How To Transfer Files Between Android and Mac

Do you need to transfer your files between Mac and Android? If yes, then don’t worry as it is a very straightforward process. 

There are a few different approaches like you can easily transfer your files from Mac to Android using both OS’s native tools. Also, there are a few 3rd-party options worth checking out. 

In this article, we have explained how you can seamlessly transfer files from Mac to Android and vice-versa. 

How to transfer files from Mac to Android?

The most straightforward way to transfer files from Mac to Android is by using both operating systems’ built-in functions. 

What you need to keep in mind is that both these operating systems i.e. Mac and Android should be on the same local network. 

Set up File Sharing on a Mac

First of all, you need to set some of the settings if you want to share files between a Mac and an Android Device. The 1^st step is allowing your Mac to share its files, and you can follow these steps to do so – 

1. You need to click on the company’s icon present at the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Then tap on ‘System Preferences’ and select the ‘Sharing’ option.
3. Browse through the left panel, and mark the checkbox next to the ‘File Sharing’ option.
4. Select the ‘Options’ button and a new window should open up on your screen.
5. Search for ‘Share folders and file using SMB’ as you need to mark the checkbox next to it.
6. Meanwhile, also click on the box next to ‘Share folders and files using AFP’.
7. Next, you need to browse the list inside the ‘Android File Sharing’. Here, you will be required to mark the checkbox alongside each of the users whose files you want to share.
8. Now, it will ask you to enter the passwords of the users. And your file transfer will be done after you click on ‘Done’.

After committing all the steps mentioned above, you will be back on the Sharing window; and now you need to select the users and the folders you are going to share with your Android. You can easily adjust your preferences after clicking on the Plus (+) & Minus (-) signs below ‘Shared Users’ and ‘Shared Folders’. 

Remember to make a note of the IP Address of your Mac. Your Mac’s IP Address will be present below the ‘File Sharing: On’ message. 

Access Mac Files on Android

Now, head to your Android device for transferring files from Mac to Android – 

1. Open ‘File Explorer’ and type ‘\\’ followed by the IP address of your Mac in the address bar, which is present at the top of the window. For example, it should look something similar to ‘\\192.168.1.xx’.
2. The next window will pop up on your screen asking for your username and password. Enter the credential details as they appear exactly on the screen of your Mac OS.

The users and folders displayed by the File Explorer are the ones that you have added to ‘Shared Users’ and ‘Shared Folders’ lists on your Mac OS. You can copy, edit, and move folders similarly to your Android. Therefore, you just need to drag and drop a file into one of your local folders for transferring it from Mac to Android. 

How to share files and folders from Android device to Mac device

Now, let’s look at the reverse process i.e. how can you seamlessly transfer files from Android to Mac.

Set up File Sharing on Android

First of all, make sure that ‘Network Discovery’ is switched on in your Android OS. Open up your Android and perform the following steps – 

1. Settings > Network & Internet > ‘Status’ which will be located on the left panel 🡪 ‘Sharing Options’ present below ‘Change your network settings.
2. Depending upon your current connection type, expand either the ‘Public Network’ or ‘Private Network’ menu.
3. Next, you need to mark the checkboxes present next to ‘File and Printer Sharing’ and ‘Turn on Network Discovery’.
4. Click on ‘Save Changes’ after performing the above steps.

If you want to share folders on a case-by-case basis, then perform the following steps – 

1. Right-click on the folder’s name and click on ‘Sharing’ in the ‘Properties’ tab.
2. Tap on ‘Share’ in the ‘Network Folder and File Sharing’ option.

Access Android Files on Mac

Once you are done with your sharing options, then it’s time to transfer your files and folders from Android Device to Mac. Follow the below steps – 

1. Open the ‘Finder’ App and tap on Go 🡪 Connect to Server in the menu bar present at the top of your screen.
2. Type either ‘smb:// [computer name]’ or ‘smb:// [IP Address]; and then click on the ‘Enter’ button.
3. Next, you will be asked to enter your username and password credentials and you need to click on ‘Connect’ when you are ready.

The Android content that you have shared will be available in the ‘Shared’ section of the ‘Finder’ App, and you need to just drag and drop as needed to transfer folders and files from your Android to your Mac. 

Other Ways to transfer files between Android and Mac

• AirDroid App

AirDroid is an Android app that allows you to navigate your smartphone, receive notifications, send text messages, and download files from your computer’s browser. 

1. Install the app and visit AirDroid.com on your computer.
2. Create an account or sign in using your FB, Twitter, Google account, or QR code.

• Android File Transfer

Android File Transfer app works on Mac with version 10.5 or above, and connects you to your Android smartphone using the USB cable of your charger. 

1. Download Android File Transfer on your computer and connect your smartphone to the USB port of your computer via the charging cable.
2. Open Mac Finder and the Android File Transfer will be available as one of your drives.
3. Double click on the Android drive icon and after this, you will be able to view the files and folders

Conclusion

We hope that the several methods that we have discussed will help you transfer files easily between Android and Mac.