Solved! Android File Transfer Not Working on Mac?

Android Data Transfer is a dedicated app that allows users to transfer files between Mac and Android smartphones. For most users, it's an intuitive and efficient program but sometimes, it just stops working for no apparent reason. It can be quite frustrating for anyone to experience the Android File Transfer Mac not working issue. That's why we are here with a list of several proven ways to fix this problem permanently and get your devices talking once again. Let's dive in!

Possible Reasons that Cause Android File Transfer Not Working

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of why Android 10 File Transfer not working. However, the experts believe that the below reasons can make this app become unresponsive on your Mac.

Also Read: How to Transfer Files from Phone to Laptop without USB

Troubleshooting Steps You Can Try First

Want to fix the Android File Transfer not responding quickly? Try the below simple tips before you proceed to the main solutions.

1. Check If the Android Device Is Locked

First of all, be sure your Android phone is not screen locked. Android File Transfer cannot happen on a locked phone.

Sit back, hold your phone, and unlock its screen lock. Now, try sharing the files again. Hopefully, you won't face the Android File Transfer not detecting phone problems again.

2. Try Using a Different USB Cable

Your phone is unlocked but still Android File Transfer not recognizing the phone. The issue might be with the data cable that you are using to connect your phone to the computer.

Sometimes, the data cable is damaged without you knowing about it. Simply, use another cable to connect both devices and check if you have different results.  

Ways to Fix Android File Transfer Not Working

Now that you know the common causes of why Android File Transfer won't work, let us discuss how to remedy the issue. Just implement the below solutions and hopefully, one of them will help you troubleshoot the issue.

1Enable File Transfer Mode

First and foremost, you have to enable the File Transfer mode on your Android phone. Generally, when you connect both devices via a cable, the Android device is just charging by default. To fix this:

2Restart the Devices

Try to restart both your Android phone and Mac. Often, Android File Transfer does not work due to a temporary glitch or bug in any of the devices, and restarting them is a great way to get rid of it. If the issue persists after restarting, jump to the next solution.

3Reinstall Android File Transfer

Many a time, there's a temporary bug in the app itself that hinders the connection between your devices. The easiest way to get rid of it is by reinstalling the app. Just delete Android File Transfer from the Android phone and install it again from the Play Store. Login to your account and try connecting it with your Mac. Hopefully, you won't face the issue again. But if it is still not working, then implement the next solution.

4Uninstall Other Third-Party Apps

If you're a Samsung user, chances are your device may have pre-installed apps like Samsung Smart Switch or Samsung Kies. These programs perform the same function of file transfer and management and often, interfere with the regular operation of Android File Transfer. So, try deleting these apps to fix the Android File Transfer Mac not working Samsung S3 issue. Look for them in the Application folder and remove them from your Samsung smartphone. 

5Update macOS

Last but not least, try updating the software of your Mac to the latest version. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes to complete. Here's how to do that:

6Reset Network Settings on Android

One of the best solutions for Android File Transfer not showing up is resetting network settings. Doing this can effectively remove any temporary bugs in the network settings on your phone.  
And yes, resetting network settings doesn't cause any data loss. Here's how to implement it:

7Disable Antivirus Software

Have you installed any third-party antivirus programs on your Mac? If yes, then it can be the reason why Android File Transfer not working with Ventura.

The solution; disable the antivirus program temporarily and try using Android File Transfer again. If it works properly, your antivirus is stopping Android File Transfer from working properly.  

Notes:

All the aforementioned methods are proven and user-tested. But remember that you need to first identify the issue and choose a suitable solution accordingly. Typically, users face issues like Android File Transfer try reconnecting or restarting, can't access device storage, or Android File Transfer could not copy files. 

Thus, to save time and energy, go for the workaround that fixes your issue directly. Or else, you can try them in the same order.

Best Alternatives to Android File Transfer

Android File Transfer is a handy service but it comes with limited features. Not to mention, users continue facing unexpected delays and breakdowns while using this app. Given this, we will outline the perfect alternatives that will save you from the Android File Transfer on Mac not working issue.

AirDroid Personal

When it comes to the best and most comprehensive software to transfer data between Android and Mac, then AirDroid Personal stands out. It is designed specifically to allow users to share unlimited files across multiple platforms. The best thing about AirDroid Personal is its ability to transfer data at a blazing speed with just a few clicks.

Follow the below steps to transfer files between Mac and Android smartphones.

Step 1. Install AirDroid Personal Mobile Client on both devices and log in with the same AirDroid account.

Step 2. To transfer files from Mac to Android, launch AirDroid Desktop Client, click on the Transfer icon, and choose your Android device. Now, drag and drop any file you want to share.

Step 3. To transfer files from Android to Mac, open the AirDroid Personal App.

Step 4. Go to My Devices, select your Mac, tap the Attachment option, and select the files you what to send.

Pushbullet

Pushbullet is another popular file transfer app that lets you move files across different platforms. With this tool, you can send files up to 25 MB each in size between Android and Mac. Just install the app on your Android phone, connect it with the Pushbullet web client, and start sharing data.

Users need to get its premium plan to unlock advanced features like unlimited file transfer.

Google Drive

Using Google Drive, you can easily move data between Android and Mac without losing quality. All you have to do is upload files on the Google Drive app on Android. And then, login with the same Google account from the Mac browser and download your files. This cloud storage platform lets you upload 15GB of data for free.

Useful Tips for Android File Transfer on Mac

Below are a few tips you should keep in mind when using Android File Transfer:

Enable USB Debugging

Make sure the USB debugging is enabled on your Android. To do that:

Use a File Manager

If Android File Transfer keeps freezing, try using a file manager for transferring data between Android and Mac.

Use Drag and Drop

Another handy tip for using Android File Transfer is manually dragging and dropping the preferred files instead to copy and pasting them.

Final Words

To sum up, this article has provided a comprehensive guide on how to fix the Android File Transfer not working problem. All you need to do is carefully implement the methods to ensure a successful connection between your devices via Android File Transfer. However, we strongly recommend users rely on AirDroid Personal for sharing unlimited data between any two devices, Mac, Android, iOS, and Windows. With this tool, you get the fastest data transfer speed without worrying about the why won't my Android File Transfer work issue.

FAQs

Q1: Is Android File Transfer safe?

Charudatta

For most cases, Android File Transfer is safe and efficient. However, many users complain of slow speed and unnecessary delays during the transfer process.

Q2: Why can't I copy Files to my phone through the USB cable?

Charudatta

Check if the USB cable or the port of your computer is damaged or malfunctioning or not. Also, make sure the File Transfer Mode is enabled on the Android device.

Q3: Which is the best File sharing app for a mobile PC File Transfer?

Charudatta

AirDroid Personal is arguably the most comprehensive app to transfer data between a PC and a smartphone. It offers a wireless connection between devices, allowing you to share as many files as you want without any hassle.

Q4: How can I Transfer Files from my laptop to my Android?

Charudatta

Install AirDroid Personal on both devices and sign in with the same AirDroid account. Launch AirDroid Desktop Client, click on the Transfer icon and choose your Android device. Then, drag and drop files from your laptop to transfer them.

Q5:How do I enable File Transfer on Android to Mac?

Charudatta

Here’s how to enable file transfer on Android for Mac:

1. Download and install Android File Transfer for Mac.
2. Launch AndroidFileTransfer.dmg and drop the File Transfer app into the Application folder. Double-click the app to open it.
3. Connect Android to Mac via a cable.
4. On the Android notification bar, change the USB settings to the File transfer/MTP mode
5. Start transferring files.