Top 4 Ways to Fix Android Phone Not Showing Up on Mac

Quick Tips

• Activate USB Debugging on your Android device to facilitate a stable connection.
• Use compatible file transfer apps like Android File Transfer or OpenMTP to connect your Android phone to a Mac.
• Keep your Mac and Android phone updated to avoid compatibility issues.

Preliminary Fixes

• Check the USB Cable: The USB cable is often the culprit when an Android phone isn’t recognized by a Mac. Check the USB cable for any visible damage, such as fraying or bent connectors. Preferably, use the original cable that came with your phone or a high-quality cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
• Use Another Port: Sometimes, the USB port on your Mac might be the issue. Ensure the USB cable is firmly connected to your Android phone and the Mac. You can try disconnecting the USB cable from the current port and plugging it into another USB port on your Mac.
• Enable File Sharing on Android Phone: For your Mac to recognize your Android device, file sharing must be enabled on your phone. Ensure your Android phone is unlocked when connecting it to your Mac. Look for a notification that indicates the USB connection type, tap on the notification, and select File Transfer or MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) from the list of options.

Fix 1: Allow the Accessory to Connect

When you first connect an Android phone to a Mac, macOS asks for permission to allow the accessory to connect. Make sure to hit Allow to check your Android phone on Mac.

Check the screenshot below for reference.

Fix 2: Enable File Sharing on Android Phone

By default, when you connect an Android phone to a PC or Mac, the system starts charging the phone. If you want to access your phone to transfer files, enable the File Transfer permission on your Android phone.

Step 1: Connect your Android phone to a Mac.

Step 2: Unlock your Android phone and swipe down from the home screen. Select Android System notification.

Step 3: Tap the radio button beside File transfer/Android Auto.

Step 4: Launch the Android File Transfer app on Mac, and your phone folders should appear.

Fix 3: Use OpenMTP

The default Android File Transfer software is basic at best. We often ran into issues with transferring files from our Android phones. There are alternative methods, among them, OpenMTP is a free, capable alternative to Android File Transfer on Mac. Let’s check it in action.

Step 1: Download and install Open MTP using the link below.

Step 2: Connect your Android phone to a Mac using the data cable and launch OpenMTP.

Step 3: It shows your Mac storage on the left side and your Android device on the right.

Step 4: You can drag and drop photos from your Android phone to your Mac and vice versa.

The entire software experience is smooth, intuitive, and works without breaking a sweat.

Fix 4: Update macOS

An outdated macOS build may prevent you from connecting external devices on your Mac. It’s time to install the latest macOS update.

Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and open System Settings.

Step 2: Scroll to General and open Software Update.

Download and install the latest macOS software and try again.

You can also restart the Mac and Android phone and connect them. With third-party apps, you can wirelessly send files from Android to Mac. Read our dedicated post on how to use Nearby Share on Mac to transfer files from Android.