How to Transfer Photos from Samsung to Mac [7 Ways]

Frustrated with how to transfer photos from Samsung to Mac? This article focuses on various methods to transfer photos from Samsung devices to Mac computers, including Android File Transfer, Samsung Smart Switch, and built-in tools like Image Capture.

Compatibility is always the crux of data transfer between Android and Apple products. Thus, many users need clarification when transferring files from Android to Mac, especially when you are fond of taking photos and have many pictures stored on your Samsung. Luckily, you will find several ways to transfer photos from Samsung to Mac/Macbook.

Transfer Photos from Samsung to Mac with Data Transfer Tool

One of the best ways to transfer photos from Samsung to Mac is through EaseUS MobiMover. It works cross-platform perfectly and is so professional in transferring data between Android and Mac within a couple of clicks. EaseUS MobiMover can meet your needs:

• It supports photos and videos and transfers multimedia files from Samsung to your Mac, MacBook, iMac, or MacBook Air.
• It can back up your Samsung phone to your computer (Windows/Mac) in one click, including images, contacts, messages, music, and other data types.
• It can transfer all your pictures in the Photos app with a USB cable. You can also move specific photos selectively.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS MobiMover on your computer and connect the device to the computer via a USB cable. On your Android, allow debugging from the pop-up window to allow MobiMover access to files.

Step 2. Then, it will automatically install a mobile MobiMover app on your phone for a smooth transfer. Now tap "Allow" on your phone to allow the two required permissions shown on the screen to get file permissions. Click "OK" to dismiss.

Step 3. Now, on your computer, click "Phone to PC" > "Start" from MobiMover.

Step 4. Then you can select the file categories to transfer from Android to PC or Mac computer. Now choose photos, videos, music, messages, contacts, app data, or other files that appear on the screen to transfer. Here you can choose the location where you want to store the files, such as desktop, external hard drive, or USB flash drive. When you're done, click "Transfer" to start the process.

Step 5. Just wait a few minutes, the process will be completed. You can view the transferred files now or click "Transfer More" to copy other files.

✔️Pros:

• It is simple and efficient to transfer photos between Android and Apple products.
• It transfers photos without losing quality, and it supports other types of data.

❌Cons:

• You need to download and install it first.

Transfer Photos from Samsung to Mac with Android File Transfer

Android File Transfer is a free application developed by Google that allows users to transfer files between Android devices and Mac computers. You can go to the DCIM folder to copy the pictures, and you can also transfer photos from the Download folder if you've downloaded images to your phone directly from websites.

Step 1. Obtain the Android File Transfer app from Google's website and install it on your Mac.

Step 2. Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung phone to the Mac. Launch Android File Transfer. If prompted, ensure your phone is set to "File Transfer" mode.

Step 3. In the Android File Transfer window, navigate to the DCIM folder, which contains your camera photos.

Step 4. Select the photos you want to transfer, then drag and drop them to a folder on your Mac.

✔️Pros:

• Android File Transfer is free and straightforward to use.
• It allows transferring other files despite pictures.
• It is developed by Google for Android compatibility.

❌Cons:

• It can be buggy and require multiple attempts to connect successfully.
• You can use third-party sites if the official website is down or you can't find the app. However, be very careful downloading from these as they could contain malware. Only use trusted sources.

Import Photos from Samsung to Mac with Image