MTP on Mac, explained

Updated October 24, 2026

When you choose “File transfer” on an Android phone, it talks to the computer using MTP. Windows understands MTP out of the box. On a Mac you need an app for it. Here is what that means in practice.

MTP and PTP in one minute

MTP (Media Transfer Protocol): the phone shares its storage file by file. You see folders such as DCIM, Download and Documents. This is Android's “File transfer” mode.
PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol): the phone pretends to be a camera and shares only photos and videos. This is “Transfer photos” or “PTP” mode.
The phone keeps control of its storage in both modes. The computer cannot mount it as a normal disk.

Why Finder does not show the phone

Finder shows disks, network shares and Apple devices. An Android phone in MTP mode is none of these, so Finder stays empty. Apple's Image Capture is made for cameras, iPhones, iPads and scanners. Its guide does not mention Android.

How to use MTP on a Mac

Install an MTP app such as PhoneFerry.
Connect the phone, unlock it and choose “File transfer”.
Browse every folder, preview files, and copy them to the Mac or send files back.

PhoneFerry also uses PTP as a fallback, and can use ADB over USB or Wi-Fi when you turn on USB debugging.

Frequently asked questions

Is MTP slower than a USB drive?

MTP sends one file at a time through the phone, so many small files take longer than on a disk. Large videos copy at good speed.

Can I edit a file directly on the phone over MTP?

MTP works with whole files. Copy the file to the Mac, edit it, and copy it back.

Which mode should I choose, MTP or PTP?

Choose MTP (“File transfer”) to see every folder. Choose PTP only if MTP does not work and you need photos.