At any given moment, I might be using Linux, MacOS, Android, or ChromeOS. Because of my regular OS-hopping behavior, I often need to transfer files between each of them.
One of the more challenging transfers is between Android and MacOS. It’s not really all that hard; you just have to know the right app to use. Below I’ll show you two ways to make this work.
How to easily transfer files from Android to MacOS
What you’ll need: The only things you’ll need are an Android phone or tablet, a MacOS device (either MacBook or iMac), and a USB-C cable.
I’ll demonstrate the first method with Android 13 on a Pixel 7 Pro<!–> and a MacBook Pro M1–>.
Method One: Use Android File Transfer
Double-click the AndroidFileTransfer.dmg file in your downloads directory to open the installer.
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Installing Android File Transfer is as simple as dragging the app icon to the folder icon.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
How to use the app to transfer files
The first thing to do is connect your Android device to the MacOS device with a USB cable. When you do, you should see a notification that states “Charging this device via USB.” Tap to expand that notification and then press “Tap For More Options”. On the resulting page, tap “File transfer / Android Auto”.
Configuring Android USB connection for File transfer.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Once connected, you may see a pop-up asking you to allow the accessory to connect. Click “Allow”.
You may be prompted to allow the connection between your Android phone and MacOS device.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Next, open the Launchpad on your dock, search for Android File Transfer, and click the icon to open the app. When the Android File Transfer app opens on MacOS, you’ll see a single window with the directory structure of your Android device.
My Pixel Pro 7 directory hierarchy.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You will then have to open a Finder window. With Finder open, navigate to the folder you want to house the transferred file. Next, navigate within the Android File Transfer app to find the file you want to transfer to MacOS. Once you’ve found the file, click and drag it into the Finder window, and the file will copy into the folder.
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You can do the same to transfer files from MacOS to Android by dragging them from Finder into the destination folder within the Android File Transfer app.
Once you’ve finished transferring files to or from Android, close the Android File Transfer app.
The caveat
The whole Android-to-MacOS File Transfer experience isn’t flawless. I have sometimes found after disconnecting my phone that when I go to attempt another connection, I have to restart my MacBook before the connection can be made. I’ve yet to find a solution to this issue. But even with this caveat, Android File Transfer is one of the easiest ways of transferring files from your Android device to MacOS without having to go through an intermediary like Google Drive.
Method two: Use MacDroid
1. Install MacDroid
MacDroid is found in the Apple App Store for MacOS. Open the app and search for MacDroid. You’ll see the Get button. Click that and then, when prompted, click “Install”. You may or may not be prompted for your user password to complete the process.
That’s it for the installation process.
2. Run MacDroid
You’ll find the MacDroid icon in Launchpad. Click that and the welcome wizard will give you the breakdown of the features. When you dismiss the wizard, you’ll be prompted to enable the MacDroid extension. Click “Yes” to continue.
You must click Yes before MacDroid will function properly.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
3. Connect your device
When the MacDroid app opens, you’ll be prompted to select a connection type. You can choose Wi-Fi, ADB, or MTP. For our purposes, I’ll demonstrate using MTP (which is USB). Plug your Android device into your Apple machine and you’ll need to do two things:
- When prompted on your Apple device, click “Allow” so the Android phone can connect to the machine.
- On your Android phone, pull down the Notification shade until you see the listing titled “Charging this device via USB.” Tap that option and then tap “File transfer / Android Auto” under “Use USB for.”
You will be prompted to click “Allow” so the device can connect.
4. Enable USB debugging
If your Android device doesn’t appear (or it displays an error that it cannot connect), you’ll need to enable USB Debugging. To do that, you have to first enable Developer Options, which is done by opening Settings > About Phone. On that page, locate Build Number and tap it 7 times. Once you’ve done that, go back to Settings > System > Developer Options. On that page, locate USB Debugging and tap to enable. Once you’ve enabled this feature, you can attempt the USB connection again and it should work just fine.
You must enable USB Debugging or MacDroid cannot function.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You should now see your Android phone listed in Finder as MacDroid. You can click that entry and navigate the Android file system. If you use the free account, you can only copy/paste (or move) files from Android to MacOS. To move files from MacOS to Android, you must upgrade to one of the paid plans.
You should now see MacDroid listed in the Finder sidebar.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
And that’s all there is to transfer files between Android and MacOS, via MacDroid or Android File Transfer. I hope you find one of these apps as useful as I do.
