How to Fix Android File Transfer on Mac Not Working? Explore 8 Workable Solutions

Android phones are known for their flexibility, customization options, and widespread usage across brands, serving as an essential tool for communication. One of Android users' most common tasks is file sharing across smartphones and computers, a process of moving data. It is facilitated through USB connection and wireless methods to free up the device storage and create a backup. 

However, users often encounter unexpected issues such as “Android File Transfer not working,” which can stem from countless reasons. If you are also struggling with the same issue and cannot transfer your data, you should thoroughly read this guide. Here, you will learn why your Android File Transfer is not working and what can be done to resolve it. 

Part 1. 4 Possible Reasons Behind Android File Transfer Not Working

As promised above, let’s explore and understand the hurdles to a smooth and reliable data transfer. Before moving, remember that it’s challenging to figure out exactly why the Android File Transfer stopped working, but you can look into possible ones, as mentioned below:

1. Faulty USB Cable & Port: A broken and damaged USB cable can prevent the connection between Android and Mac, for which you must use a certified cable. Also, dirt, dust, and issues with your MacBook’s USB port can lead to errors when establishing the file transfer connection.
2. Software Glitches: When your device’s operating system requires software updates, and you don’t perform that on time, it might cause trouble with other operations. Thus, the software bugs and glitches created from software update prevention will interfere with the data transfer process.  
3. Incorrect USB Connection Mode: If you intend to move files through a USB cable connection, you must check the USB connection mode. When the Android device is set to “Charging Only” mode, it will not allow the transfer process and causes the “File Transfer Android not working” error.
4. Security and Permission Settings: Security settings on either Android or MacBook, like an antivirus firewall, may block the file-sharing procedure. Additionally, limited permission on Android phones and a lack of trust when prompted will cause the failure to move files across the devices.

Part 2. 8 Fixes You Must Know When Android File Transfer Doesn’t Work on Mac

After knowing some possible causes, you must impatiently want to dig into the workable fixes to get rid of “Android File Transfer for Mac not working" issues. If so, explore this part, containing plenty of troubleshooting solutions with stepwise guides without further delay. 

Solution 1. Check the USB Cable and USB Port

First, check the USB cable you are using to connect your Android phone to the MacBook and ensure it's not damaged or faulty. In this regard, a certified Android USB cable is suggested to be used and closely examined to verify it doesn’t have splits, fraying, and exposed wires.

Additionally, you can try using different USB ports to resolve your connectivity issue. Changing cables and USB ports immediately can resolve your concerns but ensure that your phone doesn't remain locked during the process.

Solution 2. Enable File Transfer Mode

After replacing cables, if the Android File Transfer does not work yet, it means the Android’s default file transfer settings are troubling. By default, Android phones are set to charge the phones when they encounter a USB cable connection. Let’s switch the default settings to file transfer settings using the following stepwise instructions:

Instructions: Get a USB cable to connect your Android phone to your MacBook and swipe down the Android’s screen to access the notification center. There, tap the “Charging This Device Via USB” and enter the USB Preferences screen to select the “File Transfer / Android Auto” option. 

Solution 3. Restart Your Phone and Mac

Usually, minor software glitches and bugs on your device can interfere with the data transfer and lead to the error "Android File Transfer on Mac not working.” If that’s the situation, rebooting the device proves a quick and effortless fix that clears the temporary files and junk. To reboot your device, you can follow the instructions and seamlessly resolve your file transfer problems.

Restart Mac

If you are a new Mac user, you can attain guidance from this section and ensure that your Android File Transfer connectivity issues are resolved after rebooting the device.

Instructions: Access your Mac device's “Apple” menu and click the “Restart” option from the extended list. This way, your Mac will restart and clear all the temporary files, causing minor bugs and operational glitches.

Restart Android

As an Android user, you must know how to restart your smartphone and make a fresh start. If you have recently switched to this operating system, then let us simplify this process for you in the given section.

Instructions: Press and hold your Android phone’s start button at the side until a pop-up screen appears. On the next screen, hold and swipe the middle icon downward to the “Reboot” option and let the restart begin. 

Solution 4. Update macOS Firmware

If you prevent updates on Mac, it might lead to “Android File Transfer on Mac not working” issues since your device's version is older. The reason is that Apple launches frequent updates and bug fixes for a smooth user experience.

Right after updating your system, many related drivers may show compatibility with the file transfer process. Anyhow, let’s update Mac using the following simplified instructions and streamline the file-moving processes:

Instructions: Tap the “Apple” logo on your Mac screen corner and access the “System Settings” option from the next list. After accessing the Settings app, choose the “Software Update Available” option at the left side panel if there is one. Then, press the “Update Now” button and wait until your Mac device gets successfully updated over an internet connection.

Solution 5. Use USB Debugging Mode

USB debugging is a developer mode that may enable file transfer mode, which may be hidden from consumers behind the developer options. If this feature isn't enabled, your MacBook will not recognize the connected devices for file transfer and will show the "macOS Android File Transfer not working.” Therefore, you should try the given fix, which may enable many functionalities for file transfer.

