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Android File Transfer Not Working Error - How to Fix

Ivan Korol Ivan Korol Jan 24, 2023
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Try MacDroid to Fix Android File Transfer Not Working

Built entirely by Google, Android File Transfer is the official tool that allows Mac users to transfer all of their documents, photos, videos, and more from their Android phones to their computers. Even though the application is built with stability in mind, some users might still experience issues preventing them from transferring their data. Here is how you can connect Android to Mac and troubleshoot all the errors.

Common Reasons for Android File Transfer Not Working Issue

There isn’t a single reason you can’t transfer files from your Mac and Android device to your Windows PC or vice versa. The cause could be anything from minor hardware to critical software issues. The following are the most common reasons:

  • Errors in the hardware of a computer or an Android device
  • The USB drive has a problem
  • Device drivers are missing
  • Drivers that are no longer supported
  • Third-party software can interfere with the proper operation
  • The latest version software is not running on the computer
  • The USB cable might be damaged
  • The Android phone might not be running the latest version of Android available.

If troubleshooting these issues doesn’t work, you may need an alternative.

Android File Transfer not working issue.

Android File Transfer Alternatives

Relying on Android File Transfer is not optimal if you are looking to move files around. Thankfully, there are dozens of third-party applications that will solve Android File Transfer Mac not working issues.

MacDroid: Solves Android File Transfer Not Working on Mac Issues

The easiest fix, if Android File Transfer doesn’t work, is to try an alternative app. Because macOS doesn’t support media transfer protocol (MTP) to access the files on an Android, it is necessary to find software that allows users to transfer files from Android to Mac. MacDroid does just that.

MacDroid
4.7 Rank based on 556 + users Reviews(439)
Requirements: macOS 10.12
Version: v1.6.1.131, Released 9 Sep, 2022 Release notes
Category: Utilities

This powerful application lets users transfer entire folders, music, photos, videos, and more from Android to Mac. It also works with all Android and MTP devices, so all that you need is one app to connect all your devices easily to Mac.

MacDroid is a well-designed, simple app that allows users to connect Android to Mac with MTP mode or with 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 possible.


You'll find your Android device's contents in Finder.

How to Transfer Files from Android to Mac with MacDroid

1
Download MacDroid on your Mac and follow the installation prompts to get started.
2
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.

 Pay attention to the USB cable as it can cause Android not to connect to Mac.
3
To start transferring files right away, select MTP mode under the MacDroid device menu. MTP is a single-operation mode for file transfer that basically lets your Mac access files on your Android as if it was an external hard drive by sending messages back and forth between device and computer.
4
Once you select MTP mode on your Mac, you will see an Android system notification on your device. Select "File transfer" and you should see your device appear in the device menu on MacDroid.

 Selecting the wrong mode while connecting your phone also can cause issues with Android File Transfer Mac no device found.
5
That’s it! Your Mac and Android are connected. You can open Finder on Mac and will see your device there, so you can start dragging and dropping the folders and files you want to transfer.
MacDroid

SyncMate

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.

You simply cannot catch 'no Android device found Mac' error with SyncMate.

To connect your Android to Mac with SyncMate, follow these steps:

1
Download and install SyncMate for Mac.
2
Open SyncMate and click "Add new" to select your Android device.
3
Choose the sync parameters (sync direction, Android to Mac or vice versa).
4
Select what folders and files you want to sync.
5
Click "Sync" and watch your data transfer.
For anyone who has struggled with Android not connecting to Mac, SyncMate an alternative that offers premium features you can’t get with Android File Transfer.

Dr.Fone

Another amazing tool that can help you with ATF issues is Dr.Fone. This application is an all-in-one solution that not only allows users to transfer data seamlessly but comes with a vast array of functions that might interest them. Whether it’s transferring WhatsApp conversations, recovering data, repairing the system, or restoring backups, Dr.Fone is ready to take up the challenge and be your ally in need when Android file transfer doesn't work.

It's a nice app with wide range of function that can help if AFT not working.
1
Make sure that your phone is connected to your Mac via USB.
2
On your computer’s screen select your phone’s Brand.
3
Follow the steps on the screen and enable USB Debugging.
4
That’s it! You are now ready to transfer files between your two devices.

AirDroid

If you are looking for a great alternative to the official data transferring application from Mac to Android, AirDroid is a nice contender. First, you should know that AirDroid does more than meets the eye, having functionalities for screen sharing and remote control which can be quite useful. But more than this, it’s a great application if you are looking to transfer files between your devices. Thus, you can say goodbye to Android File Transfer not working Mac. AirDroid makes the process very simple and it’s also very fast.

