Transferring Files from pCloud to Filen: Real-World Migration Paths That Make Sense

Moving data from pCloud into Filen doesn’t have to involve tedious downloads or fragile one-time scripts. This guide breaks down two reliable migration approaches — from locally controlled transfers to fully cloud-executed workflows — helping you relocate your files while keeping bandwidth usage, security, and timing under control.

Introduction

With more users paying closer attention to where their data lives and how it is protected, Filen has emerged as a compelling option thanks to its strong end-to-end encryption model. When coming from pCloud, however, the migration process itself deserves careful thought. Copying a few personal folders is very different from relocating years of backups, shared documents, or media libraries. Some users want hands-on oversight and clear visibility at every step, while others prefer a solution that runs independently once configured. In the sections below, we outline two dependable ways to move files from pCloud into Filen — including local, command-driven transfers using tools such as Rclone, as well as browser-based, cloud-to-cloud migrations handled by services like CloudsLinker. Each approach trades off setup effort, transfer speed, and system involvement differently, allowing you to choose a workflow that fits both your data size and your working style.

Method 1: Move Files via the pCloud Web Interface
Method 2: Cloud-to-Cloud Transfer with CloudsLinker
pCloud vs Filen
What to Review Before You Start
FAQ

What is pCloud?

pCloud is a consumer-focused cloud storage service known for its clean interface and flexible storage plans. Many users adopt it as a long-term repository for photos, media libraries, and everyday documents, often attracted by its lifetime pricing options and straightforward syncing experience.

Unlike collaboration-heavy platforms, pCloud places more emphasis on personal storage and sharing. While it supports encrypted storage through its optional Crypto feature, most standard files are handled using server-side encryption by default.

Simple web and desktop access: Files can be managed easily without complex setup.
Optional client-side encryption: Crypto folders offer additional privacy for selected data.
Media-friendly features: Built-in previews for photos, audio, and video.
Sharing links: Public and private links with expiration and download limits.
Flexible pricing: Monthly, annual, and lifetime storage plans.

What is Filen?

Filen approaches cloud storage from a privacy-first perspective. Rather than layering encryption on top of a traditional storage model, it is designed around end-to-end encryption as a core feature. Files are encrypted locally before upload, leaving Filen’s servers unable to read file contents.

This design makes Filen particularly appealing for users who treat cloud storage as an extension of private backups rather than a collaboration workspace. The platform focuses on secure syncing, long-term retention, and controlled sharing.

End-to-end encryption by default: No optional modes or separate folders.
Zero-knowledge architecture: File contents remain inaccessible to the provider.
Cross-platform clients: Desktop, mobile, and browser access.
Encrypted sharing links: Optional passwords and expiration settings.
Backup-oriented usage: Well suited for sensitive or archival data.

Comparison: pCloud vs Filen

Although both services store files in the cloud, their underlying philosophies differ significantly. pCloud prioritizes convenience, media handling, and flexible pricing, while Filen is built around strict privacy guarantees and encrypted storage by default. These differences matter when planning a migration.

Feature	pCloud	Filen
Primary Focus	Personal cloud storage and sharing	Private, encrypted file storage
Encryption Model	Server-side by default, client-side optional	Client-side, end-to-end encryption
Content Visibility	Provider-managed unless using Crypto	Zero-knowledge by design
Typical Use Case	Media libraries, documents, sharing	Backups and sensitive data storage
Migration Considerations	Folder structure and link-based access	Encryption handled automatically on upload

For users moving toward stronger privacy guarantees and encrypted backups, Filen often represents a deliberate shift in how cloud storage is used — not just where files are kept.

Preparing to Move Files from pCloud to Filen

Before starting any transfer, take a moment to review your pCloud account. Check total storage usage, identify large media folders, and decide whether files stored in Crypto folders need to be handled differently. Cleaning up unused or outdated data can significantly reduce transfer time.

On the Filen side, make sure your account is ready to receive the data. Whether you plan to upload through a browser, desktop app, or automated service, it’s worth testing a small set of files first to confirm that folder structure and sync behavior match your expectations.

