MacDroid

Ivan Korol May 23, 2023

Android file transfer
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Transfer Files from Android to Mac

How to Transfer Files from Android to Mac

Wondering how to transfer files from Android to Mac? 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 and Mac.

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MacDroid

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Learn how to transfer files from Android to Mac from the article below.

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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 software or other workaround solutions. Check the article to know the most convenient and simple ways for Android file transfer.

Best Solutions for Transferring Files from Android to Mac:

MacDroid: Best Way to Transfer Files from Android to Mac
Move Files to Mac with Android File Transfer
Google Drive - Simple Way to Share Files
Wireless Way to Transfer Files from Android to Mac - AirDroid App
Transfer files with SD Card
Syncing Files from Android to Mac with SyncMate
Commander One - Enhanced Way to Transfer Files from Android to Mac

MacDroid: Best Way to Transfer Files from Android to Mac

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

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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 as well.

The great feature of this app is that MacDroid makes it possible to display files from Android 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 two supported connection modes for file transferring, namely MTP and ADB and enjoy the process.

Pros:

Works with all Android devices
Comes with two operation modes
Free version
Allows editing Android files on Mac without transferring them
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
No monthly billing

How to Transfer Files from Mac to Android

MacDroid allows you to transfer files from Android to 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.

Move Files to Mac with Android File Transfer

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 ok 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.

Pros:

Completely free
Easy to use
Handles almost all file types

Cons:

Errors may occur when connecting or transferring
It can be difficult to get support

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 from Android to Mac, 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.

You may be interested in related articles

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I transfer files from my Android phone to my Mac via USB?

Transferring files from Android to Mac via a USB cable can be done with the help of Android File Transfer. In case Android File Transfer not working, you can always rely on proven apps such as MacDroid or Commander One.

How to transfer files from Android to Mac wirelessly?

Transferring files in a wireless way can be done with the help of SyncMate. Once you’ve connected with a USB and installed the module, you can customize your requirements and start syncing automatically. It’s one of the most useful ways of syncing, as once you’ve set up your preferences, it will work automatically any time your devices are in the range of each other.

Why can't I transfer files from Android to Mac?

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.

How do I get my Mac to recognize my Android phone?

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.

MacDroid

Break transfer barrier between Android and Mac

Download Free

Subscribe to PRO

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

View Android files on Mac with 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

John Barry 2020-12-29T12:22:00

Can MacDroid move playlists as well? My desktop is a Mac but I use my Android tablet a lot, especially for music and video when I’m travelling. I specifically need a way to transfer files from Android to Mac and back that would let me move whole playlists and libraries.
- Electronic Team, Inc. 2020-12-29T12:23:30
  
  Yes, MacDroid can move any playlists you have between libraries on your Android device and Mac.
Robert Smith 2020-12-29T07:22:50

What are the benefits of working in ADB mode when I transfer files from Android to Mac? I know it’s commonly used for debugging phones (obviously, from the name), but don’t really know the other benefits of it. Could you explain what they are?
- Electronic Team, Inc. 2020-12-29T07:24:41
  
  ADB is a way of giving your Mac access to all features of your phone. It makes it much quicker to move files, and to organise folders.
Robert Jones 2020-12-28T10:50:18

Is there any way I can try out any of the paid versions before committing? I really need a way to transfer files from Android to Mac as I do most of my work on a Mac. But I want to make sure I make the right choice before committing to one of the above.
- Electronic Team, Inc. 2020-12-28T10:52:19
  
  Yes, MacDroid has a free version, and you can get a free 7 day trial of the PRO edition.
Jonathan Clark 2020-12-28T07:42:54

Great programs. Cloud services are ok, but it’s tiresome having to constantly upload and download everything. I find that Google Drive is great for moving documents around, and for work, but when it comes to music or video it’s useless. I’ve been looking for a way to transfer files from Android to Mac and vice versa, these seem like the ideal options.
Thomas Loos 2020-12-24T12:45:12

I’m an Mac user, and found this advice incredibly helpful. I get why Apple are trying to keep things in the family, and their operating systems do work together really well. But I’ve recently bought a tablet, and needed a way to transfer files from Android to Mac. Thanks so much!
Bob Harris 2020-12-24T09:28:12

So tired of Apple trying to dictate what devices we use. I’m a huge fan of their computers, but generally prefer Android for daily handheld use. It took ages to find a way to transfer files from Android to Mac, but these are clearly easy solutions, especially since they’re all available in free versions.
Brian Tretter 2020-12-23T09:27:07

Great stuff, I’ve been searching for ages for an effective way to get around these issues. It’s infuriating that I’ve had to spend so much time looking for a way to transfer files from Android to Mac, especially given that I use several different Android devices. But one of these will definitely solve the problem.