Moving files between a Samsung phone and a Mac can be challenging because macOS lacks native support for Android devices. Nevertheless, times have changed and there are now multiple ways to transfer files from Samsung to Mac without hassle.

You can use the classic USB cable method, or if you prefer a wireless setup, there are lots of third-party apps and online tools that can help you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the best methods to move files between your phone and Mac.

Using MacDroid to Move Files

MacDroid is one of the best third-party apps you can use to transfer files from Samsung to Mac. It allows you to mount your Android device as a drive on your Mac after which you can easily drag and drop your files to transfer them.

The app supports both Wi-Fi and USB transfers, so it’s up to you whether you prefer a wired or wireless connection.

Here’s how to use it wirelessly:

  1. Download MacDroid on your Mac.
  2. On your phone, go to Settings -> About phone -> Build number and tap it 7 times to enable “Developer options.”
  3. In the Developer options, enable both USB debugging and Wireless debugging.
  4. Scan the QR code you see in MacDroid on your Mac.

Here’s what to do if you want to transfer files with a USB cable:

  1. Connect your phone to your Mac with a USB cable and open MacDroid.
  2. Choose between ADB and MTP and grant your Mac access to your phone’s files.
  3. Start transferring files from your phone to your Mac.

Other Third-Party Apps You Can Use

There are lots of other third-party apps built specifically to transfer files from Android to Mac. A few popular choices include:

  • AirDroid: Offers wireless transfers plus device management features like screen mirroring.

  • Pushbullet: Great for sending quick files, links, and even text messages between devices.

Using Samsung Smart Switch to Transfer Files

Samsung Smart Switch is Samsung’s official app for both Mac and Windows. Although it’s primarily built for transferring data to a new phone, it also lets you back up and move files between your devices with ease.

Here’s how you can use Smart Switch:

  1. Download Smart Switch.

  2. Install it on your Mac and open the app.

  3. Connect your Samsung phone with a USB cable.

  4. Select the type of data you want to back up.

Pros of Smart Switch:

  • Official app supported by Samsung.

  • Good for moving large amounts of data during setup.

  • Works on both Windows and Mac.

Cons of Smart Switch:

  • Limited compared to third-party options.

  • Best for full backups rather than quick one-off transfers.

When to use it: When you want a trusted app directly from Samsung for backups or when setting up a new phone.

Transferring Files From Samsung to Mac Wirelessly 

If you don’t want to rely on cables, you can also transfer files wirelessly. Here are two methods we recommend trying out:

Use Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage is one of the easiest ways to move files between devices. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive make the whole process very simple.

For the sake of convenience, let’s take Google Drive as an example here. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open the Google Drive app on your Samsung phone.

  2. Upload the files you want to transfer.

  3. On your Mac, open Google Drive in a browser (or use the desktop app).

  4. Find the files you just uploaded and download them to your Mac.

Pros:

  • Access your files from anywhere.

  • Great for documents and photos.

  • Easy to set up and use.

Cons:

  • Upload and download speeds depend on your Wi-Fi connection.

  • Free storage space is limited, so larger files may require a paid plan.

When to use it: Perfect for smaller files or if you often switch between multiple devices.

Use Bluetooth or Online Transfer Tools

If you only need to move small files like photos or documents, Bluetooth is perhaps the simplest option. Just pair your Samsung phone with your Mac and send files directly. While it’s not the fastest method, it works without the need to install any apps.

You can also use online services like Snapdrop or Send Anywhere, which work similarly to AirDrop. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you can transfer files through a browser without installing any app.

Pros:

  • No cables needed.

  • Great for small files and quick transfers.

Cons:

  • Slow for large videos or folders.

  • Requires devices to stay close together or on the same network.

These methods work best for anyone who just wants to quickly share a document or a few pictures without dealing with long setups.

Does Android File Transfer Still Work?

For years, the most direct way to transfer files from Samsung to Mac was through Google’s Android File Transfer. However, this tool was officially discontinued in 2024 and is no longer supported by Google. While some people may still have it installed, it is outdated and unreliable, often crashing or failing to detect devices.

Today, it’s best to use Smart Switch, cloud storage, or third-party apps rather than relying on outdated tools like Android File Transfer.

Tips for Transferring Files From Samsung to Mac

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when transferring files between your Samsung and Mac:

  • Use the right cable: Many newer Macs come with USB-C ports, while Samsung phones may have either USB-C or micro-USB connectors. Make sure you have the correct cable.

  • Check file sizes: Some methods, especially cloud uploads, limit the size of files you can transfer. Large videos may often require a wired connection.

  • Keep Wi-Fi stable: For wireless transfers, a strong connection will help with faster uploads and fewer interruptions.

  • Organize before moving: Create folders on your phone so you can quickly find and transfer what you need.

  • Try multiple methods: Different methods work best for different tasks. For example, use Smart Switch for backups, cloud storage for documents, and third-party apps for frequent large transfers.

Conclusion

Connecting a Samsung phone to a Mac does not have to be complicated. Android File Transfer is no longer supported, but MacDroid and Samsung Smart Switch are good alternatives. You can also use wireless methods like cloud storage, Bluetooth, and third-party apps if you don’t like using cables.

 

If you only need to move a few photos occasionally, cloud storage or Bluetooth are both great options. For backups or larger transfers, MacDroid or third-party apps are faster and easier to use.