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Guide

How to transfer files from a Google Pixel to a Mac

Pixel phones run Android as Google ships it, so every PortLine connection works, from File transfer to Wi-Fi pairing.

Updated 26 October 2026 · 3 min read

Steps

  1. 1

    Choose File transfer

    Plug in, tap the Charging this device via USB notification, and choose File transfer.

  2. 2

    Optional: USB debugging

    Tap Settings › About phone › Build number seven times, then turn on USB debugging in Settings › System › Developer options.

  3. 3

    Open in Finder

    Click Open in Finder in PortLine. Pixel camera files are named PXL_ followed by the date, in DCIM › Camera.

Older Pixels

Pixels on Android 10 or earlier can't use wireless debugging. Use USB, or PortLine's older Wi-Fi mode, which it sets up over USB first and which is not encrypted.

Questions

Where are Pixel screenshots?

In Pictures › Screenshots on recent Android versions, and DCIM › Screenshots on some older ones.

Related guides

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