SOLVED! Android Not Showing Up on Mac

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Once it comes to Android not showing up on Mac, USB debugging must have been disabled and you need to re-enable it. Also, you should take a look at the USB cable, your computer and your Android phone. In a pinch, feel free to give wireless connection a go. Continue to be able to establish connection between Android and Mac devices at will.

Why Connect Android to Mac?

Though it’s a rare case that you got both a Mac and an Android phone, some people have this tandem in their arsenal. As we know, Android mobiles are versatile, but Macs works perfectly and harmoniously with iPhones. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t connect your Android phone to a Mac. Bear in mind, however, that you need to take a few more steps for this connection to come to a success.

There are two reasons why you need to connect a Mac to an Android phone — for file transfer and for testing an app. Of course, if you need to back up the files on your smartphone and you only have a Mac to use, use it – it’s not prohibited. Furthermore, if you are in Android app development, and again, you only have a Mac, you should connect your Android device. Now, you can connect either via USB cable or wireless connection.

File Transfer to Mac

Unlike in Windows, you need another app to make file transfer possible between Mac and Android. The most common software is the Android File Transfer. But, before you can transfer files, ensure that the USB Debugging is enabled. Otherwise, you’ll experience Android not showing up on Mac.

Testing an App

There are other ways to transfer files from your Android mobile without the need to go through the hassle of connecting these two interfaces. But, if you are an Android app developer, having to connect your real mobile to your computer (in this case Mac) is essential.

As you know, Android Studio works just as fine with Mac for as long as it’s running on Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or up. Using it to create your Android mobile apps is also great. Although you can use emulators when testing your app, it’s a whole new experience when you integrate your real device. This means you must connect your Android mobile to Mac.

Android Not Showing Up on Mac — Reasons and Solutions

Just because Mac is friendlier to iPhones than Androids, it doesn’t mean that it will refuse connection between the two. If your Android device won’t show up on Mac it could only mean three things — incompatibility, faulty USB, and a quick tweak on the Settings.

Disabled USB Debugging Options

By default, you don’t have Developer Options because you need to manually activate it. This setting isn’t useful for common people, at all. But if you are a developer or you want to do more with your Android mobile, this setting should be enabled.

  1. Go Settings>System>About Phone.
  2. From there, you can the Build Number field or Version.
  3. Tap it for seven or more times until a prompt appears that you are already a developer.
  4. Take a step back and you can see the Developer Options.
  5. Tap it to open and find USB Debugging.
  6. You must enable it so the next time you connect your phone to your Mac it’ll be detected.

Still, no connection established even if the USB Debugging is enabled? Try to select Revoke USB Debugging Authorizations. Restart both the mobile device and your Mac. Activate USB Debugging again and see if it works this time.

Faulty USB

You must verify that the USB cable you’re using is working. Next, if it’s working, ensure that it’s not ‘power only’ USB cable. You must use a cable that has both power and data wires inside. In this way, it’ll allow you to connect to your computer and transfer files.

Diagnose Mac and Your Phone

There are system requirements to ensure a harmonious connection between Mac and your Android mobile. Make sure that you are running on Mac OS or later and Android 3.0 or later. Restart your Mac and reconnect your Android phone.

For your phone, ensure that the system is up-to-date. Go to Settings>System>Software. Check for updates. Install the latest updates and then, retry the process.

Connect Wirelessly

If you still encounter this problem when using a USB cable, try connecting wirelessly. There is plenty of software you can use like SHAREit, AirDroid, or DropBox. This is an alternative if you only want to transfer files to and from your Mac.

The Final Say

Unlike Windows that in most cases your Android phone will be detected when plugged in, in Mac, you need to take a few more steps. Whether you test the app you develop or you only have a Mac at home, you can successfully connect your Android mobile through these simple methods.

First, on your phone, you must enable USB debugging. Second, you should know that your USB cable is working and is capable of transferring data, not just charging. Lastly, troubleshoot Mac and phone, by usually checking if both of them satisfy the system requirements and if they are running on the latest versions. Furthermore, if you still come across this problem with USB cable connection, why not take advantage of the wireless connection? Leave a comment for the solution that works for you.