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How to transfer files from Android to Mac

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Updated on: December 15, 2020
Time to read: 13 minutes

If you have ever had to use file transfer from Android to Mac before, you know how troublesome the entire operation can be. Even when you use your phone manufacturer’s dedicated software, there are major connectivity issues between Android and Apple gadgets. If you want to know how to transfer files from Android to Mac without a huge hassle, we are here to tell you a simple solution exists.

MacDroid is an app that allows you to connect any Android device to your Mac. Learn all about MacDroid’s handy features that make it easy to transfer files from Mac to Android.

How to Transfer Files from Android to Mac: step-by-step instruction

Android File Transfer Mac users know, has been the gold standard for connecting an Apple computer and Android device. It’s an app developed by Google that is designed to transfer file from Android to Mac. However, Android File Transfer has not been updated in years and now lags behind other file transfer options.

People using the app encounter glitches and connectivity issues and end up wasting time troubleshooting the app that is supposed to simplify the Android Mac file transfer process.

This needless frustration can make transferring photos, videos, music, contacts, calendar reminders, and more between Android and Mac an even greater challenge. If you encounter this problem, try using a different Android transfer apps for Mac like MacDroid that allows fast, secure, and simple file transfers. By connecting your Android and Mac with a USB cable, you can back up your photo gallery, contacts, and more with a few clicks!

Just like when transferring files from Mac to Android, you can choose between MTP or ADB mode, and we’re covering the steps for both.

Transfer Files from Android to Mac using MTP Mode

MTP stands for Media Transfer Protocol and it’s a method developed to optimize audio and video files transfer. All Android devices as well as other operating systems should support MTP and that’s what makes it a great tool to quickly move your files to have them ready on the mobile.

Follow these steps to easily establish MTP connection between your Android and Mac devices:

1. Add MacDroid to your Mac.

2. Connect your Android device using the standard USB cable.

3. Select MTP mode in MacDroid. Now you can see the phone in MacDroid, under “Device list”.

4. Hit “Next” and your phone will soon open a window where you need to select the “File transfer”. After doing so, you should see your phone in “Device list” ready to be mounted.

Connect and authorize your Android device to transfer files from Android to PC.

5. Click on it click on “Mount” to create the connection. You are now able to transfer videos from Android to Mac. Click here to find out what to do after Mounting the device.

Transfer Files from Android to Mac using ADB Mode

We’ve seen how MTP allows you to connect even other operating systems to a Mac using MacDroid. However, if you have Android, you can simply use the Android Debugging Mode to rapidly transfer files from Android to PC. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Download and install MacDroid on your computer.

2. First of all, make sure that you go to your Android device, go into the settings and enable “ USB Debugging mode “.

The window Devices will help you with the correct order of actions.

3. Connect the device to your Mac using the USB cable provided by the manufacturer.

4. Go to MacDroid and ADB under “Add devices”.

5. Accept the file transfer on your phone by tapping on“Always allow this computer” when asked.

6. Select the Android phone in “Device list” and click “Mount” in the next window.

7. Start transferring files, modify them directly on your Android device, and many more features allowed by MacDroid.

Transfer Files from Android to Mac After Mounting the device

After mounting your phone via ADB or MTP modes, you can start transferring the folders and files as you need. For that, just follow these simple steps:

1. Open Finder to quickly locate the folders you are looking for (any other file manager for Mac works just as fine).

Transfer files in Finder

2. Identify the folders you want to copy and then simply copy and paste them to their destination (or use drag and drop if you already prepared a destination folder to transfer pics from Android to Mac).

3. Repeat the process until you transferred every folder you wanted to move.

Why MacDroid is the best File Transfer App

MacDroid is the app that will take care of all your file transfers between Android and Mac for good! No more wasting time looking for the best solution and dealing with software that got the job just halfway done. Through MacDroid you will be able to see any Android device as an external drive on your Mac and that allows you to easily transfer photos, music, videos, and many other file types. You can either transfer the files one by one or move entire folders at once, it’s up to you. MacDroid is the ultimate Android file transfer app.

