How to Transfer Files from Android to Mac with NearDrop

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Sharing files between devices should be a straightforward process, but as of 2024, it still presents challenges. Fortunately, Google and Samsung have merged Nearby Share and Quick Share into a unified service, with Quick Share being the surviving name. It functions similarly to Apple’s AirDrop, enabling seamless file and content transfers between Android devices and even Windows laptops and desktops. However, Quick Share is not officially available on Macs, making file transfers from Android to Mac a bit cumbersome. Fortunately, there’s an alternative called NearDrop.

NearDrop is a third-party application that facilitates the use of Quick Share on a Mac. Although it hasn’t seen updates since the merger of Nearby Share and Quick Share, NearDrop remains functional. Some references to Nearby Share may still appear, but the application works for Quick Share. This guide will walk you through downloading and setting up NearDrop to effortlessly transfer files from an Android device to your Mac.

Setting up NearDrop for Quick Share on Mac:

Since Apple is unlikely to officially support Quick Share on macOS, NearDrop, a free tool developed by Gregory K (Grishka), comes to the rescue. However, it’s important to note that NearDrop only supports sending files from an Android device to a Mac, not the reverse.

Ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your Mac, as NearDrop exclusively uses Wi-Fi for its operations. Unlike Quick Share, which utilizes a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, NearDrop relies solely on Wi-Fi connectivity for data transfers.

  1. Visit the NearDrop GitHub page and download the latest version’s ZIP folder.
  2. Drag and drop the NearDrop application into your Mac’s Applications folder.
  3. Launch NearDrop, and you’ll see the app’s icon appear in the upper menu bar of your Mac.

With NearDrop installed on your Mac, the application will run silently in the background, making your Mac visible to any Android device connected to the same network.

Effortlessly Sharing Files from Android to Mac with NearDrop:

Now, you can easily share files from your Android phone or tablet to your Mac. Follow these steps:

  1. On your Android device, select the files you want to share and tap Quick Share.
  2. Your Mac’s name will be listed among the available devices.
  3. Tap it, confirm the transfer, and receive a notification indicating the transfer has started.

While NearDrop is a convenient way to share files from Android to Mac, it’s essential to remember its platform limitation – it does not support transferring files from Mac to Android. Nonetheless, it represents a significant improvement over other methods for sharing files between Android and macOS.

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