How to Transfer Files Between Mac and Android Smartphone

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

Apple has been clear and forceful with its user statistics. A large majority of iPhone users own a Mac, and several Mac users also own an iPad. Apple ecosystem is wonderful but sometimes we can’t afford it because of price and needs.. In my personal case, I was an Android user for many years and never wanted to leave the macOS ship. However, it is incredible that file transfers can be made between opposite poles. Are you an Android user but own a Mac computer? In this article, we will teach you different ways to transfer files if you want to expand your knowledge or help a friend or family member who want to improve your experience.

• An app or service is required to transfer files between Mac and Android
• If you have the corresponding 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 it That doesn’t mean it’s impossible on a Mac.. Google was aware of this dilemma and developed Android File Transfer, an application that allows you to 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 in the strict sense of protecting 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’s about deciding which one suits you best or fits your needs.since we will see wireless options that do not require cables or if you want to dare what we have already seen, we will cover this option at the end.

Use your Mac like an Android with NearDrop

AirDrop is a connection protocol between Apple devices which is wonderful. Luckily, A similar process can be replicated between Mac and Android. To make it happen, we need to download the NearDrop software on Mac.

1. Download NearDrop from its GitHub repository
2. Relax the zip file and place the application in your Applications folder in Finder
3. Right-click on Open and confirm with OKrun the Open with Right Click action again
4. NearDrop will ask you for permission to enable notificationsproceed to activate them in the system configuration
5. On Android device, select the file to transfer and choose the Share option
6. Press the option Share nearby or fast (depending on the Android operating system you have)
7. Select the corresponding Macyou must then accept the notification received in macOS
8. The file will be transferred

This is one of the best options because it uses a natural protocol from Google and Mac becomes an Android device with NearDrop app. If you want to explore a simpler behavior as if it were 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 an application on both devices.. SnapDrop is a way to transfer files between iPhone and Mac independent of AirDrop, in case you encounter errors in its operation.

Between Mac and Android it will work the same, The only condition is that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network

1. Open Snapdrop in your browser of choice on Mac and Android
2. On Android, you will immediately see your Mac, click on the device
3. You have several options to choose from, take a photo, choose audio recorder or files in general
4. Explore Android files, tap the file to transfer. If you want to transfer multiple files, long press on a file, then make selection, confirm Select.
5. On Mac, you will receive a notification windowClick Save, then choose the destination location
6. Confirm the location in Save

Another advantage of using SnapDrop is that The procedure can be applied both from Android to Mac and from Mac to Androidwhich in NearDrop is only possible from Android to Mac.

Create a special SMB server

If for some reason you are used to creating SMB servers (Server Message Block), the communications protocol for shared access to files and other resources, follow these steps on Mac and Android

1. On Mac, go to System Settings then General
2. Select the option of Share
3. Under Content, select the i for File Sharing
4. Click on Options
5. Enable the Share files and folders via SMB optionactivate the box of your account and confirm the operation
6. An android, download a file manager app like EX File Explorer or File manager
7. Look for the Remote or Network option and select LAN
8. Click the + or Edit button to Enter the data of the created serverin this case it is your username and password
9. The folder will be visible and you just have to enter the folder that contains the files to transfercopy and paste to android device.

If you have the corresponding 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 to use Android File Transfer. Download the software from its official website or from some third party sites if Google server is not available.

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

We hope that with all the alternatives presented in this article, you can have a good transfer of your files between Mac and Android.

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