How to Transfer files from Android to Mac (and vice versa)

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If you are going to transfer files from Android to Mac, it is not only necessary to connect the smartphone to the Mac with a USB cable (unlike what happened with a Windows computer); in fact, simply connecting the device to the Mac will not give any rersponse, and consequently you can not make any changes.

Do not worry, we will explain everything you need in this guide; obviously it is up to you to choose the method to use, but in any case the result will always be the same.

Content index

Transfer files with Android File Transfer

To view files on your Android device (smartphone or tablet) and transfer them directly to your Mac, you can use the lightweight, yet effective Android File Transfer software.

All you have to do is go to the official website and click on Download Now. Now open the file, select the Android File Transfer icon, and copy it directly to the Applications folder.

You must now activate the MTP mode on your Android device: after connecting your smartphone or tablet to the Mac with a USB cable, scroll down from the notification menu and click on Connect as a multimedia device. In the screen that will open, select File transfer.

After starting the newly installed software, after a few seconds you will see everything that is present in the Android device on a screen. Now all you have to do is select the files you want to transfer, and drag them to the folder of your choice.

In case of problems, check that the USB debugging item is not selected on the Android device; go then on the Settings, Developer Options and check that it is not checked. If Developer Options is not present, then it means that it has not been enabled and USB Debugging can not be enabled.

Transfer files with AirDroid (wireless mode)

You can also transfer files from Android to Mac wirelessly (ie without using cables), and simply download the free AirDroid program (also available for Windows), which also offers many other features.

Now go to the official website, click on Download now, and choose your operating system. Now open the file you just downloaded, select the program icon, and copy it directly to the Applications folder. You can also use the program online without any installation; you only have to click on AirDroid Web (again from the official website), and perform the following steps in the same way.

At this point you will have to download the application of AirDroid on your smartphone or tablet, and then click on Login or register after opening the app on your Android device. Now you need to create a profile: just provide an email and password. Once this is done, you will receive a link directly to the email to confirm your identity.

Now you can manage everything from your computer: in fact, log in with your credentials, and the Mac screen will show you everything in the device automatically.

At this point click on the desired folder, select the files you are going to transfer to your computer, and then click on Download at the top right.

Transferring files with the Photos application (OS X)

To be able to sync photos or videos on your Android device to Mac, you can use an application already present on OS X, ie Photos.

You must first activate the PTP mode on your smartphone or tablet: connect the device to your computer with a USB cable, scroll down from the notification menu, click on Connected as a multimedia device and select Camera (PTP).

Now Photos application will start automatically (if it does not happen then start it manually).

Then select the Import option on the computer (top right): if you intend to transfer all the files on the device, then click on Import all the new items, while if you are going to transfer only a few files, then click on Import xx selected, and select the desired files.

You can also delete the transferred files automatically from the Android device by clicking Delete items after importing.

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