Discover all perks of MacDroid file transfer app.
How to transfer files between Mac and Android with MacDroid?
  1. Download the MacDroid app on your Mac and follow the installation steps.
  2. Connect your Android to your Mac via USB cable.
  3. Once connected, on your Mac app select MTP mode for simple file transfer. You should then see your Android device appear in the device menu.
  4. Choose ‘File Transfer’ in the options menu and hit ‘Next’.
  5. Now you should be able to see all folders and files stored on your Android! You can drag and drop the files you want to transfer to your Mac. That’s it!

With a very friendly user interface, MacDroid is ready to deliver an awesome experience for all users that want to quickly move files and folders from an Android device to Mac. It comes with a 7-day trial period in which all the features are enabled. So, you have the opportunity to test the full strength of this app for 7 days when you download it, without paying a cent. However, if you do go for the PRO version after the 7-days trial period, you will enjoy this amazing Android data transfer app so that every transfer between your Mac and Android device will be a breeze.

You will gain access to both the internal and external memory of the Android device on your Mac with MacDroid. On top of that, you also get the ability to edit Android files directly on Mac without the need of copying them on the computer first. MacDroid file transfer software is capable of connecting Android devices through both ADB and MTP operation modes for all-in-one functionality.

So, thanks to MacDroid you can:

  • Mount internal and external storages to transfer photos, videos, music, movies, folders, data, and more
  • Access and edit files on your Android from your Mac without having to save the files on your computer
  • Easy to connect Android to Mac via USB
  • MacDroid works with any MTP device like digital cameras, tablets, and more!

Compare MacDroid to other file transfer apps

Top features MacDroid dr.fone – Phone Manager TunesGo Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager MobiKin Assistant for Android OpenMTP Phone Mechanic
Support for MTP-compatible devices
Files’ preview thumbnails when working with MTP devices
File/Folder transfer partially partially partially
Connect via Wi-Fi
Finder integration
On-the-phone file edit
Requires a module installed on Android
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

Other options for transferring files from Android to Mac

There are many apps and alternatives available for transferring files from Android to Mac that users can try in order to find the one that best serves their needs. There are alternative apps you can download, but you can also use native apps built into Mac. Here are options you can try!

Android File Transfer

Android File Transfer is an app developed by Google that has been a popular option for years for transferring files between Android and other devices and computers. For Mac users, this app allows them to manually transfer music, photos, videos, apps, and more via USB connection.

Android File Transfer isn't the best option for transferring files from android to Mac.

Pros

  • Android File Transfer is easy to download, install, and set up for transferring files.
  • The app is compatible with Mac or PC and various Android devices like Chromebook.
  • A standby for file transfers for Android users.

Cons

  • Automatic syncing isn’t an option with Android File Transfer, only manually transferring the files and folders you need.
  • The app hasn’t been upgraded in years and lacks in more advanced features compared to other software.

Android File Transfer has been around for a long time and is a mainstay for Apple users trying to connect Android to Mac. It offers basic features for manual file transfer to get the job done.

SyncMate

SyncMate is an all-in-one Android file transfer alternative to MacDroid that allows Mac users to not only transfer files but sync their device and computer. SyncMate offers backups, autosync options, background sync, and other premium features that makes working seamlessly across Mac and Android easy.

We can say that SyncMate is a professional tool for Android file transfer.

Pros

  • With SyncMate users don’t need any other app for file transfer and syncing because it fills all file transfer or syncing needs.
  • The app is compatible with multiple Macs, many devices, and can do Android to iPhone transfers and more
  • You can transfer files wirelessly with Expert Edition.

Cons

  • SyncMate’s basic version only offers calendar and contact sync with background syncing, so users will have to upgrade to the premium version to get the advanced features.

SyncMate provides users with the ability to transfer and sync photos, videos, music, calendar reminders, contacts, and more between Android and Mac in a one-stop-shop for syncing!

Bluetooth File Exchange

Bluetooth File Exchange is native to Mac and Apple devices and allows for files to transfer between a Mac and Bluetooth enabled devices. Because it uses Bluetooth connection, it can function for transferring files from Android to Mac even though they work on different operating systems.

