How to Transfer Files Between Android and Mac with OpenMTP

Updated

OpenMTP is a free, open-source macOS app that moves files between a Mac and any MTP device — Android phones, Kindle, Garmin watches, FujiFilm cameras, and Meta Quest VR headsets — over a USB cable, with no Wi-Fi setup or account required. It works on macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or higher for both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, and the official site reports 5–6x faster copies than typical alternatives plus support for 4GB+ files. Use it if you want a plug-and-play, drag-and-drop transfer tool; if you're on macOS 10.13 or earlier, you'll need the older v3.1.15 with Legacy MTP mode instead.

Before you start

  • A Mac running macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or higher. macOS 10.13 and earlier have limited support and require OpenMTP v3.1.15 in Legacy MTP mode.
  • An Android device (or other MTP device) and a USB cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
  • No account, cloud service, or Wi-Fi network is needed.

Step 1: Download and install OpenMTP

  1. Go to the official site and download the build that matches your Mac:
    • Apple Silicon (M1 and later)
    • Intel Mac
  2. Drag OpenMTP into your Applications folder.
  3. Alternatively, install it with Homebrew:
brew install openmtp --cask

If you're on macOS 10.13 or earlier, download v3.1.15 instead and follow the legacy installation steps on the site.

Step 2: Connect your phone over USB

  1. Plug the phone into your Mac with the USB cable.
  2. Unlock the phone.
  3. Tap the USB notification and choose File transfer (MTP mode).

OpenMTP detects the device right away — no Wi-Fi pairing or account sign-in.

Step 3: Move your files

The interface is a split pane: your Mac on the left, your phone on the right.

  • Drag and drop files across the panes.
  • Or copy and paste: select files and use ⌘C, then ⌘V in the target pane.
  • Switch between internal memory and SD card from the toolbar.

Features that speed up the work

Feature What it does
Rename files and folders Rename directly on the phone — something Android File Transfer can't do
Grid, list, and dark mode Pick the view and theme you prefer
Keyboard shortcuts Navigate, copy, and paste without the mouse
Split pane Mac and phone side by side for drag-and-drop
Multiple large files Handles 4GB+ files, many in one go
Privacy No collection of personally identifiable information

OpenMTP 3.0 introduced Kalam, a new MTP kernel, which is the engine behind the faster transfer speeds.

Troubleshooting common issues

Phone not detected

  • Make sure the phone is unlocked and the USB notification is set to File transfer, not "Charging only."
  • Try a different USB cable — charge-only cables won't carry data.
  • Reconnect the cable and reopen OpenMTP.

On macOS 10.13 or earlier

  • Standard builds won't work. Use v3.1.15 and enable Legacy MTP mode during setup.

Transfer feels slow or stalls

  • Close other apps using the device, and avoid transferring while the phone screen is locked.

Is OpenMTP the right choice for you?

Choose OpenMTP if you want a free, open-source, plug-and-play USB transfer tool for macOS that supports renaming, SD card switching, and large files. Consider the built-in Android File Transfer only if you need Apple's first-party utility and can live without renaming on the device. For older Macs (10.13 and earlier), plan on the legacy v3.1.15 build rather than the current release.