Android File Transfer Not Working Mac? 9 Ways to Fix

Part 1: Why is Android File Transfer Not Working?

There are several reasons that could cause Android File Transfer Mac not working issue. Here's a comprehensive list:

• Damaged or incompatible USB cable: A damaged or incompatible USB cable could prevent your Android device from connecting to your Mac. Only data transfer cables are suitable for file transfers.
• Faulty USB port: A faulty USB port on your Mac could also be the reason behind the problem.
• USB Debugging not enabled: USB Debugging is a feature that allows your Android device to communicate with your Mac. If it's not enabled, Android File Transfer may not work.
• Incorrect File Transfer mode: Android devices require a specific File Transfer mode for transferring files. If the wrong mode is selected, Android File Transfer may not work.
• Conflicting software: Some third-party apps may conflict with Android File Transfer, causing it not to work properly.
• Presence of Samsung Kies or Smart Switch: If you have Samsung Kies or Smart Switch installed on your Mac, it may interfere with the proper functioning of Android File Transfer.
• Outdated MacOS: An outdated MacOS version may cause compatibility issues with Android File Transfer.
• Android system glitches: Sometimes, Android system glitches could prevent Android File Transfer from working.
• Insufficient permissions: Your Android device may not have the proper permissions to access files on your Mac.

Part 2: How to Fix Android File Transfer Not Working? 9 Ways

Here are 8 ways to fix the Mac/MacBook Android file transfer not working issue:

• 1. Check USB Cable and USB Port
• 2. Turn on USB Debugging
• 3. Enable File Transfer Mode
• 4. Restart iPhone and Mac
• 5. Reinstall Android File Transfer
• 6. Uninstall Other Third-Party Apps
• 7. Remove Samsung Kies or Smart Switch
• 8. Update MacOS

1. Check USB Cable and USB Port

Begin by checking your USB cable for any damage or compatibility issues. Make sure it's a data transfer cable and not just a charging cable.

Also, try a different USB port on your Mac to rule out any port-related problems.

2. Turn on USB Debugging

Android file transfer not working Mac issue may also be caused by the improper USB debugging. Enabling USB Debugging on your Android device is crucial for communication between your device and Mac.

To turn on USB Debugging, go to Settings > Developer Options, and find USB debugging.

Related read Knowledge about USB Debugging Android.

If Developer Options is not visible to you, go to Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.

3. Enable File Transfer Mode

When you connect your Android device to your Mac, make sure you select the correct File Transfer mode.

You can do this by swiping down the notification panel and choosing the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) or File Transfer option.

4. Restart Android Device and Mac

Sometimes, a simple restart of your Android device and Mac can resolve the “Android file transfer not working on Mac” issue. Restart both devices and try reconnecting them.

How to restart an Android device:

• Press and hold the power button on your Android device until the power menu appears.

• Tap on "Restart" or "Restart" option, depending on your Android device model and OS version.

  
• Confirm your choice, and your device will begin to shut down and restart.

If your device is unresponsive or frozen, you can perform a forced restart by pressing and holding the power button and volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds until the device restarts.

How to restart a Mac:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.

• Select "Restart" from the drop-down menu.

  
• A confirmation dialog box will appear, click on "Restart" again to confirm. Your Mac will begin to shut down and restart.

Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut "Control + Command + Power button" or "Control + Command + Eject button" to restart your Mac.

If your Mac is unresponsive or frozen, you can perform a forced restart by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds until the device restarts.

5. Reinstall Android File Transfer

Uninstall and reinstall the Android File Transfer application on your Mac. This can help fix any corrupted or missing files causing the problem.

To uninstall Android File Transfer on your Mac:

• Quit the Android File Transfer application if it is currently running.
• Open the "Applications" folder on your Mac.
• Locate the "Android File Transfer" application and drag it to the Trash.
• Empty the Trash to complete the uninstall process.

To reinstall Android File Transfer on your Mac:

• Visit the official Android File Transfer website: https://www.Android.com/filetransfer/
• Click on the "Download Now" button to download the installation file.
• Once the file is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to install Android File Transfer on your Mac.
• Once the installation is complete, connect your Android device to your Mac using a USB cable, and Android File Transfer should automatically launch.

