A lot of Android users rely on Mac as their primary computer. Keeping this in mind, it's important to have best android file transfer app or software that can help you transfer files between your Android smartphone and Mac. Given that Apple doesn't offer a software by default to do this, users have long had to rely on third-party solutions for safe and secure file transfer between a Mac and an Android device.
Download Android File Transfer to your computer. Remove the USB wall charger adapter from your phone charger, leaving just the USB charging cable. Connect your phone to your computer's USB port via the charging cable. Open Mac Finder. Locate Android File Transfer on your list of drives. Double-click the Android drive icon. Here's how to move files from an Android phone to a Mac: 1. Connect your phone to your Mac with the included USB cable. It may appear as a disc. Download and install Android File Transfer. MacDroid Android file transfer for Mac allows you to connect your Android device (phone or tablet) to your Mac and access your device's content in the Finder. From here you can quickly and easily transfer photos, music, videos, and other files - including entire folders - between your Mac and Android device, and vice versa. Afterwards, you have to drag Android File Transfer to Applications and use the USB cable to your device. You will connect the USB cable to your Mac. Next, you will need to double click Android File Transfer and search for the files and folders on your Android device to copy. This is an easy way for you to send any file you want from your.
Google has had the Android File Transfer app for Mac that helps you easily transfer files (or even drag and drop) onto your Android phone or tablet. However, this is not suitable for every purpose. Despite its feature set, Android Device Manager does have some limitations.
This is where other offerings come into the mix. Given that there are quite a lot of these apps now, we decided to compile a list of the five best Android file transfer software for Mac in 2020. So without waiting any further, let's get right to it.
A word on Mac
It's worth noting that, even though Android has improved substantially over the years — and so has macOS — you still cannot just download files by plugging in your USB or USB-C cable. You have to download what is essentially the 'compatibility' app Google has made for macOS, Android File Transfer. Once you download that — for free — you should be able to transfer files as freely as you'd like.
That said, Android File Transfer is also still the best file transfer software that you can pick up for Mac. There are plenty of others that add more features, but truly, all you need is Android File Transfer from Google, which we'll talk about here:
Best Android File Transfer Software for Mac
1) Android File Transfer
This service has been around for quite a while now. Google has refined the app over the years to maintain compatibility with newer macOS versions. It's a pretty basic solution to something that concerns so many users. Android File Transfer allows you to seamlessly access your Android smartphone or tablet through a macOS computer. It allows you to transfer or view photos, videos, contacts and more in no time.
It works over a USB connection, so it's imperative to have a wired connection with your Mac for this feature to work. As we said, it's not the best solution out there, but it works out pretty well for a lot of users. Sure, it doesn't have the bells and whistles of other apps, though it gets the job done pretty decently. Android File Transfer is available from Google's site (link above), and is free.
Download it now: here
2) SyncMate
This is an elaborate software for your macOS computer that can connect to several other devices in addition to your Android smartphone or tablet. Further, it allows you to connect your Android device as a separate hard drive, allowing seamless file transfer between your Mac and Android device. You can also mount your Android smartphone as a separate disk on your Mac, giving you the freedom to quickly transfer files between folders. What makes SyncMate really stand out is the fact that it can also sync music, contacts, and even folders without any effort from the user.
Pretty much like an iPhone, SyncMate can automatically sync predetermined folders in no time. It can also sync apps between your Mac and Android devices, which is an appealing feature to have on a Mac software. It's an extremely functional app and has to be high up on your list if you're seeking to stick to a handy solution. The company offers a free edition that anybody can try out and then move on to the paid of 'Expert' version if they like the product.
Download it now: here
3) Handshaker
This is an app that doesn't require a separate download link as it can be downloaded directly from the Mac App Store. It's perhaps the best alternative to third-party Android file transfer apps as it has been approved by Apple for this very purpose. Keeping this in mind, it has to be on top of every Mac/Android user's list. As far as the features are concerned, it's fairly easy to pair with an Android smartphone or tablet. The app supports drag and drop of files between the Mac and the Android device.
