What To Do When Android File Transfer Is Not Working On Your Mac?

Jul 26
08:12

2023

Ofelia Mazzanti

Ofelia Mazzanti

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Do you need to transfer files between your Android and macOS devices? The lack of native support can make the process cumbersome. The Android File Transfer tool streamlines the file-sharing process between macOS and Android devices. So, you don’t have to wonder how to transfer files from Android to Mac. While there are other tools like AnyDroid, this article focuses on Android File Transfer.

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Do you need to transfer files between your Android and macOS devices? The lack of native support can make the process cumbersome. The Android File Transfer tool streamlines the file-sharing process between macOS and Android devices. So,What To Do When Android File Transfer Is Not Working On Your Mac? Articles you don’t have to wonder how to transfer files from Android to Mac. While there are other tools like AnyDroid, this article focuses on Android File Transfer. 

The tool is intuitive, easy to understand, and user-friendly. The benefit of using this tool is you don’t need to be connected to an Internet connection. The transfer happens through a USB cable. Hence, this is a handy tool for making large transfers. 

To start using Android File Transfer, you must download and install the tool on your Mac from its official website. Then, double-click on the AndroidFileTransfer.dmg file in your Downloads folder and drag the icon to the Applications folder. Double-click on the software to run it. Once done, plug your smartphone into your Mac via a USB cable and start transferring files. 

Sounds pretty easy, right? But what do you do if Android File Transfer stops working? Unfortunately, many users have complained of problems, such as the inability to connect to the device. Instead of panicking, follow these tips to solve Android File Transfer issues. 

Check the USB Cable 

Before trying complicated resolutions, you must check the USB cable. Keep your eye out for bends, cuts, and other damage. Also, you can use a different cable to see if the issue is solved. 

Switch to a Different USB Port 

Sometimes, the USB port might be the culprit. Switch to a different port. You may see better results. 

Update your Smartphone’s USB Preferences 

After connecting the USB cable to your Mac and Android phone, update the USB preferences. This is especially required if you see the error message, ‘Can’t access device storage.’

Once you’ve plugged in the cable, open the Android device and swipe down from the top. Among the list of notifications, look for Charging this device via USB. Then, tap it twice and open USB preferences in the Settings application. When the page opens, choose File Transfer/Android Auto under Use USB for. 

Although the steps for updating the USB preferences vary, the basic rules remain the same. Once you have selected the option mentioned above, the Android device will make its internal memory accessible through the USB cable. Then, you can browse the folders and files from your Android phone on your Mac. Throughout the transfer process, you must keep your Android device unlocked to avoid further problems.

Close Applications Using your Mac’s USB Devices 

Are you facing issues after you have updated the USB preferences? There might be another application that might be reading your plugged-in USB devices. If this is the case, Android File Transfer will be unable to see the files and folders because it doesn’t have access to them. 

This can be bypassed by closing all the applications on your Mac that are accessing the USB devices. For instance, cloud backup applications like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive, and in-built apps like Preview. If these apps cannot be closed, you can force quit them. 

However, there’s a drawback with this resolution method. It is not always easy to tell which open applications can read USB on the Mac. Cloud backup apps are the common culprits, but if closing them doesn’t resolve the problem, trial and error will be your last resort. 

You will then need to close individual apps one by one and see which application was causing the problem. 

Uninstall Android File Transfer 

Sometimes, the problem might be conflicting resources or cache problems. These issues are hard to spot. But if Android File Transfer was working all right before and suddenly stopped working, this might be the reason. 

Also, if you have tried everything and nothing works, the final step is to uninstall the application. Remove all the residual files. Restart your devices. Then, reinstall the application. 

Giving the app a fresh start might solve the issue and ensure seamless file transfer between your Android and Mac devices. 

Update macOS 

Android File Transfer might not work because you haven’t updated your computer’s software in a long time. You must check for software updates, and if you find any, click Install. The latest updates will fix bug issues and glitches. It might also solve the issues you are facing with Android File Transfer. 

The Bottom Line 

So, if you have an Android smartphone and a Mac, you don’t have to think twice before transferring files and folders between your devices. There might be a lack of native support, but you can install Android File Transfer and smoothen the process. If the software gives you trouble, follow the troubleshooting tips mentioned above.