- Android File Transfer App Mac
- Best Android File Transfer For Mac
- Free Android File Transfer For Mac
- Best Android File Transfer App For Mac
- Best Alternative To Android File Transfer For Mac
Unlike Windows, macOS doesn’t let you natively browse the file system of your Android phone. Nor does its ad-hoc wireless service, AirDrop, work with Android phones.
This leaves you to rely on third-party options for transferring files between Android and macOS. Fortunately, a bunch of reliable third-party apps (including one from Google) fill the gap. Here are all the ways you can share files between a Mac and an Android phone.
1. Android File Transfer
Android File Transfer is an application for Macintosh computers (running Mac OS X 10.5 or later) you can use to view and transfer files between your Mac and an Android device (running Android 3.0. Android file transfer mac: In this high-tech world there are different sources to transfer files, music, videos and much more through easy sources. Almost every person possesses a device which can be used to transfer and receive data without any difficulty. The easiest, fastest way to send and receive files and folders from other smartphones, tablets, and computers. File Transfer works cross-platform on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android(*). It is quick and easy. No configuration required, no need to enter an address to connect. Devices are automatically discovered. The best part of this Android File Transfer idea is the fact that it is compatible with most of Android as well as Mac based devices. Rating: 3.5 The installation of the program is very easy and therefore it is highly recommended for novice users.
Android File Transfer App Mac
Google’s own Android File Transfer tool is the quickest and the most hassle-free way for you to explore your phone’s files on a Mac. All you need to do is install the free app on your Mac and plug in the Android phone.
Android File Transfer will automatically detect the connection and show a window where you can transfer files back and forth, create or delete folders, and perform other’ file management tasks. You also don’t need to worry about installing any drivers since you’re using a Mac.
Download: Android File Transfer for Mac (Free)
2. Handshaker
While Android File Transfer is the most straightforward solution, it has several reliability issues since Google hasn’t updated it in years.
To combat that, try Handshaker, a seamless file management Mac app for Android phones. Handshaker allows you to browse your phone’s storage when it’s plugged into your computer, and share files effortlessly between both devices. You can even go wireless by connecting to the same network, although this requires compromising on transfer bandwidth.
In addition, Handshaker lets you go through each category of files (such as photos and videos) individually so that they’re easier to find and transfer. All you need to do is install the Handshaker client on your Mac as well as your phone, and enable Android’s USB debugging option. Since Handshaker is not available on Google Play, you’ll need to sideload the app.
Download: Handshaker for Mac | Android [No Longer Available] (Free)
3. Commander One
Best Android File Transfer For Mac
If you’re looking for a more professional tool for managing Android phones on a Mac, you should try Commander One.
Commander One comes with a sophisticated dashboard where you can perform a variety of actions, such as quickly copying large chunks of files, setting up an FTP server, instantly switching disks, and more. The app has a tabbed interface, letting you juggle between multiple storage drives with ease.
Plus, Commander One offers a wide selection of keyboard shortcuts you can customize per your preferences. This app, however, is not free. You can try it free for fifteen days to decide if it’s worth the cost to you.
Download: Commander One for Mac (Free trial, $30)
4. Pushbullet
Pushbullet brings features typically only available across Apple devices, like a universal clipboard, to Android. Plus, Pushbullet also allows you share files, browse your phone’s internal storage remotely on a computer, reply to SMS messages, and more. It’s the complete package.
Despite what you’d think, it’s also free (with some limitations). To set it up, sign up on the Pushbullet website with your Google or Facebook account. Install the app on your Android phone and all your other devices via desktop and browser clients. Once you’re signed in everywhere, you can easily send files, links, and more across every platform.
Download: Pushbullet for Mac | Android (Free, subscription available)
5. Portal by Pushbullet
Pushbullet has another app called Portal for quick file sharing. However, this one only works for transferring content from your computer to your phone—not the other way around. The setup is simple and only requires you to scan a QR code on your phone.
Once that’s done, you’ve connected the devices, and you’re all set to send files from your Mac. The bandwidth is rather impressive, so unless you’re sending a huge file, it will only take a few seconds. On your desktop, Portal works through a browser, so you don’t need to install a new app.
Free Android File Transfer For Mac
Download: Portal by Pushbullet for Android (Free)
Visit:Portal by Pushbullet website
Visit:Portal by Pushbullet website
6. Send Anywhere
If you love the simplicity of Portal but want two-way transfers and a Mac app, we recommend Send Anywhere.
Send Anywhere functions similarly to Portal. You enter a code and the transfer begins over a Wi-Fi network. The difference is that it has a more comprehensive set of features, like the ability to quickly select images and videos, Wi-Fi Direct compatibility, and more.
Even better, you can also create links for files to share them with multiple devices. The free version of Send Anywhere comes with ad-supported design, but you can upgrade by paying a small fee.
Download: Send Anywhere for Android | Mac (Free, premium version available)
7. Cloud Storage Services
If you’re someone who only occasionally shares data between your computer and Android phone, you can probably rely on your preferred cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. https://skyeyintl.weebly.com/what-is-the-best-photo-recovery-software-for-mac.html. The process is quick and you don’t have to go through any configuration.
Plus, choosing this method won’t restrict your files to just a Mac and Android phone. You can access them from anywhere, no matter what device you’re on.
Pro tip: If it offers one, install your cloud service’s desktop backup tool. That way, your computer files are always available to download on your phone.
A More Connected Mac and Android Experience
Best Android File Transfer App For Mac
All of these methods will let you easily share files between Android and macOS, both on wired and wireless connections. While Apple understandably hasn’t added any continuity features for Android like these, thankfully third-party developers have come forward and built several great options.
We’ve covered powerful apps for continuity between Android and macOS7 Powerful Apps for Continuity Between Android and Mac7 Powerful Apps for Continuity Between Android and MacHave a Mac and an Android phone? These apps let you connect them for a universal clipboard, file management, and more.Read More if you’d like more features like this.
Explore more about: Android Apps, File Management, File Sharing, Mac Apps, .
- Thanks!! After struggling with android tranfer, handshaker work on my macOS mojave. Look like it's not on google play so download the apk (I've made it with apkpure) and you're good to go
- I am using a smarter app called Sally, you just drag and drop files to the window, and use your phone to scan the QRCode, and you see all your files there, download or upload, that's so easy. You don't even need Internet connection to use it.
- Hi. I recently plugged my Huawei phone into my mac to charge it, and it asked me if I wanted to 'allow' or 'deny' access. I just clicked 'allow' without thinking anything of it. I unplugged the phone when I left the office and when I went to look in my gallery later that day, all my photos and videos were gone. They were stored on my SD card and they're gone. I've checked my mac but they're not there either. Can you help???
- Be careful when transferring files by selecting the folder and moving it over, I did this and then got distracted, left and when I came back to check my computer had the photos the folder was there but it was empty. I always check before deleting from either device. Power cord for apple mac air.So the drag and drop of a folder doesn't work, so I tried to select all and I cannot do that! Can someone please tell me how to select all in Android File Transfer. Currently I have to hold CMD and individually select and this is too time consuming! The usual selection options don't work for me in AFT.. there must be a better way??. Help!
- Help!
I was transferring files from my phone's /Download folder. After the the transfer, I tried deleting them from the phone and accidentally deleted the ENTIRE /Downloads FOLDER!
I cant find an 'UNDO' option. Please, somebody, HELP! I had a VERY important file in there! - I'm afraid I've lost all my pics..please tell me there's something I can do. I had the Android File Transfer app open on my Mac, and was deleting files, however, I accidentally deleted a file that contained ALL of my photos when I thought it only contained a few old ones I didn't want any longer. Once I unplugged my phone (Moto X 2nd gen), I realized all of my photos and vids were gone. Is there anything I can do to recover my photos??? I've tried different photo recovery tools from the google play store, but nothing from what I deleted has returned.
- Android File Transfer stopped working for me quite recently. I need help!!Keep in mind - I do NOT have WiFi availability where I live, so my MacBook Pro does not get any internet access.I live so far out in the country that I can't get cable, etc. But I can find some spots in my house where I can get a 4G network on my phone (I can't add HotSpot to my plan because my dad works for Verizon and well, long story, but we'll lose our awesome plan we currently have that we're grandfathered into).In order to not lose my mind completely while way out in the middle of nowhere, I download TV shows or movies onto my phone, then I transfer them via USB and Android File Transfer onto my computer. This has been no problem for years, but just last week, it completely stopped working.What Happens:I plug the phone in, the word Verizon + CD symbol appears in the device list in Finder. After a few seconds, it disappears, then Android File Transfer appears to open, but is immediately thwarted by an error message, rendering it inaccessible. The message claims that I need to unlock my screen, but my screen is unlocked!Troubleshooting Steps I've Already Taken (sometimes multiple times):- Restarted both phone and computer.
