MacDroid short-guide series

Android Data Transfer Guide for Any Device

Olga Weis Dec 4, 2020

Transferring data to and from your Android device can be a challenging task, especially with so many different operating systems out there. For example, a person can have an Android phone, a macOS computer, an iOS tablet and several other gadgets that need to be connected or synced. This is well beyond the classic iOS - Android incompatibility since you’re dealing with lots of different operating systems that need to work together.

There are many instances when an Android data transfer is required. For example, when you change your phone. You’ve just got an amazing deal for the new iPhone but you had an Android device before? No worries! Switching the data from one to another is the least of your worries. In the paragraphs below, you will find many ways to move files and sync phones on various operating systems.

Sooner or later, we all need a no-compromise Android data transfer app and it’s better to be prepared for any circumstance. Transferring data from your old phone to the new one, or simply syncing your Android device with any computer, no matter the Operating System (macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Linux etc) is going to be a piece of cake following the steps below!

How to transfer data from Android to Mac and vice versa using MacDroid

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There are two methods of connecting Android devices to computers to transfer videos from Android to Mac: ADB and MTP.

ADB is a more advanced method that requires enabling debugging mode on Android. It’s faster than MTP, and offers access to every file on the phone. ADB is often used by programmers and power users, but it’s more work to set up and it allows you enough access to break the phone if you are not careful.

MTP is a simpler, more secure method of transferring files. It’s a lot easier to set up and protects important files from being accessed. It’s slower than ADB, but it also keeps sensitive files on your phone safe. Either method will require you to connect Android to Mac using a USB cable. You can usually use the charging cable that came with your Android, though some new Mac laptops might require a USB-C adapter.

If you want to use MTP to access your files:

1

Just start up MacDroid and click on “MTP mode” in the Add devices section of the sidebar.

2

Connect your Android to your Mac using a USB cable, and the Android device will ask what kind of connection you want to use.

3

Tap “File Transfer” and accept the selection if necessary.

The short guide on how to connect Android to Mac with MacDroid in MTP mode is available from the app’s window.

4

Once your Android appears in your MacDroid sidebar with an MTP icon, click on it, then click “Mount” in the main MacDroid page to connect the phone. It will appear in your Finder as an external drive. You can then transfer songs from Mac to Android as needed.

You can mount multiple Android devices for data transfer with macOS computers.

5

When you’re done, it’s a good idea to eject the drive and unmount it in MacDroid, but it isn’t necessary.

If you want to use ADB access:

1

You should first look up how to enable USB debugging on your phone. It’s in System Settings, but its location can vary. Some devices do not offer the option at all, in which case you’ll have to use MTP mode.

2

Start up Android data transfer program MacDroid and click on “ADB mode” in the Add devices section of the sidebar.

3

The Android device will ask for permission to allow access; click “Always allow,” then “OK” to grant the necessary permission.

4

Once your Android appears in your MacDroid sidebar with an ADB icon, click on it.

5

Then click “Mount” in the main MacDroid page to connect the phone. It will appear in your Finder as an external drive. You can then transfer pictures from Android to Mac as needed.

You can mount as many Android devices for data transfer as you need.

6

When you’re done, be sure to eject the drive from the Mac and unmount it in MacDroid. You risk data corruption if you don’t remove the device safely!

No matter what your use case, MacDroid, as an Android File Transfer Mac alternative, makes communication between Mac and Android a breeze. It makes Android data transfer to the Mac effortless. You don’t need to use a command line or unreliable, unsupported software. It allows you to copy files back and forth as easily as you would with a USB drive. It’s both the simplest and most robust option, providing easy access to regular users and advanced options to high-end users.

MacDroid is quick to set up and transfers Android data more quickly than wireless or cloud-based services, saving you time and frustration. If you only want to copy files from Android to Mac, it’s even free!

