Guide

The best Android File Transfer alternative for Mac

Android File Transfer was Google's small Mac app for browsing a phone over USB. Google no longer offers it, and it had been unreliable on recent macOS for years. Here is what replaces it.

Updated 26 October 2026 · 5 min read

What to look for

Works on current macOS and current Android
Shows the phone where you already work, ideally in Finder
Handles large files and folders without stalling
Works over a cable, and over Wi-Fi when you want it

PortLine

PortLine puts the phone in Finder's sidebar, like a USB drive, over Standard USB (the same MTP mode Android File Transfer used), Advanced USB (faster, needs USB debugging) or Secure Wi-Fi (Android 11 and later). Files open in place, Spotlight finds them, and changes on the phone show up within seconds. Browsing and downloading are free.

See PortLine in action

OpenMTP

A free, open-source app that shows the phone and the Mac side by side in a window of its own, over MTP and USB only. A good fit if you want a free tool and don't mind leaving Finder.

MacDroid

MacDroid also mounts the phone in Finder. We measured it against PortLine on the same phone: PortLine opened files up to 600× faster, copied a folder off the phone 7× faster, and completed 16 everyday tasks MacDroid could not. In twelve recorded copies over USB debugging, MTP and Wi-Fi, PortLine finished first every time.

The full comparison

Cloud storage

Google Drive and Google Photos work without any Mac app, but every file travels through the internet both ways. Fine for a few photos, slow for videos and large folders.

Questions

Does PortLine need USB debugging?

No. Standard USB works in the phone's File transfer mode, exactly like Android File Transfer did. USB debugging is optional, for the faster Advanced USB.