Android file transfer solutions for Mac (Big Sur compatible top-list)

2. SyncMate

SyncMate is a feature packed solution that supports multiple devices and is fully compatible with Big Sur. It allows mounting Android devices as external disks, allowing you to freely browse your Android phone or tablet through the finder. Simply drag and drop files to and from your Android. Simple, easy and fast!

How to use SyncMate as Android file transfer Mac app?

1. Download SyncMate and install it on your Mac.
2. Files transfer between Mac and Android is available within “Mount disk” option.
3. This feature is offered in Expert edition so you will need to upgrade your Free version (our advice is to test SyncMate Free Edition prior upgrading to Expert).
4. To connect Android to Mac click “Add New” in the left panel and choose Android device.


5. Connect your Android to your Mac using USB cable (in this case SyncMate Android module will be automatically installed on your device).
6. After Android device is connected, go to “Summary” tab and choose “Mount disk” option.


7. That’s all. Go to Finder and you’ll see Android in the list of macOS disks. Choose folder you need to transfer data to or from and move it as needed.

3. Android File Transfer for Mac by Google

Android File Transfer Mac by Google is the only native utility that could be rather helpful in file transfer, but unfortunately it has not been updated for several years and the interface is not easy to understand. Also it doesn't let you transfer more than one file at a time, so it may just take forever to get the job done.

How to fix Android File Transfer Mac if it is not working?

The first step in making sure you can perform an Android File Transfer is installing the Android File Transfer for Mac app on your computer. Once you’re done with this, simply connect your phone to the Mac through the standard USB cable. By default, the two devices should immediately recognize one another and sync.

However, in some unfortunate cases, you may get the “ Could not connect to device. Try reconnecting or restarting your device” message that we all want to avoid.

If you do get to see "Can't connect Android to Mac" message, it is a clear indication that the app is faulty and you need to fix it.

What can you do when your Android File Transfer isn’t working?

In order to fix Android File Transfer Mac you will need to follow these simple three steps:

1. Android USB Debugging or USB Replacement



Most of the times, the reason for the app failing is an improperly functioning USB cable. To go around this, you will need to remove the USB cable and replace it with a new one. Once you get the new USB cable, repeat the file transfer process. If on your first go, it still won’t connect, try the following procedures:

• • Connect your Mac and the Android device through the USB cable you just got.
• • On your Android device, swipe down to access the quick setting menu and then tap on the “Settings” tab.
• • Tap again on USB Debugging and from the list of options, choose Media device (MTP).
• • Try to resume the file transfer.


2. Update your Mac



Updating your Mac is another workaround for the situation in which you can’t fix the Android File Transfer Mac by replacing the USB cable. To update your macOS, follow these steps:

• • First check to see which macOS version you currently have installed on your computer. Note that if it’s below 10.7, you will need to update.
• • Start the Update process.
• • Connect the Android device and make sure that Android File Transfer is added to your Mac.
• • Restart the computer to finish the update.


3. Android phone update



If the macOS update still didn’t do the trick, your last chance to troubleshoot Android File Transfer Mac is updating the software on your Android device. To do so, follow these simple steps:

• • Swipe down on the screen to access the Android “Settings” menu.
• • Select “System Update” and check if your system is up to date. If not, update it on the spot.
• • Restart the device and retry the connection with the Mac by using the file transfer app.

Pros and Cons of Android File Transfer Mac

Besides that syncing Mac with an Android device is quite difficult and slow, there are other major disadvantages when talking about Android File Transfer:

• • When you’re trying to establish the connection or even during the file transfer, there are numerous errors that keep piling up. These prevent the proper course of the file transfer between your Android device and the Mac computer.
• • If you’re transferring large files, you can get time-outs when you’re almost done and you need to start from scratch.
• • There’s a limited list of Android decides that can be used for direct Android File Transfer.
• • You won’t be able to manage the apps on the Android device.
• • The user interface of the app is not exactly what you can call intuitive for inexperienced users.

