How to transfer photos from Android to Mac

Updated October 24, 2026

There are four practical ways to get photos and videos from an Android phone onto a Mac. The right one depends on how many files you have, how big they are, and whether you want them in full quality.

1. USB cable with PhoneFerry (fastest for many files)

Install PhoneFerry from the Mac App Store.
Connect the phone with a USB cable, unlock it, and choose “File transfer” in the USB notification.
Your camera roll opens as thumbnails. Select photos and videos and click Copy, or drag them to Finder.

Files arrive in original quality, including large videos. Nothing is deleted on the phone.

2. Over Wi-Fi, without a cable

PhoneFerry can also pair with the phone over your own Wi-Fi network using Android's wireless debugging (Android 11 or later). After pairing once, you can browse and copy without a cable.

3. Quick Share to AirDrop (Pixel 9 and Pixel 10)

Pixel 10 phones (since November 2025) and Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold (since February 2026) can send to a Mac's AirDrop with Quick Share. On the Mac, set AirDrop to “Everyone for 10 minutes”. Pixel 9a is not included. It works well for a few photos.

4. Google Photos or Google Drive

Back up the phone to Google Photos, then download on the Mac at photos.google.com. This needs an internet connection and cloud storage, and big libraries take time to download.

Which method should you use?

Method	Best for	Needs
USB + PhoneFerry	Many photos, big videos, full quality	USB data cable
Wi-Fi + PhoneFerry	No cable at hand	Same Wi-Fi, Android 11+
Quick Share → AirDrop	A few photos from a Pixel 9/10	Supported Pixel
Google Photos	Phone already backs up to the cloud	Internet, Google account

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I use Image Capture or Photos with my Android phone?

These Mac apps work with cameras and Apple devices. Many Android phones do not appear there in the default File transfer mode. Choosing “PTP” or “Transfer photos” on the phone sometimes helps, but results vary by phone.

Do photos lose quality when copied by USB?

No. A USB copy moves the original files, including HEIC photos and 4K videos.

Can I delete photos from the phone after copying?

Yes. PhoneFerry can delete originals after a verified copy, but only when you turn that on.