Step 1: Open your Android phone's “Settings” app and choose the “About Phone” option. Next, tap on the “Build Number” 7 times until you see a notification that you have enabled the Developer Mode.

Step 2: Afterward, head back and search for “Developer Options” using the search bar. There, scroll down to enable the “USB Debugging” option when the USB is connected to your MacBook for file transfer.

Solution 6. Reinstall Android File Transfer

The Android File Transfer app can often have temporary bugs that hinder the connection between the devices, and the easiest way to resolve it is by uninstalling the app. If you wish to try this fix, you can get assistance from the given step-by-step process to ensure any error doesn't remain.

Step 1: Head to your MacBook’s Finder app and access the “Applications” tab from the left side panel. Then, look for the “Android File Transfer” app and right-click on it to get an extended list. Using the list, click the “Move to Bin” option to permanently delete the app from your device.

Step 2: Once the app is deleted, navigate to your Mac’s web browser and search the “Android File Transfer” app. As you access it, hit the “Download Now” button to reinstall the latest version on your Mac device.

Solution 7. Try Alternative to Android File Transfer

Another leading solution to the “Android File Transfer on Mac not working” issue is switching to Avica remote desktop software. This platform is a remote desktop software that allows users to control the remote devices while physically at thousands of miles of distance. Additionally, this software facilitates file transfer among diverse operating systems, such as Android, Mac, Windows, and iOS.

Apart from being a cross-compatible tool, users can move their files, images, and documents of any format, size, and number to the connected device. Avica doesn't compromise your sessions' security and facilitates comprehensive end-to-end AES-256 encryption. Users don't have to wait for a second for the file transfer process to complete as it features a patented high-speed transfer protocol that is faster than HTTP/FTP.

Key Features of Avica

• Screen Recording: Beyond file sharing, this software lets you record the on-screen activities to keep a virtual record/archive of the file immigration on your system. This way, professionals can maintain their records that they have shared certain data with their clients or colleagues. 
• Remote Shutdown/Reboot: Through Avica, the client device can reboot and shut down the host computers to resolve technical problems. 
• Text Chat: Instead of moving to other platforms for communication in the remote sessions, users can interact with the connected devices through the text chat feature. Avica lets you collaborate with other devices by texting them about how many files are required to share, how many have they received, etc.

How to Use Avica to Transfer Files from Android to Mac: A Beginners Guide 

Avica remote desktop software provides complete control over the file-sharing sessions, where users can adjust the image quality and resolution. If this sounds interesting, you can now begin resolving your "Android File Transfer for Mac not working" concern to explore Avica in depth.

Feel free to download Avica software by clicking the button below or download Avica mobile app from Google Play and App Store. If you're seeking additional information about Avica product downloads, you can visit the Avica download page. Rest assured, Avica guarantees the safety and virus-free nature of all products obtained from the official website or app store.

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So, consult the following guide, which will help you share files instantly from an Android phone to a Mac through a dedicated feature of Avica.

Step 1: Set up Avica on Mac and Allow Remote Access to Android

Install Avica on your MacBook and launch its intuitive interface to navigate the "This Device" section. There, you need to enable the "Allow Remote Access to This Device via Your Credentials" option to obtain the credentials to copy and head toward the Android phone.

Step 2: Add Credentials in Avica Android to Access Send Files Option

Unlock your Android device and install Avica’s latest version app using the Play Store. Afterward, insert the earlier copied “Avica ID” in the text box of “Remote Connection,” press the “File Transfer” button, and provide the password to establish the connection.

Step 3: Select Files to Share in Your Chosen Folder on the Mac

Later, move to another screen to choose the “Send Files” feature and go directly to the next screen. Choose your files, images, and videos to share with the Mac and hit the “Select” option at the top-right corner of Android. Finally, pick a folder on your Mac device to save the files and use the “Send” button to get the files transferred there. 

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Solution 8. Remove Samsung Kies or Smart Switch (For Samsung Users)

If you are using an older Mac, your system may have installed Smart Switch and Kies, which may hinder the Android File Transfer software processing. This situation particularly arises for Samsung Galaxy S9/S8/S7/S6/Note 8 devices and can be simply resolved by uninstalling such apps. Android users with similar situations should review the instructions provided below to fix their “Android File Transfer could not connect to device” query. 

Instructions: Launch your Mac’s Finder app and click the “Applications” tab from the left side panel. Then, browse the Samsung Smart Switch app or Kies and press the “Control + Click” keys from your keyboard. It will preview an extended list, and you can uninstall the application immediately by clicking the “Move to Bin” option.

Conclusion

To wrap up, this guide revealed all the potential fixes for common queries of Android users, such as “Android File Transfer not working.”  Besides, you have gained enough knowledge on the reason which causes file transfer not connecting or working issues. Ultimately, switching to Avica remote desktop software for file transfer can eradicate such connectivity issues and streamline error-free connections.