5 Best Ways to Connect Android to Mac

If you use an android phone while using a Mac computer, it can often feel like they are at odds. Even file transfer between them is not as simple as we would like it to be. Today we will be discussing how to connect Android to Mac in a few effortless methods.

If your work includes both devices, it's essential to keep them synchronized. File transfer is a primary concern here. We will be looking at all the different ways to android connect for mac.

Part 1: 5 Ways to Connect Android To Mac

There are a few different ways to connect your Android phone to your Mac computer. They all vary quite a bit in terms of features and processes. You can try out all of them and pick which one works for you. So, let's discuss them all down below.

1. Use AirDroid

AirDroid Personal is one of the best Android management tools out there. Connecting your Android to Mac is among the many things it does well. You can transfer and manage files, manage settings and connections, and do many other valuable items with AirDroid.

With AirDroid connected to Mac, you are not limited to just transferring files between iphone/android to mac. AirDroid ensures connection in all sectors. Sharing and managing files, remote control, easy screen mirroring, notification, and SMS management; all become easy with AirDroid.

Let's get to know a bit about the different features of AirDroid:

Seamless File Management: Not just transferring, AirDroid allows you to manage files on your android device very easily from your Mac computer. You can manage everything on your phone and SD card storage with the help of Airdroid.
Remote Control: AirDroid allows remote control of your device over the internet. So, you can now manage your devices even when they are not in the same place. This is extremely handy if you travel a lot.
Notification Management: With AirDroid, you do not need to glance at your phone to check for notifications every few minutes while working on your computer. You can easily receive all your notifications from your computer and increase your productivity.
SMS Management: You can not only view SMS notifications directly from your computer with Airdroid, but you can also reply to and manage all your SMS conversations.
Screen Mirroring: With AirDroid, you can easily mirror your phone screen onto your computer without any kind of extra setup. This is immensely convenient when trying to give specific demonstrations.

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How to Connect Android to Mac with AirDroid Personal?

Step 1. Install AirDroid: Install AirDroid on your phone and open an account. You can use AirDroid web on your Mac, but you can install the Mac application. Go to AirDroid, download the installer and install, then log in with your credentials.; However, if you want to use AirDroid web, then go to "My Devices" on the AirDroid Android app, and you will find the web option on top. Click it, and you will be prompted to scan a QR code. Web.airdroid.com and scan the QR code to connect.

Step 2. Connect Your Device: If you want to connect via USB, you can do that. But, AirDroid helps you keep your connection seamless even on wireless connections. If you use a wireless connection, you should connect automatically after logging into both devices. But if you wish to use USB, you should turn on file transfer.

Step 3. Manage Your Device: With AirDroid, you are done after you log in to both devices. You can easily and quickly manage and transfer files between Mac and Android. You can also view notifications, mirror screens, remote access, work connections, etc., all from the AirDroid application.; If you are wondering how to connect android to mac Wi-Fi then you can do that too just like with any Wi-Fi capable PC.

2. Using Android File Transfer

Android File Transfer is a piece of software made by Google, and it is available on the Android website. It is a simple and free piece of software capable of transferring files to and from a Mac computer. It requires Mac OS 10.7 or later.

Step 1. Install Android File Transfer: First, you need to go to Android File Transfer's Site and download the installer. Use the dmg file you downloaded to install Android File Transfer. You might need to authorize it the first time you open it. But otherwise, the installation should be simple.

Step 2. Connect Your Phone Via USB: Connect your phone via a USB cable. Depending on your android phone, the cable you need will either be a USB-A to USB-C or USB-A to micro USB. After connecting your Android device to your Mac, select "Transfer Files" in the menu prompt for USB connection. If you didn't get a prompt, you can swipe down and find it in the notifications.

Step 3. Transfer Your Files: Now you can proceed to transfer files between the two devices. Android File Transfer will show you a screen with all your files on the android device. And you can drag and drop the files to copy them onto your Mac and vice versa.

3. Bluetooth

Another handy way to connect to Android phone from Mac is through Bluetooth. You can use Bluetooth to transfer files between the two devices. Although, this is not the fastest way to do it, and the connection can be pretty unstable. But the plus point is that it does not require any separate software.