- Tried different USB cables.
- Tried different USB ports.
- Made sure my android software was up-to-date.
- MTP is selected.
- PTP functions through Image Capture, but only pictures may be transferred.
- Made sure that USB debugging is selected in Developer settings.
- Put both computer and android device in Safe Mode.
- Uninstalled and reinstalled Android File Transfer (I am visiting my parents an hour away from my home today in an attempt to resolve this, they have WiFi).None of these attempts have fixed the issue.First, the computer sees that I've connected the phone (it's listed in devices in the finder window), then it suddenly disappears from that list and the AFT app opens but is immediately frozen by an error message claiming my screen is locked.Device: Samsung Galaxy S5, completely up-to-date
Computer: Mac OSX Version 10.9.5 Maverick (can't go much higher, I have a 2011 computer).And again, this was working find until last week when no new changes took place on either device. Also, please keep in mind that if you're able to help with more suggestions, I may not be around any WiFi (therefore my computer won't be able to be online at all) if your response is not within 24 hours of my post.I hope this was sufficient information. Thank you so, so much in advance. I am hoping for only helpful responses, no judgement on the fact that I have an S5 or a 2011 machine or that I don't have HotSpot. Just simple help with this specific issue would be so wonderful.Thanks, again!! - In the case you need just quickly push your photos from phone to PC/Mac/Tablet/whatever having internet best solution in my opinion is http://drop2pc.com - it's free and handy.
- I still do not get how to actually get my pictures from my phone on to my MacBook Air. I have the Android file transfer and I get the screen you show above when I plug it in, however how do I make the pictures magically move over to be saved on my Mac? I have tried and failed multiple times. Please please please give me a dummies version!!
- I use MobiKin Assistant for Android to help me manage and transfer data from Android to pc.
- Android File Transfer is pretty nifty! However, the moment your folder gets too large, the file transfer app won't access it! Under DCIM on my android, I have over 2000 plus pictures. So whenever I tried to access that file, an error message pops up! However, it was great when I want to send files to the device. Very quick and can transfer as many GB as possible as long as your device has space. :))
- I encountered the same problem with DCIM folder. How did you solve it?
- I got AFT to work fairly easily between my iMac and Note4, and I am quite the novice. However, it only transferred 300 photos and I have 618 total. (I realize there is a 4gb limit so I guess I went over) There doesn't seem to be any order to the ones transferred so I am wondering, shall I open up the camera and highlight the first 300 photos and transfer and then do it again for the last 300? Or do you have another suggestion? I tried Image Capture, iPhoto and Preview to try a direct transfer but they didn't see my phone. Thanks
- Sorry, when I said 'Explorer' I meant 'Finder'. My years of Windows user cannot be left behind still evidently..
- Very interesting article. The DroidNas workoaround gets the SD in the Explorer allright, but I had many problems copying and moving files inside the card from my Mac.
The ES Explorer works perfect in this sense, but I still wish I could organize my SD Card from my Mac. One question: Finder asks for user name and password when trying to reach the 'server'. The only way I can move on is with the 'guest' option. I tried inside DroidNas with 'Limit access to device' setting up a name and pass with no luck. Any ideas?
Thanks for your article- I'm honestly not sure about getting the password functionality to work, or if it's still even supported at this point. Sorry.
- works fine, thanks !
- Every time I connect my Samsung S4 mini to the IMac (OsX 10.10) I get the message ' no connection possible' when using Android File Transfer. Deconnection and restart: same result.
- I haven't been able to use AFT since the update to 5.1 recently!! I've tried every USB cable I have too, no deal. AirDroid is my next goto on the Mac but is slow though a nice graphical interface.
- AFT works great for me; however, my cell phone battery needs to be replaced after 9 months. I'm wondering whether the battery automatically gets charged when I hook my MacBook up to my SmartPhone.Is there any way to keep Android File Transfer from recharging the battery on my SmartPhone?
- @ Justin Pot: That's okay. Your response narrows down where I need to look to fix the problem.
- And eeek, if I use DroidNas on a public network (like at my office), that means my coworkers can have access to my phone? Yikes!
- I have Android File Transfer.. I used to be able to move files around, but now I can't seem to.. I can't drag the files into a folder on my desktop. Not sure exactly why it's called 'File transfer' if I can't transfer any files. :(
- Thanks for your response. On the tablet itself I believe 8gb. But an SD card of 32 GB is added to it with only 3 movies on it of about 800 mb each.
