sharing is part of the ethos of torrenting, it is courteous to wait until the amount of data you’ve uploaded at least matches what you’ve downloaded.

How To Download Torrent Android For Pc

You can, of course, use media files right away. You can unpack zipped data with the right tools, but if you’re taking risks and downloading from illegal torrent sites, make sure to run a scan with your antivirus tool first.

In some cases, you might want to share the data with another device. Cloud storage is the best option here, although you could easily copy the download to a PC via a USB cable.

Want to know more about BitTorrent? See our general guide to file sharing with BitTorrentThe Torrent Guide for EveryoneThe Torrent Guide for EveryoneThis beginner's guide is a great introduction to peer-to-peer file sharing with BitTorrent. Get started with torrent downloading in a safe and responsible way with our tips here.Read More.

How To Download Torrent Android App

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How To Download Torrent On Android

1. BitTorrent is definitely not illegal. However, most of the content that is downloaded is illegal content to download (mainly copyright infringement). Don't fall for a honeypot folks.