How to transfer files from Mac to Android without Android File Transfer

Google's official solution to this problem is to use the Android File Transfer app. However, this app is unstable, often suddenly stopped. Luckily we still have other ways to transfer files from Mac to Android devices. Below, I will introduce you to those ways.

Alternative application for Android File Transfer - Open MTP

USB connection is the best way to copy large amounts of data to your phone. USB 3 could be much faster, and it shouldn't stop in the middle of a conversion either. This is especially important if moving a single heavy file.

Unlike other wireless solutions, USB can move files back and forth: to the phone or from the phone to the computer.

OpenMTP is free and open source alternative to Android File Transfer. You can download OpenMTP from the official website here.

This app has a lot of features along with great stability that makes it perform much better than the official Android app. OpenMTP supports:

1. Drag and drop files via USB from 2 sides.
2. Card layout with lots of options.
3. Access the internal memory and external memory card.
4. Ability to transfer files up to 4GB in size.
5. Access hidden files on Mac and phone.
6. Keyboard shortcuts.

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Install OpenMTP

Before you begin, you should uninstall Android File Transfer from your Mac (if you have one). These two apps usually don't conflict with each other, but if you keep installing Android File Transfer, it will run automatically every time you connect your phone to your computer.

Now, connect your device to your computer via a USB cable. On most phones or tablets, you will get a message that says ' Charging this device via USB' . Click on it, then go to Use USB For section and choose File Transfer .

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OpenMTP will now run automatically and connect to your phone. If it doesn't work at first, reconnect the device and click the Refresh button on the right corner of the OpenMTP app.

Now, the application is ready for you to convert files. If the app still doesn't respond or has another problem, check here for Android not connecting to the computer.

Move files with OpenMTP

OpenMTP is very easy to use. The interface is not made up of two parts, the Mac's files on the left side and the phone's files on the right. Switching back and forth between the two devices is very simple, just select the file first and then drag from side to side.

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You can adjust the same actions as you do on a Finder window. Click on the folder to find the file location you want to convert and where to get the file.

Select the Storage button right in the upper right between the memory card and internal storage, if your phone has one.

You cannot use an app once editing has started, nor can you cancel it once it starts. So, if you transfer a large amount of data, it is best to select them all in one go, not one by one. Check each folder to select all the content in that folder.

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OpenMTP can also perform basic file management tasks on the phone. You can create a new folder by right-clicking and choosing New Folder from the menu. In addition, the application also allows to move files to different folders or delete them by moving to the trash can icon in the toolbar.

Transfer files from Mac to Android without wires

If you do not want to use USB cables and cloud storage, Portal is the best file conversion solution.

You can download the Portal app for Android devices from the Play Store, which allows sharing files over Wifi on a web browser. All you need to do is make sure your phone and computer connect to the same network. You don't even have to sign up for login anything.

Share files with Portal

To get started with Portal, open your web browser and go to link Here.

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You will see a QR code on the screen. Open Portal on your phone and follow the instructions to scan the QR code. That's it, your Mac and Android device are now connected.

Transfer files from your device by dragging and dropping them into a web browser window. Files will be uploaded immediately. The whole process is very fast because the files are not going through the Internet.

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When received, the music files are sorted into the Music folder and the images will go to Gallery. All other files will be saved in a new folder in the internal memory called Portal . You can share or open uploaded files directly from the Portal application by clicking the Share button and selecting a compatible application.

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The downside of Portal is that it can only convert one way, from computer to phone. Of course, while the Portal can work with the iPhone, the iOS app is no longer on the App Store.

However, we cannot deny the speed and reliability of Portal, even when converting very heavy files. Even if you have little use, but this application is always installed in the device, never automatically removed.

Samuel Daniel

Update 28 October 2020