It’s a good solution for transferring files from Mac to Android.
1
Use a USB cable or Wi-Fi to connect your Android phone and your Mac device.
2
Open the AirDroid application.
3
On your phone, tap on your computer’s name on the Device list.
4
Choose the files that you want to send and press "Send".
5
You’re good to go! The files should be transferred within seconds.

Tips to Fix the Android File Transfer Not Working Issue

Android File Transfer can be a blessing disguised as a curse when it comes to functionality. Many users have reported issues with this application, ranging from the Android File Transfer app not working due to errors, faulty USB cables, or settings being incorrect. No matter what you’re experiencing, we’ve prepared some fixes for solving all of your ATF issues on Mac.

Use USB Debugging Mode

USB debugging is a developer mode for Android that opens many features that are not available to the consumer. On some phones, the file transfer may be hidden behind the developer's settings, so this may be a good option. Follow these steps:

USB computer connection.
1
Connect your phone to your computer with another USB cable to check whether the Android File Transfer not working on Mac issue still remains.
2
Unlock your Android device.
3
Swipe down to see the notification and tap the "Settings" option.
4
Turn on USB debugging and choose the "Media device (MTP)" option.
5
Alternatively, switch to PTP, and then back again.

Important: To enable USB debugging, you need to enable developer’s mode, which opens up many features that most consumers should be wary of.

Remove Samsung Kies or Smart Switch

Those who use older Samsung phones may have previously installed Kies or Smart Switch, which are Samsung applications that perform similar tasks such as file management. Unfortunately, it is known that this software interferes with the proper operation of Android File Transfer. Search for them in the Applications folder and, if you find them, drag them to the Trash as they can cause Android File Transfer Mac not working issue.

Delete Smart Switch that AFT works correctly.

Restart Your Mac Computer

Restart the device on which the problem occurred in order to check whether the issue was caused by a runtime error or any other errors detected while running the computer. This tip is considered the easiest and the simplest as while rebooting, we force the computer to clear its cache, where Android File Transfer not working issue will be stored and spread.

Restart your Mac.

Enable File Transfer Mode

In most cases, when Android File Transfer not working Mac users face due to the fact that the phone is not configured for proper data transfer. When an Android phone is connected to a USB port, most phones simply charge by default. This is regardless of which USB port the phone is connected to, be it a computer USB port or a wall charger.

This process is similar on most Android phones, although, as always, you may need a slightly different path. Swipe down the notification bar and tap USB Charging -> Tap to see more options -> File transfer/Android Auto.

Enable File transfer mode.

If you are struggling with Android File Transfer, the issue might usually come from outdated MTP drivers or with the USB cable that you are using. Nevertheless, if these solutions did not work, you can always rely on an Android File Transfer alternative that should fix these issues for you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Unlock your Android device and swipe down the notification bar. Choose USB Charging and tap to see more options. Select File transfer/Android Auto mode.
When you connect your Android via USB or wireless connection to the computer you want to sync with, the Android system will ask how you want to connect. To enable file transfer, you will simply select ‘File Transfer’ in the pop up window options that appear.
Because Mac and Android run on different operating systems, you may need a special software to get the Mac to recognize the device. If using an app like Android File Transfer but upon connecting the device to a computer there is no Android device found Mac users can troubleshoot the software malfunction, or try a different app.
When you plug your Android device into a computer with USB, an Android system notification should pop up when connected asking how you want to connect. Select ‘File Transfer’ as an option instead of USB charging to transfer files with USB connection.
If your Android does not connect to Mac with USB, you should check to make sure the USB cable is not damaged and is the original cable that came with the device. You can also check the USB port it is plugged into for any possible damage preventing a connection.
You should first check the USB cable and make sure that you are using an original one or a good quality product. All drivers should be updated, including the operating system on both applications. These verifications should ensure that you are running the latest versions, that contain all the bug fixes.
Mac users should always make sure that they have updated their OS version to the latest macOS available. The next step would be to check the USB cable and ensure it’s in good condition and plugged in right. The last step is enabling USB Debugging on your Android phone.
Try using a different cable or updating your Android. If it still doesn't work, then something is very wrong - it's possible that the USB port on the Android device is worn out. Other unfixable hardware or software issues are also possible.
MacDroid

Break transfer barrier between Android and Mac

Requires macOS 10.12 or newer; compatible with all Android and MTP devices
Android data transfer program | MacDroid
Requires macOS 10.12 or newer; compatible with any Android and MTP devices
4.7 overall rank,
based on 556+ users, Reviews(439)
Version 1.6.1.131,
released on 9 Sep, 2022