How to Transfer Files from Android to Mac

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Updated on: June 19, 2024
Time to read: 11 minutes

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best and easiest solutions, including using third-party apps like MacDroid, to help you find the perfect way of file transferring between Android phone and macOS.

Unfortunately, Mac has compatibility issues with Android devices. It’s a problem that is basically built into the system as a way of forcing you to only use Apple devices. To access an Android phone from a Mac, you need to use special file transfer app or other workaround solutions. Check the article to know the most convenient and simple ways for transfer files.

Users situation:
I recently bought a Mac, and now I'm trying to transfer all important files, and photos from my Android. I searched the Internet for ways to transfer, but I didn't find anything useful to help me. Any ideas and suggestions?
— Reddit
Best Solutions for Transferring Files from Android to Mac:

Using USB cable

MacDroid file transfer app

MacDroid is a straightforward and minimalistic app that allows you to connect Android to Mac and seamlessly transfer files between these devices. The app is available in two versions: free and PRO. The main difference is that the PRO version allows you to transfer files from Mac to Android and allows you to edit Android files right on your Mac with no need to download them first.

The great feature of this app is that MacDroid makes it possible to display files from Android device right in Finder. Besides that, it makes it possible to work with any type and size of file as well as transfer entire folders between the devices. Choose one out of three supported connection modes for file transferring, namely MTP, ADB, or wireless, and enjoy the process.

Note: Starting with version 2.0, MacDroid users can connect Android devices and transfer files via Wi-Fi.
MacDroid is compatible with almost any Android and MTP device.

Pros:

  • Works with all Android devices
  • Comes with three connection modes
  • Free version
  • Allows editing Android files on Mac without transferring them
  • Pro version offers a free seven-day trial with access to all advanced features

Cons:

  • Free version is only available for Android to Mac file transfer, not vice versa

OS: macOS

Price: free, Pro version is $19.99 per year

How to copy Files from Android phone to Mac via MacDroid

MacDroid allows you to transfer files between Android and Mac with just a snap of a finger. To transfer files all you have to do is to follow these steps:

1. First of all, you need to make sure that you’ve downloaded and installed MacDroid to your Mac. 

2. Now you need to use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your Mac.

We'd recommend to use USB-cable from your phone's manufacturer.

3. Once this is done, select MTP mode, and then choose the phone you’ve just connected.

 4. A corresponding window will be opened on your phone where you need to select “File transfer” option.

5. Click ‘Mount’ to create the necessary connection. Now you can transfer files from Android phone to Mac or vice versa.

How to Transfer Files from Android to Mac for Free

Move Files to Mac with Android File Transfer

Note: As of May 2024, you can’t get the app from the official website for unknown reasons. But if you have the app already installed on your Mac or a valid .dmg file, you can still use the AFT app.

Android File Transfer is Google’s own solution to let users get around Apple’s Android issue. It’s an easy program to use and has been a popular choice for some time. While it doesn’t have all the features offered by its competitors or the handy wireless syncing, it’s still an okay choice if you’re just looking for a basic way of moving files around. If you want to use it to transfer files from Android to MacBook and vice versa, all you need to do is follow the guide below.

Follow the steps below to transfer files from Android to Mac with AFT.

How to transfer files from Android phone to Mac via Android File Transfer

1. First of all, you need to download and install the program from their website.

2. Then, open AndroidFileTransfer.dmg

3. Next, drag Android File Transfer to your applications.

4. Then, connect your Android device to your Mac via a USB cable.

5. Now, open the AFT program. On your phone, tap the “Charging via USB” notification.

6. Wait for the “Use USB for” pop-up and select “File transfer”. Now, you can easily transfer files from Mac to Android and vice versa via the AFT program.

Syncing Files from Android to Mac with SyncMate

SyncMate is a handy program that lets you organize files between two devices, ensuring that any changes made to one device are mirrored on the other. The great thing about SyncMate is that it can work wirelessly. That means it will automatically sync files when in range once it’s set up.

Follow the steps below to transfer files from Android to Mac with SyncMate.

Pros:

  • Works with iOS and Android devices
  • Allows connecting your devices with USB cable, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Free synchronization of contacts and calendars

Cons:

  • The more advanced features require the Expert version

OS: macOS, Android, iOS

Price: $39.95

How to transfer files from Android to Mac via SyncMate

1. The first time you use SyncMate, you need to use a USB to connect and install the module.

2. Once the module is installed, open it and make sure that the box is ticked for wireless synchronization.

3. You’ll need to make sure that your Mac IP is on the list of trusted connections.

4. Now, all you have to do is customize the settings, and you’ll be able to automatically sync files between Android and Mac via Wi-Fi.

Commander One – Enhanced Way to Transfer Files from Android to Mac

Commander One is more than just a tool to transfer files from Android phone and Mac. It is a versatile file manager with a wide set of supported features among which is the ability to work with Android, MTP, and iOS devices. The app allows you to mount your Android device as a regular drive and perform file sharing in a quick and convenient way.