Although the app initially required a wired connection for file transfer, it now supports wireless file transfer as well with impressive speeds. The best part here is that the app also lets you access your phone's microSD card storage and transfer files conveniently. What makes this app my favorite is the fact that it's completely free to download on the Mac App Store. Be sure to check it out.
Download it now: here
4) AnyTrans for Android
This particular software is pretty similar to SyncMate, in that it offers a comprehensive device syncing solution between a Mac and Android smartphone/tablet. It supports all the versions of Android, so you're well covered even if you own a slightly older Android device. This particular offering is fully capable of syncing photos, music, videos, and even apps through .apk files. The app uses a secure protocol to setup a connection between the Mac and the Android device to protect the safety of your files.
If there's one downside, it's the fact that AnyTrans can take a while sometimes to recognize your device. This can be annoying especially if you're in a hurry. But to make up for this, remember that AnyTrans can also help you download music videos online at no cost. iPhone users have been using AnyTrans as a viable iTunes alternative to sync music and photos, so it's only fair that the folks at AnyTrans have a version for Android users as well.
Download it now: here
5) Cloud Services
This is a bit of an odd choice but hear us out. Services like Dropbox and Google Drive have allowed seamless syncing between desktops and Android devices for quite some time. Keeping this in mind, it's not a bad idea to install a Google Drive or Dropbox plugin on your macOS computer and copying the files there to access it immediately on your Android smartphone and vice versa. This can, however, take some time and is highly dependent on the kind of internet connectivity you have, so it might not be for everyone.
But if the internet speed is not a concern, this simple option can come in handy to every user. It's also important to remember that Cloud services offer a certain amount of free storage to some users. Keeping this in mind, this is perhaps one of the cheapest and most effective modes of file transfer between a Mac and an Android device, although the speed remains a concern for some users.
Download it now: here
Verdict on the best android file transfer app
As you can see, there are a lot of excellent applications that you can use to seamlessly transfer files from Android to Mac. The nice thing about applications like these is that they allow you to quickly and easily move files from Android to Mac, and from Mac to Android.
Do you have a favorite way that you transfer files from Android to Mac, and the other way around? Let us know in the comments section below!
If you use an Android Phone as a mobile device and MacBook for computing, you might be interested in knowing about different ways to Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac.
Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac
Apple's MacBook is equipped with a number of utilities that can help you transfer photos from Android Phone to Mac.
We are providing below three different ways to transfer Photos from Android Phone to Mac. You can use any method that appears easy and suits your Android device.
1. Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac Using Photos App
Perhaps the easiest way to transfer Photos From Android Phone or Tablet to Mac is to use the Native Photos App as available on your Mac.
1. Connect Android Phone to Mac using its lightning to USB cable.
Note: This should automatically open the Photos App on your Mac.
2. Unlock your Android Phone and open Notifications by swiping on the screen of your Phone.
3. On the Notifications screen, tap on USB charging this device.
How To Download Files From Android To Mac
4. On the next screen, select Transfer Photos (PTP) option.
Note: On some devices this may be labelled as Camera Transfer (PTP) Protocol.
5. Now, open the Photos App on your Mac (in case it is not already open).
6. In the Photos App, select your Android Phone in the left-pane under 'Devices' section. In the right-pane, select the destination for Imported Photos and click on Import All New Photos button.
Note: To transfer selected Photos, tap on the Photos that you want to transfer and then tap on Import Selected option.
7. Patiently wait for the Photos to be transferred from Android Phone to Mac.
2. Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac Using Image Capture
Another utility on Mac that can help you transfer Photos from Android Phone to Mac is Image Capture.
