diff --git a/datashuttle/tui/tabs/transfer.py b/datashuttle/tui/tabs/transfer.py
index a6362ad85..43d0e8dc5 100644
--- a/datashuttle/tui/tabs/transfer.py
+++ b/datashuttle/tui/tabs/transfer.py
@@ -410,6 +410,12 @@ def transfer_data(self) -> Worker[InterfaceOutput]:
                     "#transfer_subject_input", "#transfer_session_input"
                 )
             )
+
+            if not sub_names:
+                sub_names = ["all"]
+
+            if not ses_names:
+                ses_names = ["all"]
             success, output = self.interface.transfer_custom_selection(
                 selected_top_level_folder,
                 sub_names,