How to Fix: Android File Transfer Could Not Connect to Device

5 useful tips are offered to fix Android File Transfer not working. Besides, the post recommends you an Android File Transfer alternative to troubleshoot the Android File Transfer not working problem. Just read to know how to make it.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: May. 19, 2023

Android File Transfer is the data transfer service between the Mac computer and Android devices. To make it, you need to download and install the Android File Transfer app on your Mac, connect your device with your Mac, then you can browse the files and folders on your Android device and copy files.

Android File Transfer No Android Device Found

Android File Transfer Could Not Connect to Device

However, there seem to be some problems with the Android File Transfer service. For example, users from an Android forum reported, “I have installed Android File Transfer on my Mac. Although it recognizes when the phone is connected, I get the error message – Android File Transfer could not connect to the device, or Android File Transfer can’t access device storage.”

In the post, we offer some tips to help you fix the “Android File Transfer no Android device found” problem easily. And, you can use the excellent Android File Transfer alternative to manage Android data. Head to check the details.

Also Read: How to Fix Huawei Not Connecting to PC >>

Possible Reasons for Android File Transfer not Working

  • The USB cable or the USB port you’re using to connect both devices is damaged or malfunctioning.
  • The File Transfer app is disabled on your Android phone or tablet.
  • Samsung Smart Switch, Samsung Kies, or any other Android data transfer service is hindering Android File Transfer.

5 Fixes: Android File Transfer Could Not Connect to Device

There are plenty of reasons why the Android File Transfer is not working on your Mac. Sometimes it is because the file transfer feature is not enabled on your Android device, sometimes it’s only because your USB cable or Mac’s USB port gets damaged. No matter what the reasons are, it is possible for you to troubleshoot by yourself. Here are the fixes for solving Android File Transfer not working issue:

Fix 1. Enable USB Debugging to Fix Android File Transfer Cannot Connect to Device

Step 1. Try to use another USB cable and see if the issue still remains.

Step 2. Connect your Android phone to your Mac via USB cable.

Step 3. On your Android Phone, tap on the “Settings” option by swiping down from the top of the screen.

Step 4. Turn on USB Debugging and choose “Media device (MTP)” option. Or try to switch to PTP, and then back again.

How to Fix Android File Transfer No Device Found

How to Fix Android File Transfer No Device Found

Fix 2. Uninstall Samsung Kies or Smart Switch

For those who use Samsung Galaxy S9/S8/S7/S6/Note 8, check if your Mac has Samsung Kies or Smart Switch installed. If yes, uninstall the apps because Android File Transfer not working with Kies or Smart Switch.

Fix 3. Reboot Your Mac

Try to use the uninstaller that comes along with the Android File Transfer. And then reboot your Mac.

Fix 4. Use Android File Transfer Alternative [Hot]

Actually, besides Android File Transfer, there are many alternatives that enable you to transfer files between Mac and Android devices without effort. DroidKit turns out to be one of the best Android files transfer tools. This Android File Transfer alternative is designed as a complete Android solution. It can not only transfer files between Android and computer, but also fix Android system issues like Samsung phone black screen, your phone not connecting with computer because of software glitches, etc.

What can you do with DroidKit if Android File Transfer is not working:

  • 1-click to transfer data from Android to Mac/PC, and vice versa.
  • Preview all files on Android and choose to transfer, delete, edit, etc.
  • Easily and securely transfer all kinds of data, such as text messages, contacts, media files, apps, and documents from your Samsung device to your computer. It can transfer 1500 + photos in just 3 minutes.
  • Backup & restore data on your computer, or from Google Drive.
  • In addition to data transfer, DroidKit has more comprehensive functions such as unlocking screen locks, repairing the system, and bypassing FPR.

How to use Android File Transfer Alternative:

Step 1. Get the latest version of DroidKit on Mac or Windows PC. Open it and click Data Manager. Here you can preview what else can DroidKit do for you.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Choose Data Manager

Choose Data Manager

Step 2. Connect your phone to the computer.

Connect Phone to Computer

Connect Phone to Computer

Step 3. Select the data type that you want to transfer. Here takes photos as an example. Preview all of your photos, check any photos, and click To Mac/PC button.

Transfer Photos to PC

Transfer Photos to PC

Step 4. After a while, you will get the Transfer Complete page as below. You can click View Files on your computer or Transfer More.

Transfer Phone to PC Completed

Transfer Phone to PC Completed

Fix 5. Turn on Use USB for Files transfers

If the Android File Transfer not working is because of a faulty USB cable, the problem might still exist after replacing a new one. That’s because the file transfer settings might be preventing the connection between your Mac and Android device. You can fix this by allowing file transfer.

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.

Enable file transfer on your Android device

Turn on File Transfers

How to Enable File Transfer on Android

If your Android File Transfer not working because of a USB connection, you can enable file transfer between Android and Mac without USB. AnyDroid allows you to transfer data across Android phones and take complete control of your Android files. More importantly, you can transfer files from Android to Mac or PC wirelessly, which can easily fix Android USB File Transfer not working. Besides, you can use it to transfer files between Android devices, even from iPhone to Android.

AnyDroid – Enable File Transfer Wirelessly

  • Support to transfer all file types including contacts, messages, etc.
  • Fast transferring speed saves both time and labor.
  • All transferred files will be organized in different folders automatically.
  • Work well with all Android models as well as computers.

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Just Free Download AnyDroid to have a try. The following steps will teach you to transfer files from Android to Mac in one click.

Step 1. Install and launch AnyDroid on the computer. Connect your Android device to the computer via USB cable. You can download AnyDroid on your Android phone to connect your phone to computer without a USB cable, via Wi-Fi.

Launch AnyDroid on Your Computer

Launch AnyDroid on Your Computer

Step 2. Click Content to Computer mode to transfer files from device to computer.

Connect Your Phone to Computer

Connect Your Phone to Computer

Step 3. Choose file categories you want to transfer to your computer > Hit the Next button and wait for the transferring process to finish.

Choose File Categories

Choose File Categories

The Bottom Line

Besides the data transfer between computer and Android device, DroidKit can do much more to manage your Android device. For example, helps your phone to connect with a computer, fix Android system issues, restore data from a broken Samsung or Google account, etc. What are you waiting for? Get it free downloaded it to explore more right now >

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

Back to Top Icon