Android File Transfer is a popular app used by people who want to connect their Android to a Mac. Because Android is a different operating system than Mac, transferring files requires some creativity or a dedicated software that can facilitate the process.
Apps that let users sync their Android and Apple computers and devices are lifesavers, and usually it is as simple as connecting your Android to your Mac with a USB cable! Sometimes, though you may run into the problem of Android not connecting to Mac.
Nothing is more frustrating than when you can't connect Android to Mac, which is why Android File Transfer not working can be a real pain for users. There are many reasons why the app might malfunction, so we created this guide to troubleshooting and fixes if Android File Transfer doesn’t work.
One easy solution if Android File Transfer isn’t working it to find a better app! Android File Transfer is popular but hasn’t been updated in years. As a result, many users trying to connect their device get the message no Android device found Mac. Instead, try MacDroid to transfer files.
MacDroid is an app designed for simple data transfer between Android and Mac. You can use it to transfer photos, videos, music, folders, and more from Android to Mac and vice versa by connecting them with a USB cable. Best of all, MacDroid works with all Android and MTP devices, so you just need one app to connect all your devices easily with Mac.
To transfer files from Android to Mac using MacDroid, follow these steps:
Download and Install MacDroid on your Mac. You just need to follow the simple install prompts to get started.
Connect Android to Mac with a USB cable, and open MacDroid on your computer and open “devices” in the menu.
For a simple file transfer, select MTP mode. MTP is single-operation mode for file transfer that lets your Mac access files on your Android as if it was an external hard drive. The computer and device send messages back and forth to give Mac access to files on the Android.
In ADB mode, the Mac gets total access to the Android without having to send messages to get permission, which makes file transfer faster. This mode requires a couple extra steps. For now, we will just look at MTP mode!
Once you select MTP mode, you may have to allow File Transfer on your Android. You should see your Android device appear in the Device menu on your Mac.
Now they are connected with your device mounted in MTP mode. Go to the Finder on your Mac and select your Android device in the menu. Here you will see all the files and folders on your phone. You can simply drag and drop or copy and paste files you want to transfer to your Mac!
|
MacDroid
|
MacDroid
|
ApowerManager
|
dr.fone - Phone Manager
|
TunesGo
|
Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager
|
iSkysoft Phone transfer
|
MobiKin Assistant for Android
|
Coolmuster Android Assistant for Mac
|
Syncios
|
Android File Transfer
|
OpenMTP
|
|
MTP mode
|
MTP mode
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADB mode
|
ADB mode
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Folder transfer
|
Folder transfer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
File transfer
|
File transfer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Media transfer
|
Media transfer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finder integration
|
Finder integration
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On-the-phone file edit
|
On-the-phone file edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Single Mac app
|
Single Mac app
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Device compatibility - Full
|
Device compatibility - Full
|
Vast
|
Vast
|
Vast
|
Vast
|
Vast
|
Vast
|
Vast
|
Vast
|
Connectivity issues
|
Vast
|
|
$1.67/mo
|
$1.67/mo
|
$39.95/year
|
$29.95/year
|
$29.95/year
|
$39.95
|
$39.95
|
$29.95
|
$29.95
|
$29.95
|
free
|
free
|
For those who want a quick fix for Android File Transfer Mac not working, MacDroid is a solution. It’s easy to set up, so you can connect Android to Mac fast. If you want to make Android File Transfer work, then you can try these troubleshooting steps to fix it!
When it comes to using third-party software, there are a lot of variables that might interfere with the good functioning of the application. One of the biggest concerns when experiencing issues with Android File Transfer is the state of the USB cable, which needs to be intact and the connectors unbent. It’s always worth trying another USB before proceeding with the other steps.
The next concern is about the system updates. You want to make sure that both your Android and Mac/Windows devices are fully updated and running the latest versions. If you are on Windows, you also want to pay close attention to the MTP driver and make sure that’s installed prior to connecting the USB cable. This will ensure that the devices are functioning properly between them.
The first troubleshooting step for Android File Transfer not working is to check the USB cable connecting Android to Mac. Having the cable improperly connected or using the wrong cable can prevent the Android from making a connection with Mac. Use the original USB cable that came with the Android device for best results, and if the cable is worn or any wires are exposed, replace it right away.
If the USB cable is fine but you still get the no Android device found Mac message, then you should check your file transfer settings. Check file transfer settings on your device when you connect it to the Mac. A pop up should notify you that a USB cable is connected asking how you want to use it, and you should select the option “File transfers.” That could fix it!
Another possible reason for Android File Transfer Mac not working could be that you need to update your software. Check your Android device and Mac for software updates you may need. If there are updates, install them, and see if Android File Transfer starts working with updated software. Having the latest operating system is important for functionality of many apps.
Still no luck? Maybe it’s time to try the old faithful reboot. Restart your Android and your Mac. Sometimes a hard shut down and restart can correct glitchy behavior. Devices and computers need a rest and reset every now and then. If you haven’t shut your Android or Mac off in a while, try this and open Android File Transfer to see if it works.
If these haven’t worked, and you’re still dealing with the Android File Transfer not working Mac users may want to re-installing the app. That means you need to uninstall Android File Transfer on your Mac and then reinstall it. Sometimes that reset can fix glitches in the software. It’s worth testing if you want to make Android File Transfer work.
If you have Samsung, your Android not connecting to Mac could be caused by Kies or Smart Switch, which are apps for managing files. These apps can sometimes block connection in Android File Transfer, so you may be able to solve the problem by uninstalling them. Locate Kies or Smart Switch app in settings > applications and select ‘Uninstall’.
Sometimes the solution to the problem with transferring files between Android and Mac may be that you need to allow USB debugging. This is a setting that opens a developer mode to facilitate access to your Android. To do this, you go into Android settings and click “About phone.” Then navigate to the ‘build number’ (it varies depending on the device), and tap the build number until you get a message that you are a developer!
If you are using Windows and find Android File Transfer not working, you could try to update the device drivers. Drivers make it possible for your computer to connect to an external device (like your Android). If you don’t have the necessary drivers or have outdated drivers, file transfer may not work. You find these drivers through Android’s official site to get the most updated version.
There is another specific MTP USB device driver that lets you connect Android to Windows. MTP stands for Media Transfer Protocol, which allows your computer to access the files on your device. To update this driver, open File Explorer and go to the path C:\Windows\INF. Search wpdmtip.inf to find the file, and right to select Install to update the driver. This can fix problems with Android File Transfer for Windows.
Still can't connect Android to computer? If these other solutions don’t work to fix Android File Transfer, run the Windows troubleshooter to see if something else may be preventing the file transfer. On your computer, go to Settings > Update & Security, select Troubleshoot and click on Hardware and Devices. It will begin troubleshooting issues automatically, which could resolve issues with Android File Transfer.
