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Use MacDroid for backup Android files to Mac

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How to backup Android phone to Mac: Complete Guide

Ivan Korol Sep 7, 2022

We know that backups might seem unimportant at times, but do you remember that one time when you dropped your phone and had to buy another one only to find out that you can’t restore your photos and files? Well, this is why we’re determined to help you know how to backup Android phone to Mac. Of course, you’re going to need a suitable ally for this challenge in the form of an application. This is why we’ve gathered some of the most popular and functional solutions available.

How to Backup Android Phone Data with MacDroid

MacDroid

Requirements: macOS 10.12

Version: v1.6.1.131, Released 9 Sep, 2022 Release notes

Category: UtilitiesApplication

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MacDroid is one of the best Android file transfer software you can use right now. This powerful application was designed with easiness of use and productivity in mind. You can manage all of your files within a few clicks and transfer videos, photos, audio files, or documents in a matter of seconds. With support for ADB and MTP, you know for sure that MacDroid is compatible with most of your devices. More than this, it also has support for Apple silicon, running flawlessly on M1 processors.

Pros

Easy to install and use
Support for MTP and ADB
Works great on M1 Macs
Works with the most popular file formats
Allows for Android Backup on Mac.

Cons

Can’t export messages
Only 7 days of free trial.

Step by Step Backup Guide - Using MacDroid

1

Download MacDroid from the official website.

2

Make sure that your Mac and Android are both connected through a USB cable.

3

Choose MTP connection mode in MacDroid for a reliable connection or ADB for a faster one.

The application has two modes, choose which one you need.

4

After clicking the ‘Next’ button, enable file transfer on your Android phone by tapping ‘Allow’. Also, make sure that USB Debugging is turned on.

Most likely, you will need to confirm the transfer with a file on your smartphone.

5

Once your phone is showing on the sidebar menu, you can click on "Mount".

If you want to end the file transfer click Unmount.

6

That’s it! You can now use Finder to backup Android on Mac.

Try MacDroid file transfer app for Mac

Free 7-day trial

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Fully compatible with macOS and M1 chips.

Works with both MTP and ADB compatible devices. This application makes a great ally when looking to master how to backup Android phone to MacBook.

How to Backup Android Phone to Mac using SyncMate

Another great solution you can use to create Android backup Mac is SyncMate. As the name suggests, this application was made with synchronisation in mind and can do everything from files, photos, messages, contacts, and calendar info. Even more than this, it can automatically upload all your data into cloud services such as DropBox or Google Drive. The interface makes it intuitive to use and a breeze to go through the whole process.

SyncMate is the only file sync software you’ll need.

Pros

Both wired and wireless connection
Creates backups automatically in the background
Copies messages, contacts, and other data
Also supports most MTP devices, clouds

Cons

Harder to use, with many options to learn
WiFi connection requires a companion app

How to Backup Android on Mac with SyncMate

Open SyncMate. Click "Add New Device".
Select "Android device" and plug it into your Mac.
Click it in the connection list and browse the backup settings.
Click "Sync".

Compatible with macOS. Can connect to Android and iOS systems, other Macs, MTP devices, and cloud services.

SyncMate will provide you with an advanced, automated toolkit that will work across many devices. The wireless capabilities are especially useful to keep your ports from wearing out.

Android File Transfer

This app is the official Android solution to the Mac connection problem. It’s minimalistic, but completely free, and created by the Android company. While it doesn’t allow you to backup Android contacts to Mac, this program is sufficient for copying files, including videos and music. All you need is a cable, and you can get started.

It’s a simple and free way to back up Android to Mac.

Pros

Totally free
Easy to use and reliable

Cons

No wireless connectivity

How to Use Android File Transfer

Open the application.
Connect the Mac and the Android device with a USB cable.
Enable File Transfer on Android.
On your Mac, click the device name.
Open the external or internal storage.
Drag files to Finder to copy them.

Compatible with macOS. Mounts Android devices.

Android File Transfer is an easy first choice, due to it being free and perfectly functional. Other apps are preferable if you want more features.

AirDroid

AirDroid is a wireless-only backup solution. It requires you to install the companion app on your Android device, and, furthermore, to create an account. But, once that’s done, you’ll have free access to your Android files over WiFi. With this, a Mac Android backup will be easy - just select everything you need to store on the Mac. It has many other features, too, including mirroring and remote access.

Pros

Free wireless app
A ton of secondary features

Cons

Difficult to set up
Needs an account and an Android app

How to Backup with AirDroid

Install AirDroid on your Mac and your Android device.
Sign into the app on Mac.
Your phone will show up in the device list.
Choose your device, and you’ll enter the file browsing mode.
Select the folders or files to backup, and press the "download" icon at the top.

Compatible with macOS and Windows. Connects to Android devices.

AirDroid is worth it if you’re willing to bother with the account. It only has limits on internet transmission, while LAN operations are free and unlimited.

Dr. Fone

Dr. Fone is a backup application that works over USB, keeps a backup history, and lets you select which data types to load. This includes application data. Backups will also be done automatically when you hook your Android device up to your Mac. Since new backups won’t override old files, you’ll be able to restore your phone to older states, but it will take up more space in general. Most of Dr. Fone’s functionality is inaccessible in the free version.

