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Android File Transfer Not Working? Common Issues and Fixes If Android File Transferis not working on your Mac, you’re not alone. Many users experience problems such as connection errors, the app not detecting their Android device, or random crashes. Since macOS does not natively support Android file transfers, these issues can be frustrating. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons why Android File Transfer fails and how to fix them. 1. Check If Android File Transfer Is Installed Correctly One of the first things to verify is whether the app is installed properly. Solution: 1. Uninstall Android File Transfer: oGo to the Applications folder on your Mac. oFind Android File Transfer, right-click it, and select Move to Trash. oEmpty the Trash to remove it completely. 2. Download and Reinstall the Latest Version: oVisit https://www.android-file-transfer-mac.com/ to download the latest version. oOpen the .dmg file and drag Android File Transfer into the Applications folder. oTry connecting your phone again. If the app still doesn’t work, move on to the next steps. 2. Enable File Transfer Mode on Your Android Device Your phone must be set to file transfer mode when connected to your Mac. Otherwise, the app won’t detect it. Solution: 1. Connect your Android phone to your Mac using a USB cable. 2. Unlock your phone and swipe down the notification bar. 3. Tap “Charging this device via USB” or “USB Preferences” (depending on your Android version).
4. Select “File Transfer” (MTP mode)instead of “Charging Only.” Your Mac should now recognize your phone. 3. Use a Different USB Cable or Port Sometimes, a faulty USB cable or port is the issue. Not all USB cables support data transfer— some only allow charging. Solution: Try a different USB cable, preferably the original one that came with your phone. Switch to another USB port on your Mac. If you are using a USB hub, plug the cable directly into the Mac. If the issue persists, your Mac may have a software restriction blocking the connection. 4. Check for macOS Compatibility Issues Newer macOS updates can cause Android File Transfer to stop working. If your Mac is running macOS Ventura or later, you might need an alternative solution. Solution: 1. Check your macOS version by going to Apple Menu → About This Mac. 2. If you recently updated macOS, try using an alternative file transfer app instead. 5. Restart Both Your Mac and Android Device A simple restart can sometimes fix unexpected software issues. Solution: Restart your Android phone by holding the power button and selecting Restart. Restart your Mac by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Restart. Once both devices are back on, reconnect them and check if the problem is resolved.
6. Check for Conflicting Apps Other apps like Samsung Kies, Samsung Smart Switch, and Android Debug Bridge (ADB) can interfere with Android File Transfer. Solution: 1. Uninstall any conflicting apps: oGo to Applications, find apps like Samsung Smart Switch, and delete them. 2. Restart your Mac and try using Android File Transfer again. 7. Enable Developer Mode and USB Debugging If Android File Transfer still doesn’t recognize your phone, enabling Developer Options can help. Solution: 1. Open Settings on your Android phone. 2. Scroll down and tap About Phone. 3. Find Build Number and tap it 7 times to enable Developer Mode. 4. Go back to Settings → Developer Options. 5. Enable USB Debugging. 6. Reconnect your phone and check if Android File Transfer now works. This allows your Mac to recognize your device more effectively. 8. Try an Alternative File Transfer App If none of the above fixes work, you might need a more reliable alternative. Some apps offer better compatibility with macOS and faster transfer speeds. Recommended Alternatives: MacDroid (Supports both MTP and ADB mode for stable transfers) OpenMTP (A free open-source alternative with better Mac compatibility) AirDroid(Wireless option that doesn’t require a USB cable) These tools provide continuous updates and often work better than Android File Transfer.
Final Thoughts If Android File Transfer is not working on your Mac, start with basic troubleshooting—reinstall the app, enable file transfer mode, and try a different USB cable. If issues persist, you may need to switch to a more reliable transfer tool.