Step 1. Turn On Bluetooth On Both Devices: On your Mac, go to system preferences, and you will find the menu for Bluetooth. Turn on both Bluetooth and discovery from there. It should say "Discoverable as ___" if you've done it correctly.; On Android, swipe down from the notification panel to reveal the quick settings. You can tap and turn on Bluetooth from there. Or you can even use the settings app and go to the Bluetooth menu from there.

Step 2. Pair The Two Devices: If both your devices are discoverable, you should be able to find your phone's name in the Bluetooth pairing menu on your Mac. In system preferences, Bluetooth menu; you will see a screen like this;; Tap on the name of your phone, and a code should show up. Do the same for your phone; go to the Bluetooth menu and tap the name of your Mac computer, and the same principle should appear. Tap on pair on both devices, and you are done!

Step 3. Transfer Files: Let's see how you can send files from your Mac to your Android via Bluetooth. Click on the Bluetooth icon in the corner of your screen and find the name of your Android phone. Then click on the "Send files to device" and follow the instructions on the screen.; If you transfer files from your Android phone to your Mac, go to file manager or whatever app you are sharing. Then, select the files and click share. In the sharing menu, you should find Bluetooth, and you can then send it to your Mac.; You will need to turn on some permissions on your Mac if you want to receive the files correctly. Go to system preferences, then share, and in Bluetooth options, toggle the necessary permissions as shown below.

4. With Your USB

This is the simplest way to mac connect android. Just take a USB cable, preferably the one that came with your device and connect the phone to the mac device. And you can start transferring files.

Tethering the internet from your phone to your mac computer can be a bit more tricky at first. Here's how you can do it.

Step 1. Download and install HoRNDIS.

Step 2. Connect phone to Mac computer using USB.

Step 3. Open system preference and then click network on Mac. Then select your android phone's icon.

5. Through Google Drive

Another great way to transfer files between Android and Mac is through Google drive. All you have to do is install the Google Drive app on your mac.

Sign into your drive account and then upload any file you want from your android to the drive account. Then you can simply access it via your Mac drive app and get access to all the files you uploaded.

Part 2: Best Tool To Connect Android To Mac

With all the options listed, you might wonder which method is the best for connecting Android to Mac OS. While they all have their uses and conveniences, the best overall option is Airdroid. It will give you the most votes with the best overall performance. The tons of features are all there to fulfill your various needs.

With Airdroid, you are not limited to just transferring files between the two devices. Airdroid ensures connection in all sectors. Sharing and managing files, remote control, easy screen mirroring, notification, and SMS management; all become easy with Airdroid.

Let's get to know a bit about the different features of Airdroid:

Seamless File Management: Not just transferring, Airdroid allows you to manage files on your android device very easily from your Mac computer. You can manage everything on your phone and SD card storage with the help of Airdroid.
Remote Control: Airdroid allows remote control of your device over the internet. So, you can now manage your devices even when they are not in the same place. This is extremely handy if you travel a lot.
Notification Management: With Airdroid, you do not need to glance at your phone to check for notifications every few minutes while working on your computer. You can easily receive all your notifications from your computer and increase your productivity.
SMS Management: You can not only view SMS notifications directly from your computer with Airdroid, but you can also reply to and manage all your SMS conversations.
Screen Mirroring: With Airdroid, you can easily mirror your phone screen onto your computer without any kind of extra setup. This is immensely convenient when trying to give specific demonstrations.

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Part 3: Conclusion

Thank you for reading till the end. We hope you now know all there is to know about how to connect Android to Mac. Hopefully, we were able to make this guide very comprehensive and helpful. So, best of luck and goodbye for now!

FAQs

Can I Manage My Android Device Wirelessly From Mac?

Charudatta

You can send and receive files via Bluetooth. And you can also use something like Airdroid to manage your Android device wirelessly from your Mac computer. But unfortunately, you cannot manage your device without the help of any software.

Why Is My Android Phone Not Connecting To My Mac?

Charudatta

There are two possible reasons for it. One is that you do not have the necessary software installed; check to see if you have Android File Transfer, or Airdroid installed and running properly. The other answer is that your connection is faulty; make sure your USB cable is working, and your devices are connected to the same network.

Why Is Bluetooth File Transfer Not Working?

Charudatta

The reason why the Bluetooth mac os connect android phone is not working could either be that your devices are not paired or you do not have the permissions enabled on your Mac. If you need to, then unpair and pair the devices again. Also, make sure all the necessary options are toggled on your Mac.