Transferring files between an Android device and a Mac has always been a bit tricky, especially with the advent of Apple Silicon Macs. The official Android File Transfer app, once the go-to solution, has been discontinued and is no longer available for download . This has left many users searching for reliable alternatives. Fortunately, there are several options available to facilitate smooth file transfers. Google Support

Utilizing cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox is another way to transfer files between Android devices and Macs. By uploading files from the Android device to the cloud, they can be accessed and downloaded onto the Mac.

Advantages:

No Physical Connection Needed: Transfers can be done remotely.
Access from Multiple Devices: Files can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity.

Disadvantages:

Dependent on Internet Speed: Transfer speeds are reliant on the internet connection.
Storage Limitations: Free accounts often come with limited storage capacity.

Connecting an Android phone to a MacBook via MacDroid.

MacDroid stands out as a top choice for transferring files between Android devices and Macs, particularly those with Apple Silicon chips. It offers a seamless experience by allowing users to mount their Android device directly in Finder, making file management intuitive and straightforward.

MacDroid offers two connection methods:

MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) is the standard mode, which requires no special configuration on the phone, but data transfer is slower and, in some cases, may result in files being locked, since MTP treats the phone as a read-only device.
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) mode requires you to first enable “USB Debugging” in your phone’s developer options, but it provides significantly faster data transfer and full access to the file system.

Most users should start with MTP for simplicity and switch to ADB only if they need faster speeds or encounter issues with inaccessible files.

Key Features:

USB and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Supports both wired and wireless connections, providing flexibility based on user preference.
Full Access to Device Storage: Allows browsing and transferring files from both internal storage and SD cards.
Direct Editing: Users can open and edit Android files directly on their Mac without the need to copy them over first.
No Additional Apps Required on Android: MacDroid operates without the need for any companion app on the Android device.

MacDroid works for me, too - the application file can be shared and you just need the 'read only' version so long as you don't want to write back onto the phone.

— Reddit

While MacDroid offers a free trial, continued use requires a subscription billed at $19.99/year after a 7-day free trial. However, its stability and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for many users.

You can download the app from the official website or from the Mac App Store.

MacDroid interface and connection modes.

AirDroid is a popular choice for those who prefer wireless file transfers. It allows users to manage their Android device from a Mac over a Wi-Fi connection, facilitating the transfer of files, photos, and even screen mirroring.

Pros

Wireless Operation: Eliminates the need for USB cables.
Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with various operating systems, enhancing versatility.
Additional Features: Offers functionalities like SMS management and screen mirroring.

Cons

The free tier displays in-app ads
Reviewers note that it can significantly drain the battery compared to tools that use data transfer only on demand and local access

For users seeking a free alternative, OpenMTP is an open-source application that facilitates file transfers between Android devices and Macs. It offers a straightforward interface and supports large file transfers.

Features:

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies the process of moving files between devices.
Supports Large Files: Capable of handling file sizes greater than 4GB.
No Installation on Android Required: Operates solely on the Mac.

While OpenMTP is a solid option, some users have reported occasional glitches. However, its open-source nature and cost-free availability make it an appealing choice for many.

Pros

Free and Open-Source (MIT License): The app is presented by its developer as "Safe, Transparent, Open-Source and FREE for a lifetime."
Plug-and-Play USB Setup: Connects via a standard USB cable with no companion app, account, or pairing step required on the Android side.
Dual-Pane File Manager: Displays Mac and Android storage side-by-side.

Cons

No Dedicated Support Team: As a community-maintained open-source project, troubleshooting depends on GitHub issue threads and forum posts rather than official customer support.
Recurring Stability Reports: The project's own GitHub issue tracker shows a steady stream of crash-on-startup, "not responding", and device-detection reports across recent versions.

With the discontinuation of Android File Transfer, users of Apple Silicon Macs have several viable alternatives for transferring files from Android devices. MacDroid stands out as a particularly reliable and user-friendly option, especially for those who prefer a seamless integration with Finder. For those who favor wireless solutions, AirDroid offers a convenient alternative. OpenMTP provides a free, open-source option for users comfortable with a more hands-on approach. Lastly, cloud storage services offer a flexible, though potentially slower, method for file transfers. Ultimately, the best solution depends on individual preferences and specific needs.

Android File Transfer Doesn’t Work on Apple Silicon: Best Alternatives for File Transfers from Android to Mac

Solution 1: Cloud Storage Services

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Solution 2: MacDroid – The Most Reliable Option

Solution 3: AirDroid – Wireless Convenience

Pros

Cons

Solution 4: OpenMTP – Free and Open-Source

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

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