Android File Transfer not Working on MacOS (Fix)

Android File Transfer stops working because of faulty USB cable/ports, invalid settings, outdated OS, conflicting applications and corrupted installation of Android File Transfer.

Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) is used by the Android to transfer files. But Mac does not support MTP by default, and Mac users install “Android File Transfer”, an app especially designed for Mac to copy files between Android & Mac.

When Android File Transfer is not working, it shows errors like:

What Causes Android File Transfer not to Work?

After careful review, our team was able to identify the following leading causes of this problem:

But before moving on with the troubleshooting make sure that

How to Resolve the Android File Transfer Issues on a Mac?

1. Check the USB Cable and Mac’s Port

Not all USB cables are manufactures equal, some cables support file transfer and some do not. Make sure that you are using a cable that supports the file transfer operation.

It is better to use the original USB cable provided with your Android device. And if that is not available then use a genuine and compatible one.

Moreover, if the USB cable is faulty then you would not able to transfer the file successfully. To check if the USB cable is not faulty and supports the file transfer, test the same with a different pair of devices. If it does not work fine there, replace the USB cable.

Remember that thunderbolt cable will not work with file transfer. You should use the mac USB C cable.

Also, make sure that the USB port of the Mac is not faulty. To check the port, use another USB device on the same port. You can also use the different port of the Mac for file transfer.

After changing the USB and port, and recheck if the Android File Transfer is working fine.

2. Update Android OS on device

Android version 3.0 or above and Mac OS 10.7 or above is required for the proper operation of Android File Transfer. If you are using any OS which is lower than the required one then it can result in the Android File Transfer not working. To transfer files between your Android device & Mac, it is essential to update the Android OS. Also, it is a good idea to update the OS as it can solve several problems including file transfer.

Warning:

Update the Android OS at your own risk as this step, if gone wrong, can cause irreparable loss to your device.

1. On the Android OS, browse to ‘Settings’.
2. Then scroll the Settings menu down and tap on ‘About Phone’.
3. Now in the list of options tap on System Update/Software Update.

   

4. Follow the instructions mentioned on the screen to update the OS.

   

After updating the device, launch Android File Transfer if it has started to work properly.

3. Uninstall Samsung Kies/Smart Switch

Android File Transfer has known combability issues with Samsung Kies or Samsung Smart Switch application installed on your device or Mac computer. If you have any of these apps on your devices then uninstalling them may solve the problem.

1. Visit the Official site to download the installer.
2. After the download is completed, launch the downloaded file and in the file package, click on the “uninstall” option.

   

3. Follow the instructions showed on screen to uninstall the application.
4. Restart the system.

Launch the Android File Transfer to see if the problem is solved.

4. Enable USB debugging on your Android device

USB debugging is essential for data transfer between the Android device and Mac. If you are using Android File Transfer without enabling this feature, then the file transfer will not work. Enabling USB debugging can solve the problem.

1. Detach the USB cable from the device
2. Open Settings and go to About Phone (usually at the bottom)

   

3. Then press on Build Number repeatedly 7 times.

   

4. A pop up saying that you are developer now will show.

   

5. Exit Setting and Open Settings again and go to Developer Options.
6. Enable USB debugging.

   

7. A pop up will appear asking to Allow USB Debugging, click on OK to allow it.

   

8. Lock the Android device (turn screen off).
9. Connect the Android device to the Mac computer using a USB cable
10. Unlock the Android device
11. Swipe down from the top of the screen to see notifications and tap on “USB charging this device”

    

12. From the pop-up, select File transfers or MTP.
    

    

13. Lock the device and unlock it again and you will see USB debugging connected in the notification area of your device.

    

Now launch Android File Transfer to see if it is functioning properly.

5. Reinstall Android File Transfer

Corrupted/outdated installation of the Android File Transfer can cause the application to stop working. To overcome this corruption/outdating, the user should uninstall and reinstall the Android File Transfer.

1. Uninstall Android File Transfer. Please visit our article on How to Uninstall an App on Mac.
2. Please download the Android File Transfer from its official website.

   

3. Launch the downloaded file and follow the instruction displayed on the screen. After installation is complete, restart the system.

After the system is restarted, launch the Android File Transfer to check if the problem is solved.

6. Use Alternate Software

If Android File Transfer is still not working then you can try other applications to get the same functionality. These applications could be

1. Cloud Applications. Using cloud service can solve our problem of transferring files between Android and Mac. 
2. Android File Explorer Applications: Android File Explorer apps running FTP can solve the problem of transferring data between your Mac and Android device.
3. Screen Mirroring Applications: Screen Mirror applications can help you in transferring files between your Android devices and Mac. Please read our article on Methods to Wirelessly Transfer Files from Android to PC.
4. Bluetooth: Remember that you can use Bluetooth to transfer files between Mac and Android.
5. Handshaker: You can use the Handshaker application to transfer the files between your Android device and Mac. For details please visit the official Apple page.

The Last Words:

Hopefully, you have rectified the Android File Transfer Not working issue successfully. Do not forget to check back later on our site for new tips and tricks.