4 Ways to Transfer Files Between Mac and Android Wirelessly

With early exposure to Nokia Symbian phones, Subham got hooked on smartphones and consumer tech. He brings 1.5 years of writing experience with great investigative research skills. Subham is drawn to tech with aesthetic appeal and excellent UI; also, he primarily focuses on the Apple ecosystem. In his free time, Subham can be found diving into research and enjoying a good read.

Sumukh has a knack for simplifying tech for the masses and helping consumers pick the right gadgets with his in-depth insights and reviews. He decided to hide his engineering degree in the closet to pursue his passion for writing. Over the past 6 years, he has contributed with guides, reviews, and detailed opinions to notable publications like TechPP and XDA-Developers – before donning the Editor hat at Guiding Tech Media.

1. NearDrop and WarpShare

If you ever wanted to use AirDrop or Nearby Share to transfer files from Android to Mac, you can now. NearDrop and WarpShareuse Quick Shareand AirDrop protocols, respectively, and here is how to use them.

Tip: Currently, NearDrop, which uses the Quick Share protocol, is much faster than WarpShare, which uses AirDrop.

Transfer Using NearDrop

Step 1: DownloadNearDropon your Mac. Go to the downloaded zip file anddouble-clickon it to extract it.

Step 2:Right-clickon the extracted app and clickOpen.

Step 3: A pop-up will appear on the screen. ClickOpen.

Tip: The downloaded app will be in the Downloads folder by default; move the app to the Applications folder for convenience.

Now, the app will open and be minimized in the menu bar. For the app to work correctly, give NearDrop notification permissions. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 4: OpenSystem Settingson your Mac and go toNotifications > NearDrop.

Step 5: Enable the toggles forShow notifications on lock screen,Show in Notification Center, andPlay sound for notification.

Step 6: Open the photo you wish to share on your Android phone and tap onShare.

Step 7: TapQuick Share/Nearby Sharefrom the available options. Your MacBook’s name will appear in the list of available devices. Tap on it.

Step 8: A notification will appear on your MacBook. ClickAccept.

Transfer Using WarpShare

Step 1: Open theControl Centeron your Mac and click onAirDrop.

Step 2: SelectEveryone.

Step 3: Now, download and installWarpShareon your Android device. Open the app, and your Mac should be visible. Tap on it.

Step 4: The File Manager will open.Select filesto send and tapSelect.

Step5: Now,Acceptthe AirDrop on your Mac, and the file will be transferred.

Note:Neither NearDrop nor WarpShare supports sending files from your Mac to an Android device.

2. Snapdrop to Share Files Without Cable or App

You can also use Snapdrop to transfer files from Android to Mac or vice versa. The best part about using Snapdrop is that you don’t need an app installed on your Mac or Android phone.

Note: For Snapdrop to work seamlessly, connect your Mac and Android to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: OpenSnapdropon your Mac and Android smartphone using any browser.

Step 2: To initiate a transfer from your Mac, click on theAndroid phonein Snapdrop’s list of available devices.

Step 3: Select afileand clickOpen.

Step 4: A pop-up will appear in the Snapdrop tab on your Android smartphone. TapSave.

Step 5: TapOpento view the downloaded file.

3. SMB File Sharing on Mac

On your Mac, you can also create an SMB server and access it from your Android phone to share files between Android and Mac wirelessly or without a cable. Let’s look at the steps:

Note: The default file manager of Android doesn’t allow you to access SMB servers. Hence, you must use a third-party app.

On Mac

Step 1: OpenSystem Settingson your Mac and go toGeneral > Sharing.

Step 2: Click theibutton next to File Sharing.

Step 3: ClickOptions.

Step 4: EnableShare files and folders using SMBandselect your account. ClickDone.

Step 5: Again, click onDone.

On Android

Step 1: Download and install theEX File Exploreron your Android smartphone. Open the app and tap on the hamburger menu.

Step 2: TapNetwork.

Step 3: SelectLANfrom the options. Tap the+button to add a server.

Step 4: TapNew. Fill in theserver details from your Macand enter yourMac username and passwordin the respective section, then tapOK.

Step 5: The server will now open on your Android phone.Tap on itto open and explore it further.

Step 6: Navigate to the folder of your Mac from where you want to transfer files between your Android and Mac.

Step 7:Long-presson the file to select it. TapCopyto copy the file. Now, you can navigate to the desired directory of your Android phone andPastethe file there.

4. Use a Cloud Service

Another way to transfer files between Mac and Android is to use a cloud storage service such as Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, etc. Simply upload files from one platform and access them on the other by logging into the same account.

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Last updated on 10 May, 2024

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