Android File Transfer is the go-to solution for moving files between your Android device and Mac. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work as smoothly as it should. Connection problems, software conflicts and outdated operating systems can all cause Android File Transfer to stop working suddenly.
But don’t worry – with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get Android File Transfer up and running again in no time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through both quick fixes and more in-depth solutions to resolve any Android File Transfer issues on your Mac. We’ll also share some top alternatives for wirelessly transferring your Android files.
Why Is Android File Transfer Not Working?
There are a few common culprits behind Android File Transfer failing to connect your devices:
- Wrong USB mode: By default, plugging a phone into a computer just charges it. You need to switch to File Transfer mode.
- Faulty USB cable: Damaged or poor quality cables can disrupt the connection.
- Conflicting software: Samsung apps like Smart Switch can clash with Android File Transfer. If you’re having issues with Smart Switch, see our guide on how to fix Smart Switch Mobile not working.
- Outdated macOS: Old operating systems may have compatibility issues.
- USB connection issues: Intermittent port connections or a loose cable can break the transfer.
Let’s start with some quick troubleshooting steps to try first.
Quick Troubleshooting Steps
Before diving into more advanced fixes, try these basic tips to get Android File Transfer working again:
- Switch your Android to File Transfer mode
- Open the notification panel and tap the USB settings notification
- Select File Transfer or MTP mode
- Try a different high-quality USB cable
- Reboot both your Android device and Mac
If Android File Transfer still doesn’t connect after this, move on to the in-depth solutions below.
In-Depth Troubleshooting
Tried the quick steps with no luck? These solutions will help pinpoint and resolve stubborn Android File Transfer issues for good.
1. Reinstall Android File Transfer
Corrupted application files could be blocking the connection. Uninstall and reinstall a fresh copy of the program:
- Delete Android File Transfer from your Applications folder on Mac
- Download the latest version from android.com/filetransfer
- Restart your devices and reconnect them
This clears out any damaged files that were interfering with the USB connection.
2. Disable Conflicting Apps
On Samsung devices, pre-installed apps like Smart Switch can clash with Android File Transfer. To check if this is the issue:
- Uninstall Smart Switch from your Mac’s Applications folder
- Relaunch Android File Transfer and check if it now connects
If it works, you’ll need to use one program or the other to manage your USB file transfers.
3. Update to the Latest macOS
Outdated operating systems can cause compatibility issues with Android File Transfer. To update:
- Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update
- Download and install any available macOS updates
- Restart your Mac and retry the connection
The latest OS version should resolve any software conflicts.
4. Factory Reset Your Android Device
If your Android is suffering from software issues or glitches, a factory reset can help. This wipes all data, so make sure to back up important files first! You can use our guides on how to recover deleted photos from Android internal storage and how to recover WhatsApp data on Android to ensure you don’t lose any precious memories. Then:
- Open Settings > System > Reset Options
- Tap Erase All Data and confirm
- Set up your device from scratch and reconnect to your Mac
This gives you a clean slate to reinstall Android File Transfer without any preexisting issues.
5. Clean Your USB Ports
Dust, dirt and lint can accumulate in USB ports over time, causing connection issues. To clean them out:
- Power off your devices
- Use a toothpick or compressed air to gently remove any debris
- Check the port for signs of damage like bent pins
- Reconnect your device with a new USB cable. If you get an error that the SIM card is not from Verizon or another carrier, the port may be faulty.
Cleaning out the USB ports and using a high-quality cable often fixes file transfer problems.
Android File Transfer Alternatives
While Android File Transfer gets the job done for basic transfers, it lacks advanced features like wireless sync and cloud storage integration. For more flexibility and convenience, consider using a dedicated file transfer app instead.
Some of the top Android File Transfer alternatives include:
- AirDroid – Offers wireless and cross-platform transfers with encryption.
- Send Anywhere – User-friendly UI for quick file and folder sharing between devices.
- Portal – Transfers files over WiFi with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Pushbullet – Supports small file transfers along with SMS and notification syncing.
If you need to transfer data from iPhone to Android on Windows, these apps can help with that too. Using one of these dedicated apps provides a faster and more reliable transfer experience compared to the basic Android File Transfer.
Tips for Smoother File Transfers
To keep your file transfers between Android and Mac running smoothly, follow these tips:
- Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Android for faster transfers
- Set up automatic photo syncing with Google Photos to keep your memories backed up
- Use your Mac’s native Files app for transfers instead of Android File Transfer
- When possible, opt for wireless transfers to avoid wear and tear on your USB ports
- Temporarily disable antivirus software if it blocks Android File Transfer from running
- Make sure your Apple ID isn’t locked as this can interfere with connections
With these best practices, you’ll be able to transfer files from your Android to Mac without a hitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my Android USB settings to allow file transfers?
- Open your notification panel, tap the USB settings notification, and select File Transfer mode.
Why won’t my Mac recognize my Android phone?
- Try using a different cable, USB port, and restarting both devices. If that doesn’t work, reinstall Android File Transfer. Also check that your Android doesn’t have a failed “play test tone” alert which can block the connection.
Does Android File Transfer support wireless connections?
- No, it requires a USB cable to establish a connection. For wireless transfers use an app like AirDroid instead.
Key Takeaways
When Android File Transfer stops working on your Mac, remember:
- Start with basic troubleshooting like enabling transfer mode and using a different USB cable
- Reinstall Android File Transfer and update your operating system to resolve software issues
- For persistent problems, try a factory reset of your Android device as a last resort
- Clean your USB ports and use high-quality cables to avoid bad connections
- Consider switching to a dedicated Android transfer app for more advanced wireless features
With these fixes and alternatives, you’ll be able to transfer files between Android and Mac without any frustration. Follow the tips to keep your USB connection in top shape and your data transfers running smoothly.