How to Transfer Files from Android to Mac

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

To transfer files from your Android to your Mac, you'll need a program called Android File Transfer. This official Android program allows you to access your Android storage much like any other folder on your Mac. You can then transfer files to and from it.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Installing Android File Transfer

1
Open Safari on your Mac. In order to connect your Android, you'll need a special program that will allow the connection.
2
Visit android.com/filetransfer/ in Safari.

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3
Click Download Now.
4
Click the androidfiletransfer.dmg file in your Downloads list.
5
Drag Android File Transfer into the Applications folder.^{[1]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Connecting Your Device

1
Plug your Android into your Mac via USB.
2
Unlock your Android device.
3
Swipe down from the top of your screen.
4
Tap the USB option.
5
Tap File Transfer or MTP.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Transferring Files

1
Click the Go menu from the desktop.
2
Click Applications.
3
Double-click Android File Transfer.
4
Scroll to browse your Android's storage. You'll see all of the folders that make up your Android's storage. Folders to look for include:
- Downloads
- Documents
- Pictures
- DCIM (Camera)
- Music
5
Highlight the files you want to transfer. You can click an item to highlight it, click and drag to create a selection box, or hold ⌘ Command and click each file you want to select.
6
Drag the files into a folder on your Mac. Drag and drop the selected files into a folder or onto your desktop to start copying them. The time it takes to copy will vary depending on the size and number of files you're transferring.^{[2]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Transferring Pictures

1
Click the Go menu from your desktop.
2
Click Applications.
3
Double-click Image Capture.
4
Click your Android in the Devices list.
5
Highlight the images you want to import. You can select individual images by holding ⌘ Command and clicking each one. If you plan on importing all of the pictures, you don't have to worry about doing this.
6
Click the drop-down menu at the bottom of the window.
7
Click the location you want to save the imported pictures.
8
Click the Import or Import All button. Click Import if you selected specific photos to transfer. Click Import All if you want to transfer all of the photos.
9
Disconnect your Android after transferring. Once the process is complete, you can disconnect your Android from your Mac. You'll be able to find the pictures in the location you set previously.