Due to Apple’s compatibility protocols with Android devices, Google released Android File Transfer to allow users to view and transfer files between Android devices and Apple’s Macintosh computers.
However, like any other software program, Android File Transfer also experiences downtime. Occasionally, users complain that the app isn’t working and therefore, they can’t send files from their Android device to their MacBook, leaving them frustrated and in need of a solution.
You may be wondering; Why is Android File Transfer not working? How can I fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac? And is there a way to send files from an Android phone to a Mac without using Android File Transfer?
This guide reveals answers to all these questions including the top 5 ways to fix Android File Transfer not working. You’ll also discover how to send files from Android to Mac and vice-versa without using Android File Transfer.
In this article
Why is Android File Transfer Not Working?
Before we dive into how to fix Android File Transfer not working, it’s important to figure out the reasons the app is not working. When you know the why, it becomes easier to find the right fix. That said, here are possible reasons Android File Transfer is not working on your Mac PC:
- You are Using a Damaged USB Cable or Loose USB Port
To transfer files between your Android device and Mac, you need to connect your phone to the PC using a USB cable. If you are using a faulty USB cable or the USB port you plugged your phone into is loose, Android File Transfer will not recognize your phone and you won’t be able to transfer files to or from your PC.
- You are Using an Obsolete Version of Android File Transfer
To enjoy the best features of Android File Transfer, you need to have the latest version of the app on your Mac PC. Google frequently releases updates to the Android File Transfer app and new updates have fixes to minor bugs and glitches that can cause the app to malfunction. If you are using an obsolete version of Android file transfer, the app may not work until you update to the latest version.
- A Third-Party App is Interfering with the App
Are you running any other File Transfer app on your phone or Mac? This may be why Android File Transfer isn’t working. If you are using another Android data file transfer app like Samsung Kies simultaneously with Android File Transfer, the app will not work.
- Your Device is Set-Up in the Wrong Mode
To allow file transfer between your Android phone and Mac, you need to put your phone in File Transfer mode. If File Transfer isn’t enabled on your phone, Android file Transfer will not work and you can’t send files to or from your Android phone. Check if your device is set up on “Charging This Device Via USB” and change it to File Transfer.
- Your Phone is Locked
To use Android File Transfer, your Android phone has to be unlocked or the app can’t access your files. For safety reasons, Google designed Android File Transfer to only have access to your files when your phone is unlocked and you grant permission.
Next, let’s check out the five easiest ways to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac.
How to fix Android File Transfer on Mac
Now you know why the issue may arise from, we can look at possible solutions in this part. Try these fixes below.
Enable File Transfer Mode
When you connect your Android phone to your Mac, you can either charge your phone using the USB cord, enable File Transfer, or use Camera. By default, your phone starts charging, so you have to put the device in File Transfer mode to send and receive files. Here is how to do this:
- Go to Notifications on your Android phone. Usually, you can access the notification panel by swiping down on the Home Screen.
- Tap Android System and click on Charging the device via USB.
- Click More to see other options. Then select File Transfer Mode and save changes.
Check if Android File Transfer is working now.
Update the Software
A software update is often the best solution to fix Android File Transfer not working issue. However, you must back up your files to your PC before updating macOS to prevent data loss. Once you have backed up your data, follow these steps to update your system software:
- Click on the Apple logo in the corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
- Click Software Update to see if there is a new update available for your device. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac.
- If you see an available software version, click on Update Now and wait till the software update is complete.
Launch Android File Transfer again and see if it’s working now.
Reinstall Android File Transfer
If updating the software doesn’t work, you can reinstall the app on your Mac and Android phone. This can fix minor problems causing the app to malfunction.
Here’s how to reinstall Android File Transfer on your Mac:
- First, delete the current Android File Transfer app on your Mac. To do this, place your clicker on the App icon in the Launchpad window and hold till the icon starts jiggling.
- Look for an X option around the Android File Transfer icon. Click the X and confirm to Delete the app.
You can also uninstall Android File Transfer from the Finder Window on your Mac:
- Open Finder and click Applications in the left sidebar.
- Scroll through the Applications and Right-click on Android File Transfer.
- Then select the Move to Trash icon to remove the app.
- After, go to the Android File Transfer website and install the latest version of the app on your Mac.
Wait till the app download is complete and try connecting your Android phone again.
Try another USB Cable
You can also try another USB cable or plug your USB cable into another port. This may fix the problem.
Restart Both Devices
A quick reboot on both devices can fix the problem. Usually, minor software glitches and bugs on your device can interfere with the Android File Transfer app. When you restart the phone and Mac, all apps will get a fresh reboot.
Is the app working perfectly now? If not, here are more solutions you can try.
- Restart Android File Transfer on your Mac.
- Close Third-Party apps that may be using Wi-Fi or phone networks like Samsung Kies and Smart Switch.
- Turn on USB debugging.
Did you know there is a better way to transfer files between your Android phone and Mac without using Android File Transfer?
Transfer Files Without Android File Transfer
While Android File Transfer is a reliable way to move files from an Android phone to a Mac, its compatibility issues and occasional glitches have left people in need of an alternative.
Would you also like to Transfer Files from a Mac PC to an Android phone without Android File Transfer? Try MobileTrans phone Transfer; your all-in-one solution to transfer, manage, and back up files from an Android phone to a Mac PC.
Wondershare MobileTrans is a user-friendly and simple-to-use phone Transfer tool that allows users to send and receive files between devices running different operating systems like Android phones and Mac PCs.
It is compatible with over 6000 mobile devices and can transfer over 18 types of data including contacts, texts, music, photos, videos, app data, and lots more.
4.5/5 Excellent
safe & secureHere is a step-by-step guide on how to transfer files between Android and Mac without using Android File Transfer:
- Launch MobileTrans on your Mac and Connect your phone to the PC using a compatible USB cable.
- MobileTrans will instantly recognize your device. Then click Phone Transfer from the MobileTrans home page. If you want to send files from Android to Mac, select Export to Computer.
- MobileTrans will display your phone’s data and files. Select the ones you want to transfer to the Mac and click Export.
The app will notify you once the file transfer is complete.
Final Words
In summary, Android File Transfer is the go-to app for many Android users who want to transfer files to or from their Mac. However, the app may malfunction sometimes due to different hardware and software problems including a loose USB connection, an obsolete File Transfer app, or an Android phone is not in File Transfer mode.
Whenever you can’t transfer files, try the Android File Transfer app not working solutions revealed in this article to resolve the problem. Alternatively, you can try other File Transfer options if the problem persists. Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know.
4.5/5 ExcellentFAQ
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Why is my Mac not recognizing my phone through USB file transfer?
If your Mac can’t see your Android Phone when you connect both devices, it’s usually because you are using a faulty USB cable or loose USB port. Also, if your phone is locked, Android File Transfer can’t open your phone, so your files will not show up. -
Can you send Files to Mac PC from Android phone without Android File Transfer?
Yes, there are other alternatives to Android File Transfer that you can use to send and receive files between your Android phone and Mac PC.