1. Connect your Android Phone to Mac.
Download Android File Transfer to your computer. Remove the USB wall charger adapter from your phone charger, leaving just the USB charging cable. Connect your phone to your computer's USB port via the charging cable. Open Mac Finder. Locate Android File Transfer on your list of drives. Double-click the Android drive icon. Here's how to move files from an Android phone to a Mac: 1. Connect your phone to your Mac with the included USB cable. It may appear as a disc. Download and install Android File Transfer. MacDroid Android file transfer for Mac allows you to connect your Android device (phone or tablet) to your Mac and access your device's content in the Finder. From here you can quickly and easily transfer photos, music, videos, and other files - including entire folders - between your Mac and Android device, and vice versa. Afterwards, you have to drag Android File Transfer to Applications and use the USB cable to your device. You will connect the USB cable to your Mac. Next, you will need to double click Android File Transfer and search for the files and folders on your Android device to copy. This is an easy way for you to send any file you want from your.
Google has had the Android File Transfer app for Mac that helps you easily transfer files (or even drag and drop) onto your Android phone or tablet. However, this is not suitable for every purpose. Despite its feature set, Android Device Manager does have some limitations.
This is where other offerings come into the mix. Given that there are quite a lot of these apps now, we decided to compile a list of the five best Android file transfer software for Mac in 2020. So without waiting any further, let's get right to it.
A word on Mac
It's worth noting that, even though Android has improved substantially over the years — and so has macOS — you still cannot just download files by plugging in your USB or USB-C cable. You have to download what is essentially the 'compatibility' app Google has made for macOS, Android File Transfer. Once you download that — for free — you should be able to transfer files as freely as you'd like.
That said, Android File Transfer is also still the best file transfer software that you can pick up for Mac. There are plenty of others that add more features, but truly, all you need is Android File Transfer from Google, which we'll talk about here:
Best Android File Transfer Software for Mac
1) Android File Transfer
This service has been around for quite a while now. Google has refined the app over the years to maintain compatibility with newer macOS versions. It's a pretty basic solution to something that concerns so many users. Android File Transfer allows you to seamlessly access your Android smartphone or tablet through a macOS computer. It allows you to transfer or view photos, videos, contacts and more in no time.
It works over a USB connection, so it's imperative to have a wired connection with your Mac for this feature to work. As we said, it's not the best solution out there, but it works out pretty well for a lot of users. Sure, it doesn't have the bells and whistles of other apps, though it gets the job done pretty decently. Android File Transfer is available from Google's site (link above), and is free.
Download it now: here
2) SyncMate
This is an elaborate software for your macOS computer that can connect to several other devices in addition to your Android smartphone or tablet. Further, it allows you to connect your Android device as a separate hard drive, allowing seamless file transfer between your Mac and Android device. You can also mount your Android smartphone as a separate disk on your Mac, giving you the freedom to quickly transfer files between folders. What makes SyncMate really stand out is the fact that it can also sync music, contacts, and even folders without any effort from the user.
Pretty much like an iPhone, SyncMate can automatically sync predetermined folders in no time. It can also sync apps between your Mac and Android devices, which is an appealing feature to have on a Mac software. It's an extremely functional app and has to be high up on your list if you're seeking to stick to a handy solution. The company offers a free edition that anybody can try out and then move on to the paid of 'Expert' version if they like the product.
Download it now: here
3) Handshaker
This is an app that doesn't require a separate download link as it can be downloaded directly from the Mac App Store. It's perhaps the best alternative to third-party Android file transfer apps as it has been approved by Apple for this very purpose. Keeping this in mind, it has to be on top of every Mac/Android user's list. As far as the features are concerned, it's fairly easy to pair with an Android smartphone or tablet. The app supports drag and drop of files between the Mac and the Android device.
Although the app initially required a wired connection for file transfer, it now supports wireless file transfer as well with impressive speeds. The best part here is that the app also lets you access your phone's microSD card storage and transfer files conveniently. What makes this app my favorite is the fact that it's completely free to download on the Mac App Store. Be sure to check it out.
Download it now: here
4) AnyTrans for Android
This particular software is pretty similar to SyncMate, in that it offers a comprehensive device syncing solution between a Mac and Android smartphone/tablet. It supports all the versions of Android, so you're well covered even if you own a slightly older Android device. This particular offering is fully capable of syncing photos, music, videos, and even apps through .apk files. The app uses a secure protocol to setup a connection between the Mac and the Android device to protect the safety of your files.
