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Back up Android photos to your Mac automatically

Updated October 24, 2026

If you do not want your photos in someone else's cloud, your Mac can be the backup. PhoneFerry can copy new photos and videos to a Mac folder every time the phone connects, and free up space on the phone only after a verified copy.

Set it up

  1. Connect the phone once by USB (or pair over Wi-Fi) and open PhoneFerry.
  2. Open Auto Backup in the sidebar and pick the phone.
  3. Choose the source folder (usually DCIM/Camera) and the destination folder on your Mac.
  4. Choose what to copy: photos, videos or other files, and optional date limits.
  5. Choose when to run: when the phone connects, or on a schedule.

Free up space safely

Turn on “Delete verified originals after automatic backups” only if you want the phone cleaned up. PhoneFerry deletes a file on the phone only after it has checked the copy on the Mac, and only files that match the filters you chose.

Why a local backup

  • No cloud storage plan and no upload limits.
  • Full-quality originals, including large videos.
  • Files stay on your Mac, where Time Machine can back them up again.

Frequently asked questions

Does backup run without opening the app?

It runs when PhoneFerry is open or set to launch at login and the phone connects. Turn on “Launch PhoneFerry at login” in Settings.

Will it copy the same photo twice?

No. Files already backed up are skipped.

Can I back up only photos and not videos?

Yes. Choose the file kinds in the backup settings.

Sources

More Android and Mac guides