If you’re the owner of an iOS device, copying files to and from your Mac is pretty simple. But what about if you own an Android phone? Android data transfer isn’t quite as simple. You might be wondering “Why would I need to copy files from Android to Mac?”.
Well - perhaps you need to copy across photos from a wedding or other important event, so you’ve got a backup on your Mac. Or maybe you want to transfer downloaded music or films to your Mac to watch at home. You might even need to copy work files for an important meeting.
Manual copying on Mac is pretty straightforward, and very similar to carrying out a similar function on Windows. However, the problems arise when you try to move files between Mac and Android.
Given that these are two different operating systems, it’s likely that you’ll encounter some usability issues. You can’t effectively use the same methods we’ve described here, and will almost certainly need to make use of an additional program to facilitate the transfer. Fortunately, programs like MacDroid let you carry out these tasks easily, while also providing you with a whole host of extra features to make use of.
One of the best ways to copy files to or from your Android device is to use MacDroid. MacDroid is file transfer software that is designed for Mac - there’s no Windows or iOS version - and it’s a great Android File Transfer alternative.
It’s a quick and easy way to transfer videos, music, photos and other types of media files. We’ll explain how to use MacDroid and take you through a step-by-step guide for how to copy files on Mac using MacDroid.
Here’s how to copy files from Android to Mac - just follow our handy step-by-step instruction:
Download and install MacDroid on your Mac.
Launch MacDroid.
Connect Android to Mac using a USB cable.
You should see a pop-up window on your Android device’s screen. Select “File Transfer”.
That’s it - your Android device is now connected to your Mac and you can transfer files from Android to Mac. To copy files from Mac to Android you need firstly upgrade MacDroid to Pro. The sequence of steps will be the same.
MacDroid is a great Android File Transfer alternative and the best option to transfer files from Android to Mac. It’s reliable, won’t delete or corrupt your files, and it’s quick and easy to use.
You’ll only pay $19,99 a year to access MacDroid Pro, which lets you transfer unlimited files, from photos and videos to music and more. If you experience any problems using the software, timely support is available to help you get back on track, and you can choose from two transfer modes: MTP or ADB mode.
When using MacDroid you can select MTP or ADB mode to perform your file transfers. MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode is the easiest way to mount your device, displaying a list of files and directories, but it can be slow and hides system files. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) mode is for more advanced users, using a multi-stream connection for bulk transferring files. It also unlocks access to your device’s system files.
MacDroid has plenty of great features to recommend it:
MacDroid takes care of everything when you use it to transfer files. All you need to do is connect Android to Mac and select which files to transfer and MacDroid does the hard work. So if you’re looking for an Android File Transfer alternative that’s reliable and won’t delete or corrupt your precious data - and that’s affordable too - then look no further than MacDroid.
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MacDroid
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MacDroid
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ApowerManager
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dr.fone - Phone Manager
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TunesGo
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Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager
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iSkysoft Phone transfer
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MobiKin Assistant for Android
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Coolmuster Android Assistant for Mac
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Syncios
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Android File Transfer
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OpenMTP
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MTP mode
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MTP mode
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ADB mode
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ADB mode
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Folder transfer
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Folder transfer
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File transfer
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File transfer
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Media transfer
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Media transfer
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Finder integration
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Finder integration
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On-the-phone file edit
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On-the-phone file edit
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Single Mac app
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Single Mac app
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Device compatibility - Full
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Device compatibility - Full
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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$1.67/mo
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$1.67/mo
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$39.95/year
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$29.95/year
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$29.95/year
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$39.95
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$39.95
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$29.95
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$29.95
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$29.95
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free
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free
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If you don’t want to use MacDroid for an Android files transfer to Mac, you’ll find a range of software to choose from that will help you get the job done. We’ll introduce you to some of the most popular programs and take a look at the pros and cons for each one.
Android File Transfer is a free program that lets you transfer files between your Android device and your computer. Just download the software and connect your device to your computer via USB to get started.
Pros
Cons
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Android
Android File Transfer is an excellent free way to transfer files from Android to Mac and vice versa, however if you’re looking for software that provides support should things go wrong, you’ll probably want to look for an alternative.
SyncMate is professional sync software designed to work with Mac. With SyncMate you have a choice of connection modes: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB, so you can connect unlimited Android devices to your Mac and sync almost any type of file.
Pros
Cons
Supported OS: iOS, Mac and Android
For those looking for a professional, reliable way to transfer files between Mac and Android (and vice versa), there’s no better option than SyncMate. It gives you a choice of connectivity, whether you prefer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, and allows you to transfer unlimited files between unlimited devices - so you can connect as many Android devices as you like.
ApowerManager is a file management tool that allows you to transfer files between your Windows PC or Mac and any Android or iOS device. It’s free to download and a licence costs $39.95 per year or $59-69.95 for a lifetime licence.
Pros
Cons
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
If you’re looking for an alternative to Android File Transfer and you have various different devices - for example, a Mac, an iPhone, and an Android tablet, then you may want to opt for ApowerManager, as it works with all these devices and operating systems. However, if you’re looking for software that’s designed to work with Mac, you may want to look elsewhere.
TunesGo is an app designed to help you move your music, video from one device to another - for example from Android to Mac or from iOS to a Windows PC. With TunesGo you can also download music and video from sites like Vimeo and YouTube.
Pros
Cons
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
TunesGo is the best option for those looking to transfer music from their device to their PC, or between devices. There’s a free trial so you can see if the software is right for you, then a one-time licence fee. It’s quick to set up and easy to use, and a great alternative to Android File Transfer and iTunes.
That’s pretty much everything there is to know about how to copy on Mac and Android. As we’ve mentioned, since the two formats use different operating systems, there’s no way to get around the issues of cross-compatibility without investing in a data transfer program. While the methods we outlined at the beginning are useful, up to a point, they are nowhere near as quick or convenient as using a program like MacDroid.
MacDroid has been designed specifically with the user in mind, aiming to make it as easy as possible for you to move your files to where they are needed, even if you’re not familiar with how to copy on MacBook.
These days, with the advent of smaller and more powerful technology, it’s becoming more and more common for people to use their Android devices to enjoy content. Music, TV and even movies are the ideal companion when traveling, and with a program like MacDroid, it takes a few seconds to move your content to your portable device.
MacDroid is available as a free seven day trial, which should be long enough for you to find out what it has to offer. To take full advantage of this great file copy utility, all you need to do is upgrade to the PRO version, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the features on offer. Check it out, and find out just how easy it is to move files from Mac to Android.