However, being, first of all, a powerful file manager, the app can come in handy for those who want to have advanced file management. Here you can find a Terminal emulator, the ability to show hidden files, the ability to connect to remote servers and cloud storages, the ability to work with various archive formats, etc.

Follow the steps below to transfer files from Android to Mac with AFT.

Pros:

  • Dual-panel interface
  • Comes with various personalization options to customize the interface
  • Allows browsing your files on Mac without copying them
  • Works with Android, iOS and MTP devices
  • Built-in support for FTP servers, cloud services

Cons:

  • Pro Pack upgrade required to get advanced functionality

OS: macOS

Price: free, Pro pack is $29.99

How to transfer files from Android to Mac via Commander One

1. Download and Install Commander One on your computer.

2. Launch the app and go to Preferences > Extensions. Here you need to check the MTP Devices option.

3. Now, connect your Android to Mac via a USB cable.

4. On your Android phone, enable MTP(File transfer mode) by switching from charging mode to it.

5. That’s it. Your phone is connected to a Mac.

Wireless Solutions

Google Drive - Simple Way to Share Files

Google Drive is one of the most popular file transfer systems around. It’s free, with limited storage, and rather than using a USB to transfer files from Android to Mac, it makes use of an online cloud. It certainly has some benefits, especially when it comes to moving smaller files, but isn’t great for transferring entire folders or larger files.

Follow the steps below to transfer files from Android to Mac with Google Drive.

Pros:

  • No USB cable required
  • Easy to set up
  • Free storage space of up to 15 GB
  • Instant access to your files from any device

Cons:

  • Comes with upload limits
  • Not a secure way to store sensitive information
  • If you need to sync a very large amount of data, you will have to pay

How to Transfer Files from Mac to Android with Google Drive

1. You need to make sure you have an account first. If you use a system such as Google Mail, you’ll automatically have a Google Drive account.

2. Open Google Drive in your browser, and use the upload option to move files into the cloud.

3. Now, when you use your Mac or Android device, all you need to do is download the files, and you’ll be able to view Android files on your Mac.

Wireless Way to Transfer Files from Android to Mac - AirDroid App

AirDroid is an app that allows you not only to copy files from Android to Mac but also to perform lots of other things such as checking messages, taking screenshots, and more. You can even turn on mirroring, so your phone’s notifications will be displayed on your laptop in real-time.

The app is also available as a special application, nevertheless, you can simply use the AirDroid web client to control your mobile device. Also, keep in mind that the free version of AirDroid only allows you to transfer files up to 200 MB/month. To increase the quota to 1 GB, you will have to purchase their subscription, which also does not allow you to transfer an unlimited number of files.

Follow the steps below to transfer files from Android to Mac with AirDroid.

Pros:

  • Works on Mac and Windows
  • Available as a web-based client
  • Offers free version
  • Supports remote control and screen mirroring

Cons:

  • You’ll need to upgrade to the Premium version to receive some advanced features like remote camera and remove file size limits
  • No annual license fee, only monthly subscription

OS: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Price: free version, premium price starts at $2.50/month

How to Transfer Files from Mac to Android via AirDroid app

1. Download and install the AirDroid application on your Android phone from the Google Play Store.

2. Or alternatively, open the website from a browser on your Mac computer.

3. Create an account on a website with an email address. Or you can sign up with a Facebook, Google, or Twitter account.

4. You can now transfer files from Android to Mac wirelessly or vice versa.

Transfer files with SD Card

If your Mac model has an SD card slot, or if you have the necessary dongles and adapters, you can try the following method. All you have to do is remove your phone’s SD card and insert it into your Mac to copy the files. Needless to say, this method also works the other way around.

Follow the steps below to transfer files from Android to Mac with AirDroid.

Pros:

  • No additional software installation required

Cons:

  • You can use this method, as long as your Mac has an SD card slot, or you have an SD card reader

How to transfer files from Android phone to Mac via SD Card

1. Turn off your phone and eject the SD card.

2. Insert the card into the SD card adapter.

3. Plug the adapter into Mac’s port.

4. Once the card is detected as a storage device, you can view Android files on Mac.

Conclusion

We hope that you will find our guide on how to transfer files from Android to Mac rather informative. As you can see, there are several ways to transfer files between devices, each with its own advantages. We’d confidently recommend MacDroid as the ideal solution. The app has a user-friendly interface that breaks the barrier between Android and Mac file transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common causes why you can’t transfer files from Android to Mac include bad cables or USB ports. Also, your phone may not be set up to file transfer.

One of the easiest solutions to get your Mac to recognize your phone is to use software like MacDroid or any other Android File Transfer alternative described in the article. These apps will help you to establish connection between Mac and Android.