Part 2. 7 Tips for fixing Android File Transfer not working
Allow it, and don't disconnect the USB cabel. Once again, start Android File Transfer App. This is how it works. Each time when you plug S7 in,.
If Android File Transfer’s no Android device found issue is bothering you, then we have good news for you. In this portion of the article, we have picked the top 7 tips for you to let Android File Transfer work perfectly. When Android File Transfer misses your expectations in sharing files. You can also find other trustworthy programs offering the same services. This part of the article covers solutions for Android File Transfer could not connect to device. So that, you can seamlessly enjoy transferring data to any device.
Let’s go through them one by one.
2.1 Check your USB cable
Always ensure that the original USB cable provided with your Android device or a genuine and compatible one is used to establish the connection. When the USB cable is at fault, you won’t be able to connect the Mac and your Android device properly. It will deter the data transfer, no matter what software you use to facilitate the process. If your USB cable is damaged or doesn’t support the device or Mac, then replace it ASAP.
2.2 Enable file transfer on your Android device
In case Android File Transfer cannot connect to device, even after replacing the faulty USB cable. The file transfer settings might be preventing the connection between your Mac and Android device. You can fix this by allowing file transfer.
After connecting your Android phone to your Mac computer, unlock your phone. You can see a popup window and tap the USB connectivity option from the notification bar. Here, you need to click on the ‘File transfers’ option. It will enable the file transfer option on your device.
2.3 Update Android OS on device
At times, older version of Android OS is not compatible with Android File Transfer software on your Mac. As a result, the Mac PC could not connect to your device through Android File Transfer. In order to establish a connection between your mobile device and Mac computer, it becomes paramount to update the Android OS.
You can check for an updated version of the Android OS on your device by browsing to ‘Settings’. Then scroll the Settings menu all the way down and tap on ‘About Phone’. Now hit on System Update/Software Update option from the list of options available.
Note: Sometimes the updates are visible on the notification bar as well. You just need to tap on it and follow the steps to update it. Restart your mobile before trying to establish the connection.
2.4 Uninstall Samsung Kies/Smart Switch
If your Android device is a Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+/S7/S8/S5/S6/S4/Note 8 or Note 5, that you could not connect through Android File Transfer. The reason may be Samsung Kies or Samsung Smart Switch application installed on your device or Mac computer. These apps are not compatible with Android File Transfer, so you need to get rid of them first. Uninstall them and then try connecting and transferring data.
On your Mac computer, download the installer and then go to the ‘Uninstall’ option within it. The application will be instantly uninstalled from your Mac.
2.5 Reinstall Android File Transfer
When Android File Transfer cannot connect to device, you need to check whether the Android File Transfer is of the latest version or is not corrupted. Older or corrupted versions of software applications usually hamper the performance. Which is usual for Android File Transfer as well. in this scenario, you can reinstall the software and then try to connect the Android device with the Mac computer. reinstalling a fresh version of software fixes most of the related issues.
2.6 USB Debugging activation
In order to allow data transfer between your Android device and a computer, allowing USB debugging is essential. Unless you enable this feature, the computer can’t detect your Android device. As a result, Android File Transfer cannot connect your Android phone and Mac computer and initiate data transfer. Here is the quickest way to do so –
- Browse to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone, then tap on ‘About Phone’ and scroll down to Build Number. Now, hit on the ‘Buil Number’ approximately 7 times and you’ll then be able to access ‘Developer Options’.
- Next, get into the ‘Developer Options’. Ensure that ‘USB Debugging’ has been selected over here. Retry if it doesn’t work once. When the ‘USB Debugging’ option is enabled, you can see your device is detected by the Mac system.
2.7 Get dr.fone – Transfer (Android)
If nothing worked for you to successfully connect your Android phone and Mac computer for file transfer. you should go for dr.fone – Transfer (Android). For situations like Android File Transfer could not connect to device, this program is a perfect alternative. You can transfer media files between Android devices and computers as well as export, add, and delete them from the computer on a batch. You can transfer data between iPhone and Android devices as well as manage your Android device on a computer. This software is fully compatible with Android 8.0 and supports both Windows and Mac computers.
dr.fone - Transfer (Android)
Best Android File Transfer Alternative on Windows and Mac.