4. Alternative Android file transfer apps

Commander One

If you want dual-panel Android File Transfer and integration with the most popular cloud storage services, the ability to browse iOS files and work with archives and hidden system files amongst other things, then Commander One is for you.

Commander One allows you to plug and play your Android Device to MacOS via USB and access everything via the Finder. Now you can work with your device just like any other local drive.

Commander One allows you to connect to the most popular cloud storage services, browse files on iOS devices, work with archives and hidden system files, use Terminal Emulator and manage current system processes. In addition to being a dual-panel Android file transfer for MacOS, its a real no-brainer!

dr.fone - Transfer

Small and efficient Android File Transfer for Mac alternative that enables you to transfer all types of data between Android smartphones and tablets and Mac computers, dr.fone allows you to quickly transfer SMS messages, contacts, and music. Dr.Fone also allows you to easily manage the media on the Android device so you can export, delete, and add files and folders in batches.

Pros:

• • Free version
• • Affordable license fee
• • Works with Windows and Mac
• • Supports transfer of almost any file type
• • Allows you to transfer contacts and SMS messages
• • HEIC photo converter
• • Supports transfer from iTunes>Android and vice versa

Cons:

• • There have been complaints it doesn’t work
• • Poor support

Supported OS: Mac, Windows

Conclusion: If you’re looking for free file transfer software, give dr.fone Phone Manager a go. Compatible with Windows and Mac, you can transfer everything from files, folders, and videos to contacts and SMS messages. Get complete access to all files and folders on your Android device, enjoy HEIC photo conversion, and even transfer from iTunes to Android and vice versa. Dr. fone is reasonably priced and support is great, but the data recovery feature can sometimes be a bit glitchy.

MobiKin Assistant for Android

The next Android File Transfer alternative we’re checking is the MobiKin Assistant for Android (Mac Version). Well, to be honest, this is more than just an alternative as not only that it supports transferring music, videos, photos, messages, contacts or books, but it also offers the function of backing up and restoring the data in your phone. No more worries about Android and macOS incompatibilities, MobiKin is here for the rescue!

Pros:

• • Free trial
• • Affordable pricing
• • 1 click backup and restore
• • Backup and edit contacts on your Mac
• • Transfer SMS, call logs, and almost any type of data

Cons:

• • No free version
• • Free trial has very limited functionality

Supported OS: Mac, Windows

Conclusion: MobiKin is the complete transfer tool you need if you also want to backup and restore your device using one app. It offers a free trial, and you can transfer almost any type of data, from call logs and SMS to books, videos, and music. The 1 click backup and restore feature is handy, and you can even backup your contacts to Mac, then edit them on your computer. The bad news is that there’s no free version, so you’ll need to pay for the Premium version if you want to keep using the software.

HandShaker

Wouldn’t it be nice if macOS and Android wouldn’t be in such a fierce competition and just shake hands? Well, that’s definitely the purpose with which HandShaker was created because this app enables high-speed file transfers between the two operating systems via Wi-Fi. Besides transferring all types of files, you can use this app to manage the contents on both devices and being a freeware app makes things even better!

Pros:

• • Free
• • Works with Mac and Android
• • High-speed transfer

Cons:

• • No Windows version
• • Hasn’t been updated since 2017 so may be buggy
• • Users report it often fails to connect to device

Supported OS: Mac, Android

Conclusion: HandShaker is an excellent, free option for transferring files between Mac and Android. Its high-speed transfer allows you to transfer files Android to Mac quickly and easily, however it hasn’t been updated since 2017, and there have been reports of bugs that have still not been fixed in the app.

AirDroid

Using AirDroid you get a complete app to transfer any type of file from an Android device to a Mac. Not just that, it is compatible with Windows, iOS and the AirDroid Web operating system. No matter if it’s photos, documents, music, videos or APKs, AirDroid will get the job done swiftly while also allowing you to transfer entire folders at once.