- Best photo management app for mac. Hi i downloaded android file transfer on a friends mac to transfer movies over. i was able to transfer 3 movies 1.0gb and under but when i tried to tranfer larger files a pop up comes up says cannot copy file over. so i assumed it was the files size to be the issue. i tried a smaller 700mb file and it worked so i tried another movie file same size and it failed. can you guys help me out?
- If you're using a Sony Phone, you can also install Sony Bridge and just access your device from there.
Also on other phones you can mount them as a Mass Storage and then the phone when connected will auto mount the memory card as a drive in Finder. Pretty basic stuff. - Android File Transfer 'can't connect' to my Galaxy S5 phone. I'm running Mavericks, a fresh d/l of AFT, and using the USB 2/3 cable that came with my phone. Any ideas why this isn't working?
- For photos I use the camera upload funktion in dropbox. Works really well. I havet set a rsync script to sync the photofiles from dropbox to an other folder and then remove the files from dropbox. That way dropbox wont get flooded.
- Shareit from lenevo is pretty good app too.
Supports contacts, apps, media and any type of file with wifi (direct connection) speeds. - Dropbox is my go-to for quick file transfers, since it doesn't require a cable, and allows for more flexibility - since you can also access your files from dropbox anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.Nice to see that I'm not the only one who uses this little workaround for file transfers between my android and mac!I also use bluetooth if I am feeling courageous, but it's so slow. and the connection sometimes fails. dropbox is more reliable for what I need.
- Another great and simple to use tool is FileDrop Just need to be on the same WiFi network and you're done.URL: http://www.filedropme.com
- every time i try to use Android File Transfer to connect my Android phone to my mac (10.9.5), it never seems to work. would anyone happen to have any solutions about that?
- I like the article and will be sure to use some of them just to get a hang of them. Yet I believe you've missed Send-Anywhere as a simple option to Transfer files across OS's, be it Mac, Windows, Linux or Mobile OS.
Even though Mac computer and Android mobile devices are tough to work together, there are a couple of good solutions to pair and transfer files between Android and Mac over Wi-Fi. Most of the time you may need to transfer photos and videos from Android to Mac or may need to copy your favorite music from your Mac to Android phone.
When you want to Android file transfer for Mac, the fast and reliable solution is to use a USB cable to connect to Android device and Mac. By default, Mac finder will consider your Android device as an external disk, and you can explore folders through the finder. Still, the pairing between your Mac and Android depends on the operating system on both devices and the compatibility between Operating system.
Here we are going to discuss how to transfer files between Mac and Android over WiFi without any cables.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. Dropbox is one of the best cloud services that have built-in apps almost on all platforms including MAC and Android. You can get a free Dropbox account with 2GB of free memory from here. Use your Dropbox app with the same user account or shared folder (in case of different account) both in MAC and Android devices. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically sync to all other computers with same Dropbox account.
This solution is so simple and easy if you are planning to transfer a lot of photos and videos between Android and MAC. Android can instantly upload the photos and videos from Android Camera to Dropbox folder, and you can access the same files on your MAC immediately. Meanwhile, if you have a Windows computer and seeking a solution to transfer file with Android, please read 6 Easy Methods to transfer files between Android and Windows.
Transfer All File Formats, Folders, etc. | Transfer over WiFi | 2GB Free Account | Download for Android | Mac
Google Drive
Google Drive do pretty much same as Dropbox, but the most integrated app for Android platform. In addition to this, Google Drive start to give auto upload the iPhone and Android photos. Also compare to Dropbox, Google drive offer 15GB free memory with Google Account. For Android users, Google Drive would be the ideal solution to transfer files between other platforms. Google Drive integrates with Android OS, pretty much as a part of it, so easy to find the files, navigate and move to Google Drive folder to share between Mac.
Transfer All File Formats, Folders, etc. | Transfer over WiFi | 15GB Free Account | Download for Android | Mac
AirDroid
AirDroid allows you to access and manage your Android phone or tablet from Windows, Mac or the web, wirelessly, for free. This app can transfer photos between Android and MAC, play and manage music & videos on Android and transfer them between Android and your computer.
With the AidDroid app, you can view the real-time screen of Android devices, share clipboard content between Android and computer, etc. In addition to these, Airdroid can show you Calls, SMS, and the app notifications you allowed on your computer screen and also control your Android from the computer and use any apps on the PC, like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Line.