- Transfer files between Android and computer, including contacts, photos, music, SMS, and more.
- Manage, export/import your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps etc.
- Transfer iTunes to Android (vice versa).
- Manage your Android device on computer.
- Fully compatible with Android 8.0.
Let’s now understand the step by step tutorial on how to transfer files from Mac to your Android device using dr.fone – Transfer.
Step 1 – Head to official website of dr.fone and download the dr.fone – Transfer tool. Install and launch the tool on your PC. Tap on the ‘Transfer’ tab from the main screen. Now, get your Android device connected to your Mac computer using a genuine USB cable.
Step 2 – You’re now required to navigate to the desired data type that you wish to transfer from your Mac to Android. Make use of the buttons in the navigation bar at the top. For instance, tap on ‘Photos’.
Step 3 – Now, hit the ‘Add’ icon available just below the ‘Home’ button and then choose the ‘Add File/Add Folder’ option from the drop-down menu depending upon your requirements. Then, locate the desired photos on your mac that you wish to transfer to Android device.
Step 4 – Lastly, hit on ‘Open’, once you’remade your selection. Your transfer will then be initiated. After the process completes, repeat the process for all other data types that you wish to transfer.
You came here because you obviously have troubles transferring files to your Android device via USB. Don’t worry, you’re not the first person to experience this issue. You probably get the following error message:
Lucky for you, there are only a handful of options for you to try, and you will be able to transfer files within minutes. So, without further ado, here is what you need to do to make Android file transfer work again and pass all error messages.
If you are on a Mac, go ahead and download the Android File Transfer for Mac if you haven’t done that already.
How to get Android File Transfer to work
There are a few reasons why you might be getting an error message when trying to get files onto your device:
- USB cable doesn’t support file transfer
- Device not set up to accept files via USB
- You have Samsung’s Kies file transfer installed
- Your micro USB port is broken (sorry, can’t help you with that one)
Step 1 – Enable file transfer on your Android device
This is the very first thing you must do to ensure that transferring files to your Android device is even possible.
To enable USB file transfer go to “Settings” > “Storage” > Tap on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of your screen > “USB computer connection” > Tick the box next to “Media device (MTP)
If you think that your problem with transferring files is software-related, try connecting your device via USB to your computer, check “Camera (PTP)” and uncheck it again. This seems to work for some people.
Step 1.1 – just happened to me on stock Android Marshmallow 6.0
Updating the post right after fixing the issue on the Nexus 6P.
If you don’t see the above-mentioned options in your Storage & USB settings, make sure to enable USB debugging and then follow this tricky sequence (screenshots also below):
- Detach USB cable from device
- Enable Developer Mode by going to Settings > About Phone (at the very bottom usually) > press on Build Number repeatedly until the pop-up appears
- Go to Settings > Developer Options
- Enable USB debugging
- Lock device (turn screen off)
- Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable
- Unlock your Android device
- Swipe down to see notifications and press on “USB for charging”
- From the pop-up, select File transfers
- Lock the device and unlock it again
Using this method you are, basically, allowing your phone’s security mechanisms to accept file transfers via USB. For some reason this option is not available without enabling developer options, although it should be.
This method should work on all Android devices running stock Marshmallow 6.0+, like the new Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X. Please let me know in the comments if these steps worked for you, and which device you were using, so I can improve this guide for all those who might have the same problem in the future.
Step 2 – Uninstall Samsung’s Kies file transfer software (skip if not installed)
Samsung’s file transfer software often causes interferences with the native Android file transfer. To uninstall Kies you will need to download the installer first (clicking the link will start the download), and just then select the “uninstall” option within the file package.
Step 3 – Check your USB cable
Not all USB cables are created equal: Some are able to transfer files, some are not. To make sure you got a cable that can do that, go ahead and take the cable that came in the box together with your Android device. There cables are usually able to handle file transfers.
In case you can’t find another USB cable to try if it works, you should check out AirDroid. This nice piece of software allows you to transfer files to your Android device with no cable at all.
If you really need a USB cable for file transfers, get yourself a good cable, it will last you quite a while (and they are quite cheap as well).
If this post couldn’t help you, please drop us a line in the comments and we will do our best to help you and update this post to make it easier for others in the future.