Android File Transfer for Mac: Alternatives that work on macOS
Android File Transfer was Google’s app for moving files between Android and a Mac by cable, but Google no longer makes it. Here is what to use instead: free alternatives by cable and by Wi-Fi, and what macOS already has for photos.
Android File Transfer
- Discontinued
- Finder doesn’t see Android
Its page on android.com now leads to Quick Share for Windows, and there is no Mac version. Finder doesn’t show Android phones by itself, so you need one of the apps below.
Android File Transfer alternatives for Mac
OpenMTPClosest to Android File Transfer
Files over a USB cable in two panes, Mac on the left, phone on the right, dragged either way. Free and open source.
- By cable
- Free, open source
brew install --cask openmtp
LocalSendNo cable, over Wi-Fi
Like AirDrop between Android and a Mac: the app on both devices, the same Wi-Fi network, and files go straight across, with no internet or account.
- Over Wi-Fi
- Free, open source
brew install --cask localsend
Image CapturePhotos and videos only
The built-in macOS app imports photos and videos from the phone by cable when Android is set to Transfer photos (PTP).
- Built into macOS
- Photos and videos
- Free
Google DriveThrough the cloud
Upload files to Google Drive from the phone and they appear on the Mac in Finder. Handy for small files you need on several devices.
| OpenMTP | LocalSend | Image Capture | Google Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any files | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| No cable | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| No internet | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| App on the phone | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
How to move files from Android to a Mac by cable
- Install OpenMTP on the Mac and open it.
- Connect the phone with a USB cable and unlock it.
- In Android’s USB notification, choose File transfer.
- The phone’s folders appear on the right in OpenMTP: drag files whichever way you need.
If the phone doesn’t show up, try another cable: some cables only charge and carry no data.
How to move photos from Android to a Mac
- Connect the phone by cable and choose Transfer photos (PTP) in Android’s USB notification.
- Open Image Capture from the Applications folder.
- Select the phone on the left, choose the photos, pick a folder at the bottom and click Download (or Download All).
If the Mac doesn’t see the phone
- USB mode. Once connected, Android only charges by default: choose File transfer in the notification.
- One app at a time. Only one app can open the phone: quit Image Capture and other Android apps before opening OpenMTP.
- Cable and port. Try another cable and another Mac port, with no adapters or hubs.
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Questions and answers
Does Android File Transfer still work on a Mac?
Google no longer makes or updates it: its page leads to Quick Share for Windows. On recent macOS the old app often doesn’t see the phone, so OpenMTP is a better pick.
Why doesn’t my Mac show Android in Finder?
Android shares files over MTP, which Finder doesn’t support. So you need a separate app: OpenMTP by cable or LocalSend over Wi-Fi.
Is there AirDrop between Android and a Mac?
Not built in. LocalSend comes closest: a free app for Android and Mac that sends files straight over Wi-Fi.