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Android File Transfer Not Working on Mac: Solutions

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Android File Transfer is the official tool that allows Mac users to transfer all of their documents, images, movies, and other media from their Android phones to their Macs.  Even though Android File Transfer is quite simple to use, it stops working sometimes. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through several ways to fix Android file transfer not working on Mac. Since it’s an effective tool for transferring files, I’m sure you’ll benefit from the suggestions I’ve provided in this guide.

Learn different ways to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac

How Can You Fix Android File Transfer Not Working on Mac?

There are numerous reasons why the Android File Transfer stops working on Mac devices. When you have problems with Android File Transfer, it is often  due to errors,  wrong settings or  faulty cables or USB ports. Whatever the reason, here are several options you can try to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac.

Update Your Phone’s USB Preferences 

After connecting your USB cord to both your Android phone and your Mac, the first thing to try when you’re looking to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac is to update your USB preferences. This fix also applies to Max devices even though it may seem more like a Windows and Android thing. 

Android does not use the File Transfer mode by default when you connect a transfer cable, so you’ll have to initiate it yourself if you want to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac. If you encounter an error with the title “Can’t access device storage,” it means that USB preferences are the root cause.

Follow these steps:

  • Open your Android device after plugging in the cable, then swipe down from the top to see the notification shade. 
  • Search through the list of notifications for Charging this device via USB, then double-tap the option to access USB Preferences in the Settings app. 
  • When the page opens, click File Transfer / Android Auto (you may see the name MTP on some Android models) under Use USB for.

Note that the steps needed to alter USB settings may differ across devices, but the fundamental guidelines remain the same.

After you’ve selected this option, your Android phone will make its internal memory accessible via USB cable. As a result, you’ll be able to access files and folders on your Mac from your Android phone.  To avoid any further problems with the file transfer, I’d advise that you keep your Android phone unlocked throughout the transfer procedure.

Try a Different Port or USB Cable

Another solution to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac is to try a different USB cable or switch to a different port on your Mac. First, start by troubleshooting your cable. Some USB cables can’t transfer files, as you may already be aware. Some are solely meant for charging.

By attaching it to a different device, you can test the cable to see if it works. Also try a different cable. I highly recommend using the original cable that your Android device came with. Smartphone manufacturers provide high-quality USB cords that can be used for charging and file transfers.

The port on your Mac or Android phone is something else to consider. File transfers will be impossible to perform if either port is faulty.  Try using a different port as Macs have more than one. Most Android smartphones won’t have that option, so connect your phone to another computer to see if the USB port works properly.

Stop Apps Accessing USB Devices on Your Mac

So let’s say you’ve updated your USB preferences as described above, yet you’re still having issues.  There’s a good chance that another application is already reading your USB-connected devices. As such, because it doesn’t have access to those linked devices, Android File Transfer won’t be able to see your files.

To fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac in this case, close all Mac apps that are using your USB devices. Examples include built-in macOS apps like Preview (for macOS Ventura and the latest), as well as cloud backup apps like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. You can also force quit certain Mac apps if closing them doesn’t help.

The main disadvantage of this option to fix Android file transfer not working on Mac is that it can be difficult to determine whether open apps on your Mac can read USB. Cloud backup apps are common culprits, however if shutting such apps does not resolve the issue, using trial and error is your last option.  Close all open apps on your Mac one by one; try Android File Transfer after you close each app to see which one helps to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac.

Uninstall and Reinstall Android File Transfer

When transferring files between an Android device and a Mac using Android File Transfer, you could experience issues like cache errors or resource conflicts. They are difficult to see, but they may be to blame if the program was functioning before but suddenly stopped for no reason.

Try uninstalling the Android File Transfer app and then reinstalling it if you’ve tried everything up to this point and are still unable to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac. Instead of merely dragging the app into the Trash, I advise using AppCleaner to delete it entirely from your system. This way, you’ll have a fresh start free of transfer issues.

Update Your Software

The developers of Android File Transfer claim that it is supported by macOS 10.7 devices and later. So consider that the app might not be functioning if your device is using an outdated macOS version for which there is no official support. So to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac, make sure you’re using the most recent macOS version.

Also ensure that you’re using the most recent version of the Android File Transfer tool, so download from the official website to ensure this. You need to update your Android phone to complete the task. 

In general, I’d say it’s a good idea to regularly keep your software up to date. Software updates can enhance the user experience by adding new features, improve security, and fixing any bugs you may be experiencing.

Restart your Mac and Android phone 

It sounds cliche, I know, but there’s a reason why restarting a smartphone fixes most issues. Furthermore, this is not limited to phones; it also applies to other devices and software programs.

Restarting both devices will give you a fresh start if the root cause of your issue is conflicts between accumulated temporary files and cache data that prevent Android File Transfer from functioning properly.  So to fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac, first restart your Android device, and then try again. If the issue remains, restart your Mac and try transferring files again.

To conclude, using the solutions I outlined above will help you fix Android File Transfer not working on Mac. If nothing works, it might be time to try transferring your files using a different approach. I recommend the open-source, free software called OpenMTP

You could also try LANDrop, it works for Android transfers to Macs and other Apple devices. If you have reliable, unrestricted internet connectivity, another option is to use cross-platform cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

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