Some users prefer direct, hands-on transfers using local tools such as Rclone for precise control. Others opt for a cloud-managed workflow with CloudsLinker, allowing files to move directly from pCloud to Filen without occupying local bandwidth. Deciding on the method early helps avoid interruptions and duplicated data during the migration.

Method 1: Download Files from pCloud and Upload Them to Filen

Step 1: Download Your Data from pCloud

Begin by opening the pCloud web interface in your browser and logging into the account that holds the files you want to migrate. Once inside, browse through your directory structure and decide which folders or files should be moved to Filen.

pCloud allows multiple selections directly from the web interface. You can hold Ctrl on Windows or Command on macOS to select individual items, or simply select an entire folder if you want to preserve its internal structure. After selecting the desired content, right-click and choose Download.

When downloading folders, pCloud packages the selected data into a ZIP archive. Once the download finishes, extract the archive on your computer. This step ensures that folder names and hierarchy remain intact before uploading everything to Filen.

Step 2: Upload the Files to Filen via the Web Dashboard

Next, sign in to your Filen account using the web dashboard. Navigate to the location where you want the migrated pCloud data to reside. Many users prefer creating a clearly labeled folder — such as pCloud Backup — to separate transferred files from existing content.

You can upload the extracted files and folders by dragging them directly into the browser window or by using Filen’s file picker. During the upload process, Filen encrypts each file locally before it is transmitted, meaning your data is protected before it ever reaches the cloud.

This manual approach works well for smaller collections, one-off transfers, or users who want to oversee every step themselves. However, for large pCloud accounts or ongoing migrations, repeatedly downloading ZIP archives and re-uploading them can become slow and error-prone. In those cases, automated solutions such as command-line tools like Rclone or cloud-to-cloud services like CloudsLinker are usually a better fit.

Method 2: Direct Cloud-to-Cloud Transfer with CloudsLinker

Overview: Transfer Files from pCloud to Filen Without Local Downloads

CloudsLinker is a web-based migration platform designed for direct cloud-to-cloud transfers. Instead of routing data through your own computer, files are moved between providers on remote servers. This allows large transfers to continue running in the background without relying on local bandwidth or keeping a browser session open.

Step 1: Sign In and Add pCloud (Select Data Region)

Start by signing in to your CloudsLinker account. From the main dashboard, click Add Cloud and choose pCloud from the list of supported services.

Before authorization begins, CloudsLinker will ask you to select the region where your pCloud account is hosted. Most users will see two options: EU or US. This step is important, as pCloud stores user data in different data centers depending on the account’s region.

After selecting the correct region, you’ll be redirected to pCloud’s official authorization page. Log in and approve access to allow CloudsLinker to read your file structure securely. Once authorization is complete, your pCloud storage will appear as a connected source inside the dashboard.

Step 2: Connect Filen as the Destination

Next, add Filen as the destination cloud. Click Add Cloud, select Filen, and sign in using your Filen account credentials.

Since Filen relies on end-to-end encryption, many users choose to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) before connecting their account. This can be configured within Filen’s security settings and adds an extra layer of protection during authentication.

Once connected, Filen will appear in CloudsLinker as a valid destination for transfer tasks.

Step 3: Set Up the Transfer Task

Open the Transfer section and select your connected pCloud account as the source. Browse through your folders and choose the data you want to migrate. On the destination side, select Filen and specify the target folder where the files should be stored.

If needed, you can apply optional rules such as skipping certain file types, excluding specific folders, or limiting the transfer to recently modified data. These options are useful when migrating large accounts but only a subset of files is required.

OneDrive to Filen transfer task in CloudsLinker

Step 4: Start the Transfer and Monitor Progress

Once everything is configured, start the transfer task. Progress can be tracked from the Task List, where you’ll see details such as transferred size, current speed, and remaining workload. Because the process runs entirely in the cloud, the task continues even if you close the browser or turn off your computer.

