Ivan Korol
Dec 28, 2020
If you are here because you’re having trouble with Android File Transfer not working, you aren’t alone. The app developed by Google to transfer files from Androids to computers or other devices has been around for a while but may not always be the best option.
Transferring files should be simple and easy, but Android File Transfer users often have to troubleshoot to figure out why they can't connect Android to Mac. There are some quick fixes you could try, or you can get a different app that doesn’t require a workaround. Either way, we can help!
The easiest fix if Android File Transfer doesn’t work is to try a different app. Because Mac’s operating system doesn’t support media transfer protocol (MTP) to access the files on an Android, it is necessary to find a software that lets Mac and Android connect.
MacDroid does just that. MacDroid lets users transfer entire folders, music, photos, videos, and more from Android to Mac.
MacDroid also works with all Android and MTP devices, so all that you need is one app to connect all your devices easily with Mac.
MacDroid is a well-designed, simple app that allows users to connect Android to Mac with MTP mode or with Android debug bridge or ADB mode. Either mode makes file transfer between Mac and Android fast and secure, but with a few extra steps, users can choose ADB mode for the fastest file transfer experience.
Connect your Android to your Mac using a USB cable, preferably the original cable that came with the device, and open MacDroid on your computer.
Once you select MTP mode on your Mac, you will see a Android system notification on your device. Select ‘File Transfer,’ and you should see your device appear in the device menu on MacDroid.
SyncMate is an app Mac users rely on to keep their files secure and up to date across devices and accounts. With SyncMate, you can connect Android to Mac wirelessly to sync contacts and calendars, set up auto sync, and transfer photos, videos, music, movies and more.
For users who need to transfer data from an Android to iPhone, SyncMate is the solution for a seamless file transfer.
To connect your Android to Mac with SyncMate, follow these steps:
It can be so frustrating when Android wont connect to Mac through Android File Transfer. However, it’s not a lost cause! There are troubleshooting steps you can try to see if they can fix the problem and get back to your file transfer.
Check your USB cable. Using the wrong USB cable or having it improperly connected can prevent the Android from making a connection with Mac. Use the original USB cable that came with the Android device for best results.
If the cable is damaged in any way, for example, if there are exposed wires, replace it for right away to be safe.
Update your macOS and Android software. Another possible reason for Android File Transfer Mac not working could be that you need to update your software. Check your Android device and Mac for software updates you may need.
If there are updates, install them, and see if Android File Transfer starts working with updated software. Having the latest operating system is important for functionality of many apps.
If all else fails, try shutting down and rebooting your Mac and Android. Restarting your Android and your Mac can sometimes correct or override an issue preventing your device from connecting through Android File Transfer.
All electronic devices need a rest and reset occasionally, so if you haven’t shut down your Android or Mac for some time, try this and see if it works.
Another step is to reinstall the Android File Transfer app on your Mac. If the above steps haven’t fixed the connection issue, and you’re still dealing with the Android File Transfer not working, Mac users should uninstall and reinstall the app.
This can work as a hard reset in case there was an issue with Android File Transfer installing properly, or if you have an outdated version, reinstalling could give you the latest software.
Uninstall Samsung Kies or Smart Switch apps. If you have Samsung, your Android File Transfer troubles could be caused by the file management apps Kies or Smart Switch.
They could be preventing connection, so check your applications in Samsung settings to see if you have them installed and then try uninstalling them. If Android File Transfer works once they have been removed, you’ll know that was the issue!
Allow USB debugging on your Android. If you still can't connect Android to Mac, the next step is to allow USB debugging. This is an Android setting that enables developer mode, opening access to device storage.
To enable it, go into Android settings and click ‘About phone.’ Navigate to the ‘build number’ (location depends on the device), and tap the build number until you get a message notifying you that you are a developer.
When Android File Transfer doesn't work, Mac users can turn to MacDroid to transfer files between their computer and Android devices. It’s easy to set up and start transferring files with no fuss or frustration and most importantly, no troubleshooting.
Android File Transfer has served its purpose over the years, but lately it hasn’t been holding up to the many alternative apps out there that make file transfer much simpler. Currently, it doesn’t get more straightforward, fast, and efficient than MacDroid. If you’ve had enough of trying to fix Android File Transfer issues, move onwards and upwards!
