The most common reason is that background apps, such as Samsung Smart Switch, Google Drive, or other programs, are taking control of the USB connection. Other possible causes include a broken Android File Transfer app, an outdated operating system, or faulty USB ports or cables. Before moving on to troubleshooting, make sure that:
1. Check the USB Cable and Mac’s USB Port
Not all USB cables are created equal—some are only for charging and do not support file transfer. Make sure you are using a cable that supports data transfer. It’s best to use the original USB cable that came with your Android device. If that’s not available, use a high-quality and compatible cable. If you suspect the USB cable is faulty or doesn’t support file transfer, try it with another set of devices. If the issue persists with other devices, it’s time to replace the cable. Remember, Thunderbolt cables will not work for Android file transfer. Use a Mac-compatible USB-C cable instead. Also, make sure the USB port on your Mac works properly. Test the port using another USB device, or use a different port for file transfer. After replacing the USB cable or using a different port, check if Android File Transfer works.
2. Update the Android OS on Your Device
Your Android device must be running Android version 3.0 or higher, and your Mac must have Mac OS 10.7 or higher for Android File Transfer to work. Using an older operating system can cause compatibility issues. Updating your Android OS can fix not just file transfer problems but other bugs too. Once your device finishes updating, try relaunching Android File Transfer.
3. Uninstall Samsung Kies or Smart Switch
Android File Transfer often conflicts with Samsung Kies or Samsung Smart Switch. If you have these apps installed on your Mac or Android device, uninstalling them may solve the issue. After restarting, launch Android File Transfer again to see if the problem is fixed.
4. Enable USB Debugging on Your Android Device
USB debugging is important for many types of data transfers between Android devices and computers. Without it, some Macs may not allow Android File Transfer to function correctly. Turning on USB debugging may help. Now, open Android File Transfer once more to see if it’s working.
5. Reinstall Android File Transfer
A corrupted or outdated installation of Android File Transfer can cause problems. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app often solves persistent issues. Once your Mac restarts, run Android File Transfer to check if it’s working.
6. Use Alternative Software
If Android File Transfer is still not working, you can use other apps to transfer files between your Android device and Mac:
