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Google Pixel guide

How to transfer files from a Pixel to a Mac

A Pixel and a Mac don't talk to each other out of the box: there's no AirDrop, no Quick Share for Mac, and Google withdrew its Android File Transfer app. Here's how to move photos, videos and files anyway. We tested every step on a Pixel 9 Pro running Android 16.

1.Switch the Pixel from charging to File transfer

  1. Connect the Pixel to the Mac with a USB-C data cable.
  2. Swipe down and tap “Charging this device via USB”.
  3. Under Use USB for, choose File transfer / Android Auto.

The Pixel goes back to charging-only next time you plug in, so you'll repeat this each time. PhoneFiles reminds you when it sees a Pixel that's only charging.

PhoneFiles telling the user their Google phone is only charging and how to switch to File transfer

2.Find your photos, videos and screenshots

  • DCIM → Camera: photos and videos, named PXL_ + date and time.
  • Pictures → Screenshots: screenshots.
  • .MP.jpg files are Motion Photos (a photo with a short clip inside); .PORTRAIT.jpg are portrait-mode shots. Both open as normal photos on a Mac.

3.Copy them with PhoneFiles

PhoneFiles shows the Pixel like a folder on your Mac, with real thumbnails for photos and videos. Drag what you want to Finder (⌘A selects everything), or drop files from the Mac onto the phone. Press space to preview a photo or play a video straight from the Pixel before copying it.

A Pixel's photos and videos as thumbnails in PhoneFiles on a Mac

Your Pixel, like a folder on your Mac

Thumbnails, drag and drop both ways, videos that play instantly. Tested on the Pixel 9 Pro. USB or Wi-Fi, $19 once.

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4.No cable? Use Wi-Fi

Install the free PhoneFiles phone app on the Pixel, allow access to files, and pair once by checking both screens show the same 6-digit code. After that the Pixel appears in PhoneFiles whenever it's on the same Wi-Fi. More on Wi-Fi transfer.

Other options

  • Image Capture (built into macOS): choose PTP in the Pixel's USB settings, then import. Camera photos only.
  • Google Photos: if your Pixel backs up, download from photos.google.com. Slow for videos.
  • Not connecting? 8 fixes when Android won't show up on a Mac.

Questions

Where are Pixel photos and screenshots stored?

Camera photos and videos are in DCIM/Camera (named PXL_ followed by the date and time). Screenshots are in Pictures/Screenshots.

What are the .MP.jpg files from my Pixel?

Motion Photos: a normal JPEG photo with a short video stored inside. On a Mac they open as a regular photo; the photo itself is unaffected.

Why does my Pixel only charge when I plug it into my Mac?

That’s the Pixel’s default. Tap the USB notification and choose File transfer / Android Auto each time you plug in.

Can I use Quick Share from a Pixel to a Mac?

Not officially; Quick Share has no Mac app. Use a USB cable, or Wi-Fi with PhoneFiles.

PhoneFiles: Android File Transfer for Mac

Plug in and browse, or go wireless. $19 once, with a refund if it can't connect to your phone.

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