Pros

  • Bluetooth File Exchange is a native app to Apple devices and Mac computers, meaning users do not have to download and install a new app to transfer files.
  • Using Bluetooth to connect eliminates the need for a USB cable connection, which can be convenient.

Cons

  • Bluetooth File Exchange can work for basic file transfers, but if you are trying to move large amounts of files or data or want to sync files, you need another app.

Bluetooth File Exchange is best for simple file transfer between Android to Mac that can work without USB cables once you pair your device and computer. While it is less robust than other apps, it can be quick since there’s no need to download or install a new app.

AirDroid

AirDroid is an app that allows users with Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone transfer photos, videos, music, files, folders, and more. Mac users can access and transfer files from Android to their computer quickly and easily with a single app.

AirDroid is one of the alternatives of Android File Transfer and MacDroid.

Pros

  • AirDroid is a wireless app, meaning you don’t need a USB cable to connect your Android to your Mac.
  • Using Bluetooth to connect eliminates the need for a USB cable connection, which can be convenient.

Cons

  • AirDroid offers a free version with basic features, but you have to upgrade to the premium app to get advanced features like transferring entire folders.

AirDroid is an alternative way for Android file transfer that lets users connect Android to Mac and access files like photos, videos, music, contacts, calendars and more. People like AirDroid since you don’t need to connect with a USB cable, but you do have to pay for the premium version.

Now that you saw what an awesome answer MacDroid is to the eternal question of “how to transfer files from PC to Android?”, there’s nothing left to do but to take it for a test drive yourself. You have 7 days of free trial with all the features activated so you convince yourself of the multiple advantages this software brings. You will be able to access Android files from PC, move them around, copy entire folders and create back-ups of your media whenever you want. MacDroid solves all your Android to Mac transfer needs in one very clever app that only uses your standard USB cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can connect Android to Mac with a USB cable and then you have options for transferring files that could include downloading a dedicated software or using a cloud service. If you cannot get your Mac to recognize your Android when you connect with USB, you may need an app to help them communicate.

To transfer files from your Android device to a Mac, you may need to use an Android file transfer app that will allow the different operating systems to communicate. An app opens access to files on your device from your Mac, so you can transfer music, videos, pictures, files, folders, and more between computer and device. You can also use a cloud service, although it requires some extra steps. Moreover, you can use your Mac with dedicated software to transfer files from one Android to another.

If you want to transfer photos from Android to Mac, you can use an Android file transfer software like MacDroid to give your computer access your device’s photo gallery. Then you can simply select the photos, videos, and folders you want to transfer to your computer. Alternatively, you can upload the pictures to a cloud service like Google Photos and download them to the Mac, but this can become tedious.

How you use Android File Transfer depends on whether you are transferring between Android and PC or Android and Mac. Options for how to transfer files from Android to PC are varied — from using the app and a USB cable to using your Google Account. For Mac, you need to download the app on your computer, connect your Android via USB, and select ‘File Transfer’ on your phone.

For years many people chose Android File Transfer for Mac as their go-to choice for connecting their device to their computer. It is a safe and secure app developed by Google, but it has not been updated for years, which could mean there are vulnerabilities and glitches in the app. To ensure your files are secure, you may consider using a more updated app like MacDroid that is regularly upgraded.

Android File Transfer may present many glitches when you try to connect your Android phone to a Mac. For example, the file transfer settings might prevent the connection between the two devices. To avoid such situations, use MacDroid and you will never face any issues.

Brands of supported devices

Android smartphones

Samsung Samsung
Google Pixel Google Pixel
Motorola Motorola
OnePlus OnePlus
Xiaomi Xiaomi
Vivo Vivo
OPPO OPPO
ZTE ZTE
HTC HTC
Nokia Nokia

Other compatible devices

Oculus Oculus
Nintendo Nintendo
Amazon Amazon
Garmin Garmin
Onyx Boox Onyx Boox
Sony Walkman Sony Walkman

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