Until you need to transfer files between the two devices, using an Android phone and a Mac is a no-go. That is the point at which everything starts to go pear-shaped. The Android File Transfer app provided by Google is a pain in the ass to use, and it would be better if you never used it. The good news is that you aren’t completely out of options. There are a plethora of options available to you. So, in 2022, here are five methods for transferring data between an Android phone and a Mac computer.
In 2022, It will be possible to transfer files between Android and macOS.
There are many ways to transfer files between these two operating systems, as I mentioned earlier. Some of these are very simple and wireless, while others are a little more complicated.
If you want to share files between your devices, you have a plethora of options. We’ll look at the top Android and Mac file transfer apps, so you can pick the one that’s right for you.
Use the table of contents at the bottom of this page to quickly navigate to any section of the article that interests you.
Snapdrop
Using AirDrop, you can share files between your iPhone and your Mac. As an AirDrop alternative for Android, this is the best we’ve seen so far. Snapdrop is similar to AirDrop in functionality, but it is available on any operating system. Here’s how to do it.
You should be able to see your phone on your Mac’s screen and your Mac on your Android phone’s screen when you use this app. Otherwise, check to see if both devices are connected to the same WiFi network, and then try again.
It’s all very straightforward from here. Snapdrop displays Mac’s screen name on your smartphone, so tap on it. Then, you can choose the files you want to move.
By the way, the reverse is also true. To send a file to your Android phone, simply click on the Android phone’s name on your Mac screen and select the files you want to send.
This is the app I use most frequently to transfer files between Android devices and my computer. It’s quick, free, and doesn’t require any apps to be installed on your devices. And it comes the closest to AirDrop that I’ve seen yet.
Also Read: Best ways to Use FaceTime’s Screen Sharing on iOS 15
FTP
Snapdrop has a tendency to malfunction on occasion, at least for me. Using FTP to share files between Android and macOS is an option if this is the case for you or if you have any other preference.
For this, you’ll need an FTP client for Mac. FileZilla is a good choice, but there are FileZilla alternatives if you prefer something else.
To set up FTP servers on your Android phone, you’ll need a file explorer like Solid File Explorer (download).
Open ‘FTP Server’ in Solid File Explorer by tapping the hamburger icon on your Android phone.
To enable or disable anonymous access, select the three-dot menu icon. This is entirely up to you, but if you want to ensure that no one else can access your smartphone, I suggest turning this feature off.
You’ll now be able to access your phone’s files by creating a user and a password for that user.
Start the FTP server by pressing the ‘Start’ button.
Go to your Mac’s Applications folder, and then open FileZilla. In the hostname field, type in the IP address, and in the username and password fields, type in what you came up with. In the Port field, enter the appropriate port number. In Solid File Explorer, this is the number following the IP address. This is 1024 in our case.
Click on the Quickconnect button now.
The password can be saved or not.
Filezilla’s Remote Site now shows the files on your phone. Drag the files you want to share from your PC to your Mac, or the other way around.
OpenMTP
What if you don’t want to use Snapdrop and don’t want to go through the hassle of FTP? When it comes to sharing files between Android and a Mac, OpenMTP is a simple plug-and-play solution.
Simply download and run the OpenMTP app (download) on your Mac, then connect your Android phone via USB cable to your computer.
The source code for OpenMTP is available for those who are interested, free of charge. It’s also possible to fork it from GitHub and add additional features.
AirDroid
A file-sharing feature is included in AirDroid. Additional benefits include being able to use Mac’s keyboard and mouse to operate your Android phone, receiving notifications, and more.
Install AirDroid on your mobile device, then sign in to your account.
Scan QR Codes by tapping on “AirDroid Web,” then “Scan QR Code.”
The left pane shows the files on your Mac, and the right pane shows the storage on the connected Android device. To share files between your Mac and Android, all you have to do is drag and drop them.
Open the AirDroid web app on your Mac.
The website will have a QR code for you to scan. Using your smartphone, take a photo of this and then tap ‘Sign in’ when prompted.
That’s all there is to it. Your phone is now connected to your computer. AirDroid allows you to share files, control your phone, and more. Your data will not be sent over the internet if you have a smartphone and a Mac connected to the same WiFi network.
Also Read: How to Resolve the Problem of Only One AirPod Working
Commander One is number five on the list.
Finally, if you’re looking for a way to use your Android phone almost natively with your Mac, consider checking out Commander One.
A Finder replacement of sorts, Commander One has a lot of advanced features. However, it is its support for mounting Android devices that we are most interested in. Commander One works just like OpenMTP, requiring only a USB cable to connect your Android phone to your Mac.
After that, moving files between devices is as simple as copying and pasting them.
Easily Transfer Files between Android and a Macbook
There you have it, the five best ways to move files between an Android phone and a MacBook. Even AirDrop-like solutions for your Android phone have been included in our list of methods for transferring data. Your preferred method should be the one that works for you.
If you run into any problems while using these solutions, please leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to assist you.