After completion, CloudsLinker provides a summary showing which files were transferred successfully and whether any items require attention. Your data will now be stored in Filen under its encrypted storage model, without having passed through your local device.

For users handling large pCloud libraries or looking for a hands-off migration process, CloudsLinker offers a practical and efficient way to move data directly from pCloud to Filen.

Looking to Transfer Between Other Cloud Platforms?

In addition to pCloud and Filen, CloudsLinker supports a wide range of cloud services, including Dropbox, MEGA, WebDAV, and S3-compatible storage. All transfers run cloud-to-cloud, making it possible to migrate large datasets without impacting local performance.

Comparing the Practical Ways to Transfer Files from pCloud to Filen

Moving data from pCloud into Filen rarely follows a single, universal path. Some users are relocating a handful of folders, while others are migrating extensive media libraries or long-term backups into a fully encrypted environment. The options below reflect the most commonly used approaches, each suited to different data sizes and levels of hands-on involvement.

Method	Ease of Use	Transfer Speed	Best Use Case	Consumes Local Bandwidth	Experience Level
Browser Download & Upload	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	Small folders or one-time personal transfers	Yes	Beginner
Local Sync then Upload	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	Users who want a verified local copy first	Yes	Beginner
CloudsLinker (Cloud-to-Cloud)	★★★★★	★★★★★	Large libraries and unattended migrations	No	Beginner

For quick, low-volume transfers, downloading files from pCloud and uploading them manually into Filen is often sufficient. Users who want an extra layer of reassurance sometimes prefer syncing data locally before uploading. When working with large datasets or limited local connections, cloud-based solutions like CloudsLinker typically provide the smoothest and fastest experience.

Practical Tips Before Migrating from pCloud to Filen

While transferring files into an end-to-end encrypted platform like Filen is generally straightforward, a bit of preparation can help avoid delays or unnecessary cleanup later:

Review encrypted folders in pCloud: If you use pCloud Crypto, decide in advance which encrypted folders need to be migrated and how you want them organized in Filen.
Plan your folder structure: Creating a clear destination layout in Filen makes post-migration cleanup much easier.
Secure your Filen account: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and confirm access before starting large transfers.
Consider connection stability: Browser-based uploads depend heavily on your local network. If your connection is unstable, cloud-to-cloud transfers reduce the risk of interruption.
Start with a test batch: Migrating a small folder first helps confirm naming, structure, and encryption behavior.
Think about scale: Large pCloud libraries benefit from tools that support resuming, progress tracking, and background execution.

Whether you are moving personal documents or multi-terabyte archives, understanding how pCloud stores files and how Filen encrypts uploads will make the transition far more predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

This usually happens when downloads were incomplete or when certain folders were skipped during selection. Always verify transfer logs or test with a small dataset before migrating everything.

Yes. Filen encrypts files locally before upload, ensuring that data is protected before it reaches the cloud.

Yes. When using CloudsLinker, transfers run entirely in the cloud, so your device does not need to stay connected after the task starts.

While not mandatory, enabling two-factor authentication is strongly recommended before uploading sensitive data or authorizing third-party access.

For large migrations, cloud-to-cloud transfers using tools like CloudsLinker are typically the most efficient, as data moves directly between servers without local upload bottlenecks.

Step-by-Step Video Transfer Files from pCloud to Filen

If you prefer learning by watching, this video walks you through the complete process of transferring files from pCloud to Filen. It shows how to connect both cloud accounts, choose source folders, adjust transfer options when needed, and finish the migration without downloading files to your local device. This method is efficient, stable, and works well for both personal file collections and larger data libraries.

Conclusion

There is no single ‘correct’ way to migrate from pCloud to Filen. The right approach depends on how much control you want, how stable your local connection is, and whether you prefer to supervise the process or let it run unattended. Local transfers can offer fine-grained control and immediate feedback, while cloud-based migrations remove the need to keep your computer online throughout the process. Whichever path you select, it’s wise to start with a small subset of data first — verifying folder structure, access permissions, and transfer behavior before committing your entire library.

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