Note: If Android File Transfer is not working properly after reinstalling, make sure that your Android device is unlocked and set to file transfer mode. You may also need to try using a different USB cable or port to troubleshoot connectivity issues.

6. Uninstall Other Third-Party Apps

Third-party applications may cause conflicts with Android File Transfer.

Uninstall any third-party apps that manage Android devices, such as Samsung Kies, Smart Switch, or any other file management software.

How to uninstall apps on Mac:

• Click on the "Finder" icon in the dock to open a Finder window.
• Click on "Applications" in the sidebar to view a list of all installed applications on your Mac.

• Find the application you want to uninstall and drag it to the Trash in your dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the application and select "Move to Trash".

  
• Once the application is in the Trash, right-click on the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash" to permanently delete the application from your Mac.

Note: Some applications may require you to enter your administrator password before you can move them to the Trash.

7. Remove Samsung Kies or Smart Switch

If you're using a Samsung device, removing Samsung Kies or Smart Switch can help. These apps may interfere with the proper functioning of Android File Transfer.

To check if Samsung Kies is installed on your Mac:

• Click on the "Finder" icon in your dock to open a Finder window.
• Click on "Applications" in the sidebar to view a list of all installed applications on your Mac.
• Scroll through the list of applications to see if "Samsung Kies" is listed. If it is, then Samsung Kies is installed on your Mac.

Alternatively, you can also use the Spotlight search feature to search for Samsung Kies on your Mac. Just click on the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of the screen and type in "Samsung Kies" in the search bar. If Samsung Kies is installed, it should appear in the search results.

8. Update MacOS

Make sure your MacOS is up to date, as outdated versions may cause compatibility issues with Android File Transfer.

• Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
• Select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
• Click on "Software Update" in the System Preferences window.
• The Mac will check for any available updates, and if there are any, it will display them on the screen.

• Click on the "Upgrade Now" button to start downloading and installing the updates.

  
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Note: Depending on the size of the update and your internet connection, the download and installation process may take some time. It is recommended to back up your important data before updating your Mac to avoid any data loss.

Part 3: The Ultimate Solution to Fix Android File Transfer Not Working

If you've tried all the methods above and the issue still exists, the problem may be caused by an Android system glitch. In such cases, you can use ReiBoot for Android to repair the Android system and try connecting again.

ReiBoot for Android offers the following features:

• 1-click to boot into/exit Android fast boot mode.
• 1-click so you can enter Android recovery mode to flash or install custom ROM and kernels.
• Safely and easily exit the Android recovery mode on Samsung, Huawei, HTC, and other devices.
• Repair Android system so you can troubleshoot software problems on Android devices.

To use ReiBoot for Android, follow these steps:

• First Download and Install ReiBoot for Android on a windows PC. Then Click "Repair Android System" to proceed.

  

• Continue to click on “Repair Now”.

  

• Then Select the correct device information.

  

• Download the firmware package.

  

• Start Android System Repair. The process takes around 10 minutes; do not disconnect the device during the process.

  

• Once the repair process ends, your Android device will boot up as normal.

  

Part 4: Is There Any Android File Transfer Alternative App?

If you're still having trouble or simply want to try another option, consider using an alternative app like SHAREit. SHAREit offers the following features:

• High-speed file transfer between Android devices, iPhones, Macs, and PCs.
• Supports transferring files of any format, including photos, videos, music, documents, and apps.
• Built-in media player for seamless playback of transferred files.
• Integrated file manager for easy organization and management of files on your device.
• Cross-platform compatibility allows for easy file sharing between different devices and operating systems.

To use SHAREit, simply download the app on both your Android device and Mac and follow the on-screen instructions to transfer files between the devices.

The Bottom Line

Android File Transfer not working on your Mac can be a frustrating issue, but there are multiple ways to resolve the problem. By following the steps outlined above, you can diagnose the issue and apply the appropriate solution.

If all else fails, consider repairing your Android system with ReiBoot for Android or using alternative apps like SHAREit. Remember to keep your software up-to-date and ensure you're using the correct cables and settings to maintain a smooth file transfer experience.