Top choice of Android transfer tool for Mac

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Top features		MacDroid	dr.fone – Phone Manager	TunesGo	Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager	MobiKin Assistant for Android	OpenMTP	Phone Mechanic
Support for MTP-compatible devices	Support for MTP-compatible devices
Files' preview thumbnails when working with MTP devices	Files' preview thumbnails when working with MTP devices
File/Folder transfer	File/Folder transfer			partially	partially	partially
Connect via Wi-Fi	Connect via Wi-Fi
Finder integration	Finder integration
On-the-phone file edit	On-the-phone file edit
Requires a module installed on Android	Requires a module installed on Android
Support for the latest Android versions	Support for the latest Android versions
Price		$1.67/mo	$39.95/year	$39.95/year	$39.95	$29.95/year	free	$14.99/year

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How to transfer data from Android to Android

The step-by-step guide for transferring data between devices on mobile OS by Google.

This is the easiest type of Android data transfer you’ll ever perform. All the new Android phones come with a built-in app that allows you to grab the data from your old phone during setup. To do so, just follow these simple steps:

Make sure both phones have plenty of battery
Double-check that you are still signed-in on your Google Account on the old phone
Turn on your new phone
During the setup process, you will be asked to choose the source for our apps and data - select “Old phone”
Connect the two phones using the cable that came with your new phone. If you don’t have a cable, just click on “A backup from an Android phone” and keep following the instructions to get the finish the process.

How to transfer data from iPhone to Android

The step-by-step guide for transferring data between mobile devices on different OS.

Probably the most popular transfer scenario and the trickiest one, transferring data from an iPhone to an Android device isn’t the most straightforward experience. Due to the intense rivalry between the two operating systems, the means to transfer were not always available and easy to use. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide that will help you easily move data from iPhone to Android in a few steps:

Turn on your Android phone
During the setup process, you will be asked to copy data and apps from your previous device
You can either connect the two phones through a cable ( which is rarely the case due to the different type of connector). If you don’t have a cable, just tap on “No Cable” and then choose “an iPhone device” when asked where you’re transferring data from
Follow the on-screen instructions to move the files needed
If you want to back-up all your iPhone data on your new Android device, you can do so using Google Drive
Once you moved all the needed data, make sure to switch from iMessage to Messages by accessing your iPhone before removing the SIM card from it. Tap “Settings” - “Messages” and set “iMessage to off”.

How to Transfer Files Between Your Windows computer and Android Device

Transferring files between an Android device and a Windows computer is one of the most common tasks a user performs. Luckily, the two operating systems are quite compatible and you can take care of the process directly through your Google Account or using a USB cable. Here’s how it goes:

Through Google

Performing an Android data transfer using your Google Account is one of the fastest ways to manage your data. Simply move your files from one with Google Drive and you can then download them on your computer, or the other way around. Also, if you want to move pictures, there’s the Google Photos app and you have YouTube Music for audio. Keeping the files on your Google Drive gives you instant access from both devices at the same time.

Also, we have the step-by-step guide for a wired connection between Windows PC and Android phone.

Connecting your Android Device via USB

Connect your phone using the USB cable that came with it and unlock it
You’ll see the “Charging device via USB” notification. Just tap on it and go to “Use USB for” to select “File Transfer”
A new window will open on your computer with the option to “Open files” on the connected device
Move the files and folders as needed to complete the Android data transfer
Once you’re done, simply eject the Android phone.

How to transfer files between your Chromebook and Android gadget

If you’re using a Chromebook and you want to easily transfer files to and from your Android smartphone or tablet, there are several ways to do so. Keeping your data synced is important since it allows you to go through everyday tasks with ease. So, if you own a Chromebook and an Android gadget, here’s how you can easily perform an Android data transfer one to another.

Use Your Google Account

It is possible to perform a full transfer without needing a dedicated Android data transfer app. Using your Google Account you can:

You can upload files easily using your Google Drive. Just put everything from your Android/Chromebook on Google Drive and then download it on the other device easily
When is comes to music you can use Google Play Music or YouTube Music and rapidly have your favorite songs available on either of the devices
Google Photos allows you to easily handle transferring photos from Chromebook to Android and vice-versa.

