And since it uses a TLS connection to the server over HTTPS (using WSS, or WebSocket Secure), the data is encrypted. The server is only used to establish that the two devices can work together, and it will not have any access to the actual files being transferred since that happens peer-to-peer from one device directly to the other using DTLS.
Then, if it's determined that the two devices work together as needed, the data transfer is completed using WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) over DTLS, which sends the file from browser to browser.
It first connects to a signaling server online via WebSocket using TLS so that the devices can exchange info about their media capabilities. Snapdrop is a PWA (progressive web app) that uses web browsers and the current Wi-Fi network you're on to send data from one device to another. Skip to Step 1 below to start using it right away, or read on to see how it works. So, where does that leave us? Snapdrop is a good alternative. And email, well, that's just entirely inconvenient, and there are file size limits. But that's entirely dependent on your internet connection, so if you're using throttled Wi-Fi or are in a dead cellular zone, you're going to have issues. You could use cloud storage services like Dropbox since it's simple to add files to the cloud, which can be seen on all of your devices, and you can make shareable links.
How to use android file transfer on mac install#
Third-party services like HandShaker require that you install apps on all devices, and many do not support iOS either. Then there's Apple's aforementioned AirDrop, but it only works on Apple products. Google has a file transfer tool called Android File Transfer, but you need to connect to your computer with a USB cable, it doesn't always work great (or at all), and it leaves out iOS support. But we're here to tell you there is a better way than using USB cables, email, and cloud storage, and it gives you the look and feel of AirDrop.
How to use android file transfer on mac mac#
I suggest FileZilla, but if you don’t like that, you can use a FileZilla alternative as well.Getting files from an Android device to a Mac or iOS device is not always easy or convenient, and the same goes for transferring content from a Mac or iOS device to an Android device. You will need an FTP client on your Mac for this. If that’s happening with you, or if you don’t want to use Snapdrop for any reason, you can use FTP to share files between Android and macOS. Sometimes, at least for me, Snapdrop refuses to work properly. Plus, it’s the closest thing to AirDrop I’ve seen so far. It works quite fast, it’s completely free, and you don’t need to install any apps on your devices. Personally, Snapdrop is my go-to choice for sharing files between Android devices and my Mac. You can click on your Android phone’s name on your Mac screen and choose the files you want to send to your phone. This also works the other way around, by the way.You can then select the files you want to transfer. On your smartphone, tap on the Mac’s screen-name shown in Snapdrop. If you don’t see this, make sure both devices are connected to the same WiFi network and try to reload the website. You should see your phone pop-up on your Mac’s screen, and your Mac on your Android phone’s screen.
On your Android device and on your Mac, go to the Snapdrop website.