How to transfer files between Mac and Android smartphone

Transferring files between Mac and Android used to be a very complicated task in the past, here we show you different ways to do it easily and simply.

Transfer files between Mac and Android, best options

Apple has been clear and strong about its user statistics. The vast majority of iPhone users have a Mac, and some Mac users have an iPad. The Apple ecosystem is great but sometimes we can’t afford it due to price and needs.. In my personal case, I have been an Android user for many years and never wanted to get off the macOS ship. However, it is incredible that file transfers can be made between polar opposites. Are you an Android user but have a Mac computer? In this article we will teach you If you want to expand your knowledge or help a friend or family member, here are some different ways to transfer files those who want to enhance their experience.

  • An app or service is required to transfer files between Mac and Android
    • Use your Mac as if it were Android with NearDrop
    • A version of AirDrop via a simple web page
    • Create a dedicated SMB server
  • If you have the appropriate USB cable, use Android File Transfer

An app or service is required to transfer files between Mac and Android

The operating system architecture makes things a bit complicated between Mac and Android. Connecting an Android to a Windows PC makes everything easier, but this That doesn’t mean it’s impossible on a Mac.Google was aware of this dilemma and developed Android File Transfer, an app that lets you explore the contents of an Android by connecting it to a Mac via a USB cable. Let’s also take into account that Apple has limited this to protect its ecosystem..

As you can imagine, in this article we will see other external applications or services that will help us transfer files between Google’s mobile operating system and Apple’s computer system. It is important for you to decide which one is best for you or fits your needs.Because we will see wireless options that do not require cables, or if you want to dare what we have seen before, we will talk about that option at the end.

Use your Mac as if it were Android with NearDrop

AirDrop is a connection protocol between Apple devices This is great. Fortunately, A similar process can be repeated between Mac and AndroidTo make this a reality, we need to download the NearDrop software on Mac.

NearDrop Opening WarningPermissions to run NearDrop on macOSNearDrop app notifications on macOSShare files from Android to Mac with Nearby SharingAndroid File Transfer to Mac
NearDrop Opening WarningPermissions to run NearDrop on macOSNearDrop app notifications on macOSShare files from Android to Mac with Nearby SharingAndroid File Transfer to Mac
  1. Download NearDrop from the GitHub repository
  2. Unzip zip file and move the app to your Applications folder In Finder
  3. Right click Open and confirm with OKRe-execute the Open action with right click
  4. NearDrop will ask for your permission to enable notificationscontinue to enable them in System Configuration
  5. On your Android device, Select the file to transfer and select Share
  6. Tap on the option Share nearby or fast (depending on which Android operating system you have)
  7. Select the Mac in questionYou must then accept the notification received on macOS
  8. The file will be transferred

This is one of the best options as it uses a native Google protocol and Turns Mac into an Android device with NearDrop appIf you want to explore a simpler behavior like AirDrop, we recommend SnapDrop.

A version of AirDrop via a simple web page

The advantage of this procedure is that there is no need to download any applications on both devices.SnapDrop is a way to transfer files between iPhone and Mac, independent of AirDrop, in case there is any error in its operation.

It will work the same between Mac and Android, The only requirement is that the two devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

SnapDrop on Android

Send files between Mac and Android with SnapDrop

  1. Open Snapdrop in any browser on Mac and Android
  2. You will immediately see your Mac on Android, Click on the device
  3. You have several options to choose from, such as taking photos, selecting the voice recorder, or selecting files in general.
  4. Explore Android files, tap on the file to transferIf you want to transfer multiple files, press and hold one and then select, confirm Select
  5. You will receive a notification window on MacClick Save and then select the destination location
  6. Confirm location in Save

Another advantage of using SnapDrop is The process works both from Android to Mac and from Mac to Android.NearDrop is only possible from Android to Mac.

Create a dedicated SMB server

If you are familiar with creating SMB servers for any reason (Server Message Block), communication protocol for shared access to files and other resources, Follow the steps below on Mac and Android

File sharing permission in macOSEnter the data to connect to the Mac server
File sharing permission in macOSEnter the data to connect to the Mac server
  1. On a Mac, go to: System Settings and then General
  2. Select the following option: To share
  3. Under Content, select i for File Sharing
  4. Click on Options
  5. Enable the option to share files and folders via SMBactivate the box for your account and confirm the action
  6. On Android, download a file management app Like EX File Explorer or File Manager
  7. Look for the Remote or Network option and Select LAN
  8. Click the + button or Edit Enter the data of the created serverin this case it is your username and password
  9. The folder will be visible and it will be sufficient to enter the folder containing the files to be transferred.copy and paste to Android device.

If you have the appropriate USB cable, use Android File Transfer

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, The traditional way to transfer files between Mac and Android is through Android File TransferDownload the software from the official website or some third-party sites if Google server is not available.

Android File Transfer window

Android File Transfer on MacOS

Once installed in the Applications folder, you need to connect your Android device to the Mac.. Remember that Android must be unlocked For the application on Mac to recognize your device. Otherwise, the software will send an error message.

We hope you can transfer your files between Mac and Android well with all the alternatives offered in this article.

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Source: i Padizate

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