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Using your Mac and Android together is fun until you need to do something like move files between them. Fortunately, there are several methods available to share files between the two operating systems. Techniques include Google’s FTP app, Bluetooth, and many third-party apps.
Read on to learn some of your options when transferring files from Mac to Android and vice versa.
The following options can be used to transfer files in any direction.
Android File Transfer
The first Mac to Android file transfer option we’ll look at is Google’s Android File Transfer app. Your Mac must have OS X 10.5 and higher installed to use it. To transfer your files from Mac to Android, follow the steps below:
- Download and install Android File Transfer on your Mac.
- Start Android File Transfer. It will open automatically every time you reconnect your phone.
- Unlock your Android device and connect it to your Mac using a USB cable.
- press the Charge this device via USB notification on your phone.
- Low Use USB to choose File transfer.
- A file transfer window will appear on your Mac. Use it to move your files.
- Once you’re done, unplug the USB cable.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a valuable option for wirelessly transferring files between Mac and Android.
Set up pairing
First, you’ll need to pair your Mac with your Android device, which you only need to do once, as they will remain paired until you unpair them. Follow these steps to pair your Mac and Android device:
- On your Mac, go to the menu bar or System, preferencesso Bluetooth to enable Bluetooth.
- Also, enable it on your Android device at Settings so Bluetooth.
- On your Mac, go to System preferences so Exchangeand enable the Bluetooth Sharing option. Here you can choose the location of received files and what to do with incoming file transfer requests.
- On your Android device, choose your Mac by going to Settings so Bluetoothand the access code will appear on both screens.
- Passwords must match. To complete pairing, click Connect on your Mac.
Send files from Mac to Android
The method for sharing files via Bluetooth on your Mac is slightly different. Although macOS has a sharing menu similar to Android, Bluetooth is not an option in the list of available transfer methods. Fortunately, Bluetooth file sharing, the built-in app, can do the job. Follow these steps to send files from your Mac to your Android device:
- Navigate to Applications so Utilities to open the Bluetooth file sharing application.
- Find and click the file you want to send, then click Send.
- Click the paired Android device you want to send it to, and then click Send again.
- Tap Accept on your Android device to receive the incoming transfer.
The files you receive on your Android will be available in the corresponding default files app or other related folders. For example, an image file sent from Mac should appear in the Photos app on your Android device.
How to share files from an Android to a Mac
Bluetooth
The first file transfer option we will look at is Bluetooth. Once you’ve paired your Android device and Mac, you can use Bluetooth to transfer files between the two. Use the steps to “Set up pairing” in the p above, then follow the steps below to send files from your Android device to your Mac:
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Android and Mac device.
- On your Android device, find and tap the file you want to send to your Mac.
- Choose the share icon.
- Tap Bluetooth as the transfer method, then select your Mac.
- When prompted on your Mac, accept the transfer.
Files received on your Mac will go to the location you indicated in System Preferences or the default “Downloads” folder. To send files from Mac to Android using this method, see the How to share files from Mac to Android phone previous p.
File Transfer Protocol
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard communication protocol used to download, upload, and transfer files from one location to another. It can be used to transfer between computer systems or over the Internet.
First, to share files between Android and macOS, you’ll need an FTP client on your Mac. FileZilla It is among the best and most popular used. There are many alternatives, but we will use FileZilla to demonstrate. On your Android device, you will need to download and install a file explorer like Solid File Explorer to create the FTP server.
Once FileZilla and Solid File Explorer or similar apps are installed, here are the steps to transfer your files from Android to Mac:
- On your Android, open Solid File Explorerpress the hamburger iconand then choose FTP server.
- Tap on the three point menu icon in the upper right corner. Then decide whether you want to enable or disable anonymous access. It’s up to you which option you choose; However, disabling anonymous access will ensure that no one else can connect to your Android.
- Now press Set userthen create a username and password to access your files.
- Then tap Begin to start the FTP server.
- On your Mac, open FileZilla.
- Enter the IP address displayed on your Android device in the Solid File Explorer app and the username and password you created in the hostname field.
- In it port field, enter the port number. The port number is the one after the IP address in the SFE application.
- Now click Fast connection button.
- You can choose to save the password if you wish.
- You will now see your Android files in the Remote Site area of FileZilla. Drag the files you want to share to your Mac (local site) or vice versa.
Open MTP: Plug-and-Play solution
For a slightly easier method of transferring your files from Android to your Mac or vice versa, consider using an OpenMTP plug-and-play solution. OpenMTP is another example of an Android file transfer application. It is open source and completely free to use, meaning you have the option to view the source code if you are interested.
To get started, you will only need to download and install OpenMTP on your Mac, then follow these steps:
- Open the app and connect your Android phone to your Mac using a USB cable.
- The app will show your Mac files in the left panel and, on the right, your connected Android device.
- You can simply drag and drop files between your Mac and Android to transfer them.
AirDroid
AirDroid is another example of file transfer with some additional features that you may find interesting. With AirDroid, you can control your Android device using your Mac, receive notifications, and much more. Once AirDroid is installed on your phone, follow these steps to transfer files between your Android device and Mac:
- On your phone, sign in to AirDroid.
- Tap AirDroid Webso Scan QR code.
- Next, on your Mac, launch The AirDroid web app.
- A QR code will be displayed on the website. Scan it with your smartphone, then press Log in when prompted on your phone.
- Your Android device is now connected to your Mac so you can share files between the two devices. And when your smartphone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network, your data won’t be sent over the Internet, which is a great security advantage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I AirDrop from Mac to Android?
Unfortunately, you can’t use AirDrop to transfer files from an Apple device to Android or the other way around.
Mac to Android File Transfer Complete
macOS and Android are two of the best operating systems. When it comes to sharing files on the same operating system, files are transferred effortlessly. However, sharing files between these two operating systems is not so simple. Fortunately, Apple and Android developers have thought about those who enjoy using devices in different operating system worlds and may want to share files with each other. There are several methods available to transfer your files from Mac to Android and vice versa. Methods include Bluetooth, FTP, and third-party applications.
Which operating system do you prefer, macOS or Android? Share your thoughts in the comments p below.
