How to Transfer Files Between Android and Mac

Are you struggling to transfer files between your Android device and Mac computer, feeling frustrated by the lack of compatibility? You’re not alone—many face the challenge of seamlessly moving photos, music, files, and documents between these two platforms. Luckily, with MacDroid, the process is smoother than ever as it unlocks hassle-free file transfers between Android and macOS.

For the past several years, Google has provided Android File Transfer software for both Windows and Mac. This software allows users to easily transfer files and photos between Android devices and computers operating on different platforms. However, with the release of Android 15, Google has discontinued File Transfer support for macOS, leaving many Mac users frustrated.

But there’s good news: MacDroid software brings back the missing support for Mac computers, allowing you to transfer almost any file between your Android devices and Mac computers. There are multiple connection options, including USB and WiFi, so you can choose whichever is most convenient.

In this tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step through transferring files between Android and Mac using MacDroid via a USB or WiFi connection.

The Issue with Android File Transfer

Google’s Android File Transfer (AFT) software has always been the most reliable way to transfer files and photos between Android and Mac. The tool was designed to allow Android users to connect their device to a Mac system and mount it as a disk drive for data transfers.

However, recently, the software has no longer been available for MacOS users as support has been removed. Also, the software has now been renamed Quick Share, also known as “BetterTogether,” and is only available for Windows computers. This leaves Mac computer users with no official solution, as Apple does not offer native Android support.

This change came just after Google revamped its Android website for the release of the latest Android 15. Continue reading as we share the solution and working guide for macOS users.

Introducing MacDroid as the Solution

MacDroid is an ideal solution for Android users who have Mac computers and need a reliable way to transfer files between their Android and Mac devices. It serves as an all-in-one tool for viewing and managing data effortlessly.

Designed and developed by Electronic Team, Inc., MacDroid is known as an Android file transfer assistant for macOS devices. The tool works as a missing bridge between Mac and Android. The powerful tool provides multiple reliable ways to connect your Android phone or tablet device to your Mac computer, i.e., connect Android to Mac via USB or WiFi without additional plugins.

The best feature of MacDroid is that it is optimized for Apple Silicon and Intel and fully compatible with macOS 10.15 and newer operating systems.

Setting Up MacDroid for File Transfer

How to Transfer Files Between Android and Mac

Here is a quick guide on how to download and setup MacDroid on your Mac for file transfers:

  1. Using the web browser, go to https://www.macdroid.app/ and click on the direct download option to download the dmg file.
  2. Once downloaded, launch the file, and it will open the MacDroid app for you.
  3. You can now begin by connecting your Android device to your Mac.

Alternatively, you can download and install MacDroid on your macOS computer/laptop directly from the Mac App Store.

Connecting Android to Mac Using USB

Now, we will guide you through connecting your Android to your Mac using USB to view and transfer files. The interface used for the USB connection is known as MTP (Media Transfer Protocol). You will need a compatible USB cable to achieve stable connection and transfer speeds.

Here are the steps:

  1. Open MacDroid and connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
  2. On Android, select MTP as a connection for file transfer.
  3. Your Android device will be listed on the MacDroid interface, and the status will show as mounted.How to Transfer Files Between Android and Mac
  4. Click on the Mount button to mount your device to the computer.
How to Transfer Files Between Android and Mac

You can now begin exploring photos and files using the Finder app.

Connecting Android to Mac Using Wi-Fi

The wireless connection is the best option as you won’t need a USB cable to transfer files and photos. This section will guide you through connecting your Android device to a Mac computer via Wi-Fi.

  1. Open MacDroid and begin by selecting the option “Connect via WiFi.”
    How to Transfer Files Between Android and Mac
  2. On your Android, you need to activate “Developer Options.” To do so, go to Settings > About Device > Tap on the “Build Number” over seven times repetitively until you see a toast message that says “You are now a developer.”
  3. You need to enable “Developer Options” and “USB Debugging.” To do so, go to Settings > Developer Options > find the “USB Debugging” option and enable it.
  4. We will now pair Android to Mac via QR code.
  5. On Android, go to Settings > Developer Options > find and enable “Wireless Debugging” and select Allow to activate the connection.
  6. Open Wireless Debugging settings and select the option Pair device with QR code.
  7. On MacDroid, select the option Pair via QR code.
    How to Transfer Files Between Android and Mac
  8. Simply point your Android device’s camera at the screen of your Mac to scan the displayed QR code.

Your Android device should now be successfully connected to your Mac. You can now begin exploring your files and even transfer files and photos.

End Notes

Transferring files, photos, and videos between an Android device and a Mac computer has to be seamless and shouldn’t take much effort. Thanks to MacDroid, it brings full compatibility and support for file transfers to macOS without any complicated setup. You can easily begin transferring either through WiFi or using a USB cable.