I tried to use Android File Transfer on my Mac today, but it suddenly stopped working and their website seems unreachable. Is this tool still supported or has it been discontinued? I need to transfer files between my Android device and computer for work, so any advice or alternative methods would be appreciated.
Android File Transfer: Gone for Good?
So here’s the scoop: the classic Android File Transfer app you used to grab straight from Google’s site? It’s MIA. Totally axed by Google—just vanished, no more official downloads, and it sounds like they’re not planning a comeback tour. It’s not a glitch, that’s just the way it is now.
Other Ways to Sync Files: What’s Actually Worth Trying?
Alright, maybe you’re in the same boat as me: you’ve got a Mac, you plug in your Android, and bam, nothing happens since Android File Transfer peaced out. Here’s my hit-list after going through the alternatives—for those tired of seeing that “could not connect to device” message.
MacDroid
Honestly, MacDroid is like AFT’s nerdy younger sibling but with more party tricks. It actually lets you mount your Android as a drive on your Mac, so you can drag and drop without a care. It runs quietly in the background, and—bonus!—no weird popups or sync errors every other minute. Transfers folders, does media, all that jazz. Not free, but you get a trial.
AirDroid
If you hate plugging in wires every time, give AirDroid a try. It’s all over WiFi: drop files, view your texts, mirror your phone—all via the browser or desktop client. Sometimes I’ll use it just because I don’t feel like hunting for my charging cable. The interface is a tad crowded, but if you’re into features, AirDroid is like the Swiss Army knife for file transfer folks.
Dr.Fone
Not gonna lie, Dr.Fone looks and feels like the kind of software that’s always trying to upsell you, but the transfer function itself is solid. Useful for backup, restore, or if you’re juggling a ton of data at once. Plus it can help with more than just file transfer if you dig around (think phone repair or switching to new devices).
TL;DR
→ Android File Transfer from Google is dead and not coming back
→ For Mac users, MacDroid is pretty seamless if you don’t mind installing one more app
→ If you want to go wireless, AirDroid is the old reliable
→ Need full device management and not just files? Dr.Fone steps in, but it’s got that “buy the rest of our features” energy
→ I’m still annoyed we need any of this when we used to have a one-click tool. But hey, welcome to 2024.
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Yeah, Android File Transfer is toast—no more official support, and the website’s basically vanished like a ghosting ex. Google just bailed on it quietly. @mikeappsreviewer already covered the usual suspects for replacements, but honestly? I’ve never gotten super hyped about things like AirDroid. It gets the wireless job done but the bloat and endless popups? Hard pass for me unless you love closing tabs.
What I do sometimes use, instead of the flashy “solutions,” is straight-up connecting over FTP or SMB using a file manager app (like CX Explorer or Solid Explorer) on your Android and Finder on your Mac. Takes a minute to set up but no extra subscription or sketchy software. Basically, your Mac and Android just need to be on the same WiFi. Start a server in the Android file manager app, punch the address into Finder’s “Connect to Server”, and boom—file drag-and-drop like it’s 2005.
Don’t get me wrong, MacDroid is probably the closest you’ll get to the old AFT plug-n-play life, and it’s honestly hard to beat for ease of use (appreciate that suggestion in the other post). But if you’re like me and don’t want yet another app squatting on your Mac, the built-in network route feels a bit cleaner, even if it’s not as dumb simple.
Tbh, it’s kinda wild Google just let this die with zero warning. Nice to know everyone with a Mac can enjoy the privilege of hacking together file transfers again, huh? Classic.
Anyway, RIP Android File Transfer. You won’t really be missed, but you definitely leave a mess behind.
Yeah, Android File Transfer is basically six feet under. You can mourn if you want, but Google already left the funeral. I did the whole “is it just me?” shuffle too recently—website gone, app just hangs, and even my backup download wouldn’t recognize my Galaxy. To answer your question, it’s 100% discontinued.
I skimmed what @mikeappsreviewer and @sternenwanderer said—solid tips, even if AirDroid always felt like downloading an entire pizza just for a slice. But honestly, let’s stop pretending this is fine. People keep suggesting FTPs, cloud this, wireless that—sure, it works if you’re patient and maybe a bit of a nerd, but we shouldn’t need a badge in network administration just to move pictures around. Tried the “connect to server” thing a few times; worked okay, but one bad character in the path and the whole thing retries until the next ice age.
MacDroid’s probably the closest thing to painless drag-and-drop on Mac. (Yeah, there’s a fee, but so does breathing in Silicon Valley right now.) I DO wish MacOS/Android just played nice—Apple moves files via AirDrop with iOS, but nope, Android users get the digital equivalent of passing notes via carrier pigeon.
tldr: AFT’s dead, replacements exist but none quite hit the easy button. MacDroid works, cloud/SMB/FTP if you wanna tinker, but expecting another Google solution is like waiting for a bus in the desert—grab a camel instead.
Honestly? Google sunk the old Android File Transfer ship and abandoned us in the open sea—@sternenwanderer and @caminantenocturno are absolutely right about AFT being dead and gone. Some say adapt, others say rage, and I’m split: sure, the workaround pile is big (FTP servers, crazy scripts, even some desperate attempts with rsync bridges), but we deserve better. And yes, “MacDroid” is now the tool everyone grumbles about but still recommends—because, despite the groans, it works and nothing feels as plug-and-play.
Here’s the quick and dirty:
MacDroid:
- Pros: Straightforward, feels integrated (mounts Android like a USB drive), handles big/bulk transfers, pretty stable, and it’s not encumbered with bloated side-features you’ll never use.
- Cons: Not free after the trial, needs MacOS 10.10+ (so vintage MacBook folks—no luck), occasional hiccups if your phone’s on older Android versions or certain phone brands play silly with MTP.
Competitors like AirDroid and Dr.Fone (as others said) are slathered with “buy now” popups or feature overkill that most users don’t need. Cloud sync’s an option, but why upload private files to web land if you don’t have to?
Is MacDroid perfect? Nope. But compared to juggling cloud accounts, setting up Samba, or fighting with glitchy web panels, it’s the closest to that lost, lazy drag-and-drop of old. Until Google or Apple get their act together—or a third-party miracle steps up—MacDroid’s the camel in the desert, not the bus that’ll never show. Grab the free trial; it’ll tell you after a few transfers if it’s worth the price or not for your workflow.