Questions and answers
How do I transfer files from Android to Mac?
Connect the phone to your Mac with a USB cable, unlock it, and choose File transfer in the phone's USB notification. Synkbay shows the phone's storage like a Finder window: drag files to the Mac, or drag files from Finder onto the phone. To copy photos from an Android phone to your Mac, open the DCIM folder, or use Photo Sync to copy only the new ones. See Synkbay Help for each step.
Is there an alternative to Android File Transfer?
Yes. Synkbay does the same job, copying files between an Android phone and a Mac over USB, as a native Mac app, with drag and drop to and from Finder, Quick Look, transfers that resume after unplugging, and photo and folder sync. Synkbay is not affiliated with Google. If Android File Transfer is installed, quit it while you use Synkbay: only one app can use the phone at a time.
Which Macs does it work on?
Macs with macOS 14.4 or later. Synkbay is a native app for Apple silicon, and it also runs on Intel Macs, though we haven't tested it on one yet. If you try it on an Intel Mac, we'd like to hear how it goes.
How is Synkbay different from free file transfer tools?
It's a native Mac app, written in Swift on Apple's own USB framework, with no drivers or system extensions to install. When another app is holding the phone, Synkbay names it and offers to quit it, instead of failing with a vague error. You can drag files to and from Finder, preview them with Quick Look, and see every copy in the Transfers panel. With Pro, copies resume after you unplug, and Photo Sync and sync folders copy only what's new.
How do I get updates?
Download the new version from this website and replace the app in your Applications folder. Your settings, history and license stay. Synkbay tells you when a new version is out, in its menu and window; it checks this website when it starts and once a day.
Do I need to install anything on the phone?
No. Synkbay uses Android's built-in File transfer mode. Choose it from the USB notification when you plug the phone in.
macOS says it can't check Synkbay for malicious software
The first time you open Synkbay, macOS may block it. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down, and click Open Anyway next to Synkbay. You only need to do this once.
Why doesn't my Mac recognise my Android phone?
macOS has no built-in support for Android's File transfer mode, so the phone doesn't appear in Finder; it appears in Synkbay. Unlock the phone and check the USB notification says File transfer, not Charging only. If another app is using the phone, Synkbay names it and offers to quit it. Some cables only charge; try another if nothing appears.
What happens if I unplug the phone during a transfer?
The transfer stops and shows "Phone disconnected". With Pro, it continues when you plug the phone back in and unlock it: Synkbay finds the phone by its serial number and each file by its path. To avoid it altogether, press Eject (⌘E) before unplugging.
Can folder sync delete my files?
No. Sync copies new and changed files in one direction and never deletes anything on either side. If the destination already has a different file with the same name that Synkbay didn't put there, it's left alone and reported. A changed file on the phone is replaced only once the new copy is complete.
Does it work over Wi-Fi?
No. Synkbay works over a USB cable, which keeps your files off the network and copes well with large folders and long videos. It works the same with no Wi-Fi at all.
Can Synkbay see my messages, notifications or screen?
No. Synkbay works with files only: the storage your phone shares in File transfer mode. There's no app on the phone, and nothing asks for access to your contacts, messages, calls, notifications, camera or screen.
Do I need an account?
No. There's no sign-in and no cloud. The free features work forever, each Pro feature can be tried 3 times, and a Pro license key is checked on your Mac, offline.
How does the Pro license work?
You pay once and get a license key for every 1.x version. Activate it within 7 days of receiving it: click the link in the email, or paste the key into the License tab in Synkbay's Settings. If you miss the 7 days, the key expires and Purchase Help sends you a new one, free. Activation ties the license to your Mac and is checked on your Mac, so it works offline. Moving to a new Mac? Request a new key in Purchase Help, up to twice a year; the old key stops working 7 days later.
Does it work with iPhone?
No. macOS already handles iPhone through Finder, Photos, Image Capture, and AirDrop.
Something isn't working. What should I send?
Choose Help → Export Diagnostics… in Synkbay and attach the zip it saves to your email. It has the versions, the phone model, connection state, recent errors and any crash reports, so you don't need Terminal. Serial numbers, license details, your user name and file names are left out.
How do I uninstall it?
The disk image includes Uninstall Synkbay.command. It removes the app, its login item, settings, and history. Files you downloaded or synced stay where they are.
Questions about buying or licenses? See Buying questions.
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