Pros:

• • Works with Windows and Mac
• • Free version
• • Affordable monthly subscription for premium
• • Fast and reliable
• • Transfer almost any type of data

Cons:

• • Need the premium version to transfer folders
• • No yearly license fee, only monthly subscription
• • Support could be better

Supported OS: Windows, Mac

Conclusion: Thanks to its compatibility with multiple operating systems, ability to transfer almost any type of data, and option to upgrade to a premium account to enjoy additional features, AirDroid is one of our favorite solutions for transferring files from Mac to Android. You’ll need to upgrade to the Premium version to transfer folders, though.

5. How to transfer files from Android to PC with other OS

For those transferring files from an Android to a PC or Chromebook, it is much easier! Android is compatible with Windows operating system and Linux Chrome OS. You don’t even need to download an app to sync files. Follow these steps to transfer files from Android to Windows or Chromebook.

How to connect Android device to Windows computer:

1. Plug your USB cable to your phone and computer
2. Unlock your phone and open the notification that appears when connected
3. Choose the “Use USB for File Transfer” in the system options
4. When a window for file transfer appears on your PC, start dragging and dropping the files you want to sync
5. After you finish transferring the files you want, wait for it to finish syncing and then eject your phone from the computer
6. Disconnect the USB cable, and you’re done!

How to connect Android device to Chromebook:

1. Connect your Android to your Chromebook with a USB cable
2. Open the system notification that appears on your phone
3. Select “File Transfer” in the options given when you click “Use USB for”
4. The Files app will open on your Chromebook, and you can use it to drag and drop the files you want to sync with your Android
5. When you’re done selecting the files you want to transfer, unplug the USB cable.

6. Transferring files with SD card

If you don’t want to install and launch third-party apps, using an SD card is always a convenient way of sharing data between two devices. The transfer speeds are very good and all Android devices have a microSD slot. You’ll just need an adaptor from microSD to SD and you’re good to go. Transferring files from your Mac to Android can be done glitch-free as long as you make sure the file formats are compatible with both devices.

How to transfer data from Android to Mac using SD card:

1. Eject the SD card from the Android device.
2. Mount the SD card in a card reader and insert it in your Mac.
3. On your Mac computer, open Photos - File - Import and then click on Review for Import.
4. If you want to import all the photos tap on Import all New Photos or choose ”Import Selected” if you only want to transfer certain ones. After the transfer is done, you have the option to keep the items on the SD card or remove delete them. Choose between ”Keep Items / Delete Items”.

How did we rate Android file transfer Mac apps?

Let’s start with the fact that there are just a few apps that can transfer files between Android and Mac OS X. After Apple removed their built-in Sync Service several years ago, all apps that used it to sync data between macOS and Android, stopped working. And since transferring files between Mac and Android is not a common task like video playback or image editing, you won’t find hundreds of apps offering sync and transfer services.

Key factors we considered while choosing the best Android File Transfer for Mac.

• Functionality. The app worth your attention must be able to transfer all data types - media, folders, personal (like contacts or calendar events). Who wants to install several apps to keep ALL data between Mac and Android updated if all of that can be done within one app?


• Flexibility. Data sync and transfer are complicated processes so Android file transfer Mac apps should provide you with wide range of data transfer settings.


• OS support. Android OS as well as macOS are constantly updated and the app you will buy should support the latest versions.


• App lifecycle. App should be constantly updated so you are sure you are getting the most current features and you can see that the developers are actually there, working on the product and not just letting it sit while everything else is moving forward.

Final thoughts on the best Android File Transfer Software for Mac

With so many different programs available to transfer files from Android to Mac, how do you choose the one that’s best for you? First, think about the type of data you’d like to transfer: for example, perhaps you only want to transfer a few files, or maybe you need to transfer contacts, SMS messages, and entire folders. It’s important to choose software that supports the type of data you need to transfer. Then, think about your budget. If you’re transferring small files less frequently, free software can get the job done, whereas if you’re regularly transferring sensitive data or entire folders, you may want to pay for reliable, secure software that offers support if anything goes wrong. Take a look through our list, take time to read reviews for each program from users, and you’re sure to find the best software for your needs.