Transfer Photos, Videos | Transfer over WiFi | Download for Android | Mac
Related: 4 Free Cloud Apps to Auto Back Up Photos and Videos from Android
Software Data Cable
Software Data Cable App allows you to connect and share everything from phones, Pad, PC, Mac, Laptop, Google TV, Cloud storage, Xbox, etc. This app helps you to eliminate the need for USB data cable for file transfer. The computer doesn’t need to have any additional drivers to work with this app for file transfer. You can send photos, music, videos, Apps, etc. to other phones, tablets or TV anytime, anywhere.
This app helps to Auto-sync photos and other important files to computer or cloud storage (on a daily, weekly basis to backup data) and practically extending mobile storage space without any cost. Software Data Cable app can transfer data up to 54Mb/s with your Wi-Fi network, and it will not affect your data plan. You can use this app to send files (Video, MP3, Apps, etc.) and folders to other phones, iPads wirelessly. You can sync folders to cloud storage (such as Microsoft SkyDrive, Baidu, etc.) and auto-sync tasks can be scheduled on a daily, weekly or monthly basis using Software Data Cable App.
Transfer Photos, Videos, Apps, Music, etc. | Transfer over WiFi | Download for Android | Mac
WiFi File Transfer
WiFi File Transfer lets you upload and download files to/from your phone or tablet over a wireless connection with your Mac without USB cable on an easy-to-use web interface. This app supports upload or download multiple files at once, upload entire folder structures (Google Chrome only), delete, rename, copy, zip or unzip files using the built-in file manager interface, password authentication, etc.
Best Alternative To Android File Transfer For Mac
WiFi File Transfer can runs as a background service and auto start service when connected to home network (optional) with access to external SD cards and USB storage devices. This app can work as long as your computer and your phone keep connected to same WiFi network.
Transfer Folder, Files, etc. | Transfer over WiFi | Download for Android
File Transfer
File Transfer works cross-platform on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android. This app does not need any configuration and no need to enter an address to connect.
Devices will be automatically discovered, and you can select files, and they are transferred to your devices and computers in seconds over WiFi. This app transfers the files directly on your local network, and there is no need to upload your files to the Internet, then download them on any device.
Transfer Folder, Files, etc. | Transfer over WiFi | Download for Android
Xender: File Transfer, Sharing
Xender supports cross-platform Android File Transfer between other platforms such as Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Xender Android App simplifies connections to phones & tablets & PC/Mac. This app can transfer files from Android without mobile data usage. This Android Files Transfer app offer high-speed file transfer up to 200 times Bluetooth transfer speed.
Android users can transfer any file formats like photos, videos, documents, and music with Xender Apps. Like other apps, there is no file limit for transferring files using the Xender app. In addition to this file transfer for Android, Xender is an alternative File Manager for Android. You can enable to view, move or delete files and also make a backup copy to clean the phone storage.
Good for large file transfer | Transfer over WiFi | Download for Android | Web
Droid Over WiFi
Droid Over WiFi has no limits and transfer files over wifi of any size and in any quantity. You can transfer, view, stream, rename, move, delete files and folders immediately over WiFi with any browser and any OS. It can upload multiple files at once with no size limit, progress is visible in real time of each file.
Multiple file download feature is automatically packing selected files into a ZIP file and offered for download. HTML 5 compatible web browser and internet connection are required and for the best experience use Google Chrome. Multiple file download feature is automatically packing selected files into a ZIP file and offered for download. HTML 5 compatible web browser and internet connection are required and for the best experience use Google Chrome.
Transfer Folder, Files, etc. | Transfer over WiFi | Download for Android
Android File Transfer for Mac Bonus Solution
Well, in addition to this, there are few more hardware bonus solutions that you can try out to perform an Android file transfer for Mac.
Best Android OTG (On The Go) Devices
Whenever you want to backup Android Phone or transfer any file to Android device, the solution is Android OTG (On The Go) drive, also called USB OTG. They are convenient and standard as well as more functional than the traditional USB devices. Here is the solution in more detail for Android file transfer for Mac and you can but Sandisk Android USB drive from Amazon.
Related: Everything You Can Transfer between Smartphone and Computer
![File File](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126307544/245554619.gif)
Even though these apps are supporting WiFi transfer, compare to USB transfer, WiFi is slow. However on this solution, you don’t need to run behind USB cables for your WiFi connection, and it is easy to make file transfer over WiFi. If you have a movie file or any other format files over 3GB, better you can run a cable and connect your Android device directly to your Mac.