The alternative way for data transfer between Chromebook and Android phone.

Use a USB Cable

Unlock your phone and connect it with the provided USB cable to the Chromebook
Once you get the “Charging device via USB” notification, tap it and select “File Transfer” under “Use USB for” function.
As you do so, the File app opens on your Chromebook since it recognizes the Android data transfer program you selected. You can immediately start using it to drag and drop files as you wish
Unplug the USB cable when you’re done and that’s it.

Android smartphones

Xiaomi

Samsung Galaxy

HTC

Nokia

LG

Pixel

Oppo

FAQ

1. How do I transfer all my data from one Android to another?

Transferring files between two Android devices can be done in multiple ways. First of all, you can do the Android data transfer using the built-in app on your new phone asking you to get your data from your old one. Just connect the two phones with a cable or to the same Wi-Fi connection and you can easily move the files. If you’re not doing a new set-up, you can simply use your Google Account to easily move files and folders from one Android to another.

2. How do I transfer everything from my old phone to my new phone?

If your old phone is an Android as well, just use the steps described in the above question. If you’re switching from an iPhone, you’ll have to add a few steps to the process and do it without an Android data transfer app. Not being able to connect the old and new phone with a cable, you will need to select “No Cable” when prompted and use the backed-up data on your Google Drive to move the files. Also, make sure not to forget to switch from iMessages to standard Messages on your old phone.

3. What is the best app to transfer data from Android to Android?

There are plenty of alternatives when it comes choosing an Android data transfer program. Almost all phone manufacturers using Android developed their data transfer solution and here are the best out there.

Samsung Smart Switch - Samsung has a huge share of the Android phones market so it’s natural their app is among the most-used ones. It delivers a complete service to move files and folders between Android devices
LG Mobile Switch - the proprietary data transfer from LG, this app makes it easier for LG users to transfer data between two Android devices

4. How do I enable data transfer on Android?

When connected with an USB cable to a computer or another gadget, Android devices will show you a screen where you can choose what the USB connection will be used for. You can either set if for File Transfer, charging, or a couple of other options depending on the device you’re connecting to. Select File Transfer from the list if you want to do an Android data transfer and use any of the steps described above to access Android from Mac!

MacDroid

Android data transfer app for macOS computers

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Requires macOS 10.15 or newer; compatible with all Android and MTP devices

Use MacDroid to move data fast between Android devices and computers running macOS.

Android data transfer

LucasDuncan80 2021-04-21T06:53:20

Can you only move files with macdroid or does it also support folders?? I got a lot of content to move and I’m wondering if this data transfer Android procedure will take ages.
- Electronic Team 2021-06-02T06:37:28
  
  Hey there! To answer your question - Yes, MacDroid can move entire folders from your phone to computer and vice-versa if you have the Pro version. Hope this was helpful!
Harold Robinson 2021-04-20T06:35:05

All the features for MacDroid Pro look tempting but I’m wondering if I can cancel at any time during my free trial. Is that possible? I want to use it as a data transfer Android tool but want to try it out first.
- Electronic Team 2021-06-02T06:37:17
  
  MacDroid’s 7-day free trial period can be canceled at any time - free of charge. This means that you can fully enjoy all the pro features of this data transfer Android for a full week before deciding whether or not you want to continue with your subscription.
Jonathan Clark 2021-04-19T06:49:21

Many Android phone data transfer seem to be scams or hard to use but this one really helped me and I would like to thank you! I used to have an iPhone and switched over to Android to imagine how many files I need to move.
Brian Tretter 2021-04-16T06:33:45

This Android data transfer program helped me tremendously with my school project. I wish however that it would be easier to transfer files over to my other devices but this works flawlessly anyway.
Thomas Loos 2021-04-15T06:40:03

as a senior, I had such a hard time figuring out how to port everything from my phone to my computer. After reading this i love to use the Android data transfer app and have all the files at my fingertips.