Best ways to transfer files between Android and Mac with USB

Your smartphone is a powerful assistant in your hands that stores important files, including work presentations, photos, and more. Luckily, you can easily transfer any files from Android via USB. The Android USB transfer itself is as simple as dragging and dropping files between both devices since Android devices let you access the filesystem right from the desktop. Let’s consider how to execute Android file transfer to macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS in more detail.

Although you connect via USB, which might be an inconvenience for some people, the transferring speed tops the alternatives and comes to a first-place when it comes to safety too. Using the USB port to transfer data also decreases the possibility of the files transferring in an incomplete state and becomes more convenient when looking at the transfer speeds between options. Using USB to access Android files should be the number one option you consider.

Are you a Mac user? Transferring files from Android to Mac may seem daunting at first, but there are third-party apps like MacDroid that significantly simplify file transfer. Designed specifically for macOS, MacDroid lets you quickly and easily move files, including entire folders, simply by connecting your devices via USB.

You can use MacDroid on up to five Macs and unlimited Android devices. Furthermore, the software comes with two options. Single-operation mode provides easy and quick access to the content of your Android, while Multi-operation mode will definitely be appreciated by advanced users who are looking for faster and more efficient transfers.

MacDroid is the most convenient application for communication between Android devices and Mac devices

1. First, make sure MacDroid is installed on your Mac.

2. Then, connect Android to Mac using a standard USB cable.

3. Open MacDroid and select MTP mode. You will see your Android device under “Device list”.

You can choose the mode that suits you best

4. Next, click on the “Mount” button to establish the connection.

5. That’s it! Once your Android is successfully connected, you can now access its content in the Finder app and start transferring photos, videos, and other files.

Just like that by connecting your Android and Mac with a USB cable, you will be able to back up your photo gallery and more with just a few clicks!

How to transfer files from Android to Mac

Android USB transfer is by far the most common way to move files between phone and PC. In addition, with a PC, the process of transferring data is much easier compared to macOS, and there is no need to install additional software for this. Windows and Android are quite compatible and all you have to do is:

Be sure to check that the USB cable is in working order

Plug your phone with the compatible USB cable and unlock the screen.
The “Charging this device via USB” notification will be displayed. Tap on it and choose “File transfer” in the menu that appears.
On the computer, a new window will open.
Now you will be able to drag and drop files between your phone and PC.
Once completed with the file transfer, don’t forget to eject your Android and unplug your USB cable.

It’s a pretty good app, but unfortunately, it has not been updated for a long time, so it is a bit unstable and obsolete. File Transfer users often complain about the app malfunctioning or not working at all.

Given the fact that both Android and Chrome OS are built by Google, transferring files between these devices won’t take much time or effort. So, if you have a Chromebook and an Android tablet or phone, here’s a quick guide to sharing files using USB:

You can synchronize your Android devices with Google and transfer files via Wi-Fi

Connect your Android with a USB cable.
Unlock your phone and swipe down. On the notification bar, tap the USB charging notification. Then select “File transfer”. If you need to move just photos, select “Transfer photos” or “PTP”.
Once done, the Files app will automatically open on your Chromebook. You will also be asked to back up your media files to Google Drive.
Use the Files app to move your files.

Android file transfer not working is a real problem for users. There are many reasons why file transfer might not work correctly, however you can try to fix this issue by using the following troubleshooting tips.

Check your computer and phone for software updates.
Make sure your phone is set for file transfer.
Check USB connections.
Restart your Android and your Mac.

If the solutions don't work, try the MacDroid app

If you are using Windows and faced with the file transfer not working issue, inspect USB connections, check if your Android is updated, and restart your devices. In case the problem still exists, you should try to update the device drivers. Outdated drivers may be the reason why file transfer does not work as intended. Outdated drivers may be the reason why file transfer USB PC is not working properly. You can also try to launch the Windows troubleshooter, it will show you if something is interfering with the correct work.

If nothing works, try transferring files via Google Drive

We move files between our Android devices and computers on a weekly basis, so we need a reliable way to make file transfer as efficient as possible. There are different ways to do this, but USB file transfer is probably one of the most common as it doesn’t require Internet access.

If you work on a Mac computer and need to get your Android files onto it, we definitely recommend considering MacDroid, which acts as a bridge between Android and Mac. It’s fast, easy-to-use, and provides a seamless file transfer experience. With MacDroid, it takes just a few simple steps to move your content to portable devices.

To enable USB transfer on Android, connect your devices with the standard USB cable, then swipe down on your phone screen to open notifications and select the File Transfer option from the list. If you face the Android file transfer not working issue, you can try the troubleshooting tips mentioned above.

In order to enable USB transfer on Samsung, you’ll need to plug into your phone and computer with the USB cable. On the notification bar of your phone, tap to see other USB options. Select “File transfer”. That’s all!

When it comes to how to transfer files from Samsung to Mac, there is a big Android file transfer alternative list. For example, you can use MacDroid that lets you easily transfer all your files and even entire folders from Android to Mac.

Once you connect your Samsung to the computer, you can configure a USB connection. To do this, unlock your phone and tap on the notification that says “Charging this device via USB”. You will be asked to choose from other USB options. Select “File Transfer”. Then you will be able to perform Android data transfer.

The most convenient and easiest way to transfer photos from Android to Mac is to use software like MacDroid. To start transferring files and folders, you just need to install MacDroid and connect your phone to your Mac via USB. As an alternative, you can use cloud services to move files.

How to transfer Android files with USB without any issues

1. Android USB file transfer for Mac computers: MacDroid

2. How to transfer files from Android to PC using USB cable

3. USB file transfer for Chrome OS

4. How to fix USB file transfer not working issue

Solutions for Mac

Solutions for Windows

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands of supported devices

Android smartphones

Other compatible devices

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