Pros

Automated backup of selected folders
Backup history and versions
Can copy app data

Cons

Very expensive and not usable for free
USB-only

How to Backup Android on Mac in Dr. Fone

Launch Dr. Fone and select "Phone Backup".
Use a USB cable to connect the Android device to your Mac.
Press "Backup".
Select the needed data types and confirm your choice.

Compatible with macOS and Windows. Can create backups of Android and iOS systems.

Use Dr. Fone if you have space and money to spare. If you’re looking for a quick, casual app, there are better alternatives.

How to Backup your Android Phone with Google

Although not a lot of people know how to backup Android phone to Mac free of charge, the whole process became a lot easier over the years. Based on your data type, you will need to use one of the main backup solutions. Google Photos which can be used for media content, Google Drive for files, documents, and everything else, and YouTube music which is solely for audio files.

These three applications work great together and some of them, like Google Drive allow for an extended amount of storage space if willing to pour some cash.

Backup Android phone to Mac using Google services.

Pros

Great infrastructure with amazing download speeds
Built by Google
Optimised for Android phones
Lots of space available.

Cons

Can be hard for some users to manage three applications at the same time

Step by Step Backup Guide - Using Google

Make sure that Google Drive, Google Photos, and YouTube music are all downloaded and updated
Go into every app’s settings menu and enable Backup & Sync. Note that for Google Drive, you will only need to click the Upload button and select your files.
Choose your preferred backup options and preferences.
That’s it! Now give it some time and your files will be uploaded into the cloud!

Conclusion

While it can be hard at first to decide which application suits your needs the most, all of them can create a Mac Android backup. However, it’s important to look at them side by side and see which one brings more to the table. Overall, MacDroid should be the perfect solution for most users and act like they’re a reliable backup tool. Easy to use and with amazing features, users should give it at least one chance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I backup my entire Android phone?

First of all, you should check if your phone has built-in backup capabilities. They may be found in the Settings menu, or as an app for Google Android backups (Google One or Drive). If you don’t find any, you may have to use one of the aforementioned solutions.

How do I backup my entire Android phone to my computer?

You can do it by copying all the files from the root directory. Some types of data may require you to use additional software, like SyncMate. If you want to backup pictures for Android, backup music Android, and other files, it’s not necessary.

How do I connect my Android phone to my Mac?

If you are looking to connect Android to Mac, the first thing that needs to be done is to connect the USB cable between the two devices. After this, open up MacDroid and choose "ADB". Allow the connection on your phone and mount the device from your Mac. Now, you should be able to backup Android to MacBook directly from Finder.

How can I transfer data from Android to Mac?

Try MacDroid or SyncMate. These apps will allow you to copy all kinds of files between Android and macOS devices.

How do I Back up my Samsung Android phone?

When it comes to Samsung phones you can use the same steps as above, the only thing worth mentioning here is that you want to make sure that Samsung Kies and Smart Switch are not present on your computer as they can interfere with the other software. Other than this, it will be the same process.

How do I backup my Android phone and restore to a new phone?

When looking to backup and restore to a new phone, you will need to enable the Google One backup service from your phone’s settings. This way, you can restore it as soon as you boot up your new device, although it can take some time.

MacDroid

Break transfer barrier between Android and Mac

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Requires macOS 10.12 or newer; compatible with all Android and MTP devices

Connect Android to Mac without any barriers

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

Harold Robinson 2022-05-02T06:30:53

Why is Samsung Smart Switch so inconvenient? It’s easy to use, but lacking in functionality.
- Electronic Team 2022-05-02T06:31:19
  
  It wasn’t designed for everyday data transfer. It’s a specific solution to help you switch to a Samsung phone.
John Barry 2022-04-28T06:53:21

Hello. I always thought I could just restore my phone if I lost it. Isn’t that true?
- Electronic Team 2022-04-28T06:53:45
  
  Not really, unless you have a backup ready. Some Android versions have this feature enabled by default, but mostly, your data only exists in one place. Look around your apps and settings - you’re likely to find something for cloud backups!
Frank Gibson 2022-04-27T07:19:28

What should I do for sensitive data? I don’t feel safe with it sitting around on my PC.
- Electronic Team 2022-04-27T07:19:43
  
  Try putting it in an encrypted archive, or get special software to keep it secure. Some backup apps let you encrypt data immediately after a backup.
Robert Smith 2022-04-21T06:50:33

So many photos, videos and music to back up! I suppose that it would be easier, had I started out sooner… But I’m still happy that I started at all! Thanks for the article!
Jacob Lawson 2022-04-08T07:23:42

Like most people, I discovered the value of backups only when it was already too late. Not making the same mistake again.
Robbie Young 2022-04-06T07:29:38

I didn’t think that Android backup Mac software is very useful, since there’s a free official solution. But this article convinced me to get MacDroid. It’s a hell of a thing! And I feel more familiar with backup software in general.
Dylan Fane 2022-03-01T15:40:02

It’s easier to backup Android to Mac free than I thought. But it makes me wonder, are these free tools worth it? Maybe it’s better to stick to expensive solutions, to avoid pain in the long run.