How to share files between Android and MacOS with AirDroid

Constantine Johnny/Getty Images

Apple has AirDrop to simplify the file-sharing process between iOS and MacOS. But what about people who use Android and MacOS? What can you do? You could always create a network share on your MacOS device, but that approach complicates the matter and many users would rather not have to deal with the nuts and bolts of SMB shares.

Fortunately, there's an app called AirDroid that bridges the gap between the two operating systems. AirDroid is a free app (with in-app purchases for more features) that allows you to easily share files between the two systems, back up photos and videos from the phone to the computer, find other devices, and even record your Android screen. It's the file-sharing feature that I want to talk about in this article.

Also: 5 hidden Android features that can simplify your life

Before I get into the feature, let's talk free vs. premium. The premium version is $3.99/month and adds unlimited remote data (whereas the free plan only gives you 200MB), larger file size management (free is limited to 30MB, and the premium version gives you up to 200MB), larger file transfer size (free is limited to 30MB, and premium gives you 1GB), and the ability to add three total Android devices (free limits you to two devices).

With that said, let's see how AirDroid's file-sharing feature works.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

How to use AirDroid

What you'll need: The only things you'll need are an Android device and a MacOS device. I'll demonstrate on a Pixel 9 Pro and a MacBook Pro M1.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

You can transfer files from MacOS to Android in the same way.

To open a transferred file, simply tap (or double-click) on it within the AirDroid app. The file will open in the default application (such as Preview for images).

Also: Android 15 unveiled: Here are 8 exciting (or handy) features coming to your phone

And that's all there is to transferring files between Android and MacOS with AirDroid. This app has come in handy for me regularly and I'm sure you'll find it a necessary option in a world where Android and MacOS must coexist.