If there's one downside, it's the fact that AnyTrans can take a while sometimes to recognize your device. This can be annoying especially if you're in a hurry. But to make up for this, remember that AnyTrans can also help you download music videos online at no cost. iPhone users have been using AnyTrans as a viable iTunes alternative to sync music and photos, so it's only fair that the folks at AnyTrans have a version for Android users as well.
Download it now: here
5) Cloud Services
This is a bit of an odd choice but hear us out. Services like Dropbox and Google Drive have allowed seamless syncing between desktops and Android devices for quite some time. Keeping this in mind, it's not a bad idea to install a Google Drive or Dropbox plugin on your macOS computer and copying the files there to access it immediately on your Android smartphone and vice versa. This can, however, take some time and is highly dependent on the kind of internet connectivity you have, so it might not be for everyone.
But if the internet speed is not a concern, this simple option can come in handy to every user. It's also important to remember that Cloud services offer a certain amount of free storage to some users. Keeping this in mind, this is perhaps one of the cheapest and most effective modes of file transfer between a Mac and an Android device, although the speed remains a concern for some users.
Download it now: here
Verdict on the best android file transfer app
As you can see, there are a lot of excellent applications that you can use to seamlessly transfer files from Android to Mac. The nice thing about applications like these is that they allow you to quickly and easily move files from Android to Mac, and from Mac to Android.
Do you have a favorite way that you transfer files from Android to Mac, and the other way around? Let us know in the comments section below!
If you use an Android Phone as a mobile device and MacBook for computing, you might be interested in knowing about different ways to Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac.
Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac
Apple's MacBook is equipped with a number of utilities that can help you transfer photos from Android Phone to Mac.
We are providing below three different ways to transfer Photos from Android Phone to Mac. You can use any method that appears easy and suits your Android device.
1. Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac Using Photos App
Perhaps the easiest way to transfer Photos From Android Phone or Tablet to Mac is to use the Native Photos App as available on your Mac.
1. Connect Android Phone to Mac using its lightning to USB cable.
Note: This should automatically open the Photos App on your Mac.
2. Unlock your Android Phone and open Notifications by swiping on the screen of your Phone.
3. On the Notifications screen, tap on USB charging this device.
How To Download Files From Android To Mac
4. On the next screen, select Transfer Photos (PTP) option.
Note: On some devices this may be labelled as Camera Transfer (PTP) Protocol.
5. Now, open the Photos App on your Mac (in case it is not already open).
6. In the Photos App, select your Android Phone in the left-pane under 'Devices' section. In the right-pane, select the destination for Imported Photos and click on Import All New Photos button.
Note: To transfer selected Photos, tap on the Photos that you want to transfer and then tap on Import Selected option.
7. Patiently wait for the Photos to be transferred from Android Phone to Mac.
2. Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac Using Image Capture
Another utility on Mac that can help you transfer Photos from Android Phone to Mac is Image Capture.
1. Connect your Android Phone to Mac.
2. Click on the Finder Icon located in the Dock on your Mac.
3. On the next screen, click on Applications in the side menu. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Image Capture.
4. After Image capture is launched, select your Android phone in the 'Devices' section. In the right-pane, select Desktop or other place as destination for imported photos and click on Import all.
Android File Transfer For Mac Os
5. Wait for all the Photos to be transferred to your Mac.
Just like Photos App, image Capture allows you to select individual photos (by clicking on them) and transfer them to Mac by clicking on the Import option (Not Import All).
3. Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac using Preview App
The next tool that you can use to Import Photos from Android Phone to Mac is the Preview App on your Mac.
1. Connect your Android Phone to Mac.
2. Click on the Finder Icon located in the Dock on your Mac.
3. On the next screen, click on Applications in side menu. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Preview App.
4. After Preview App is launched, select the File tab in the top-menu bar of your Mac and then click on your Android device in the drop-down menu.
In case you want to transfer selected Photos, select the Photos that you want to transfer by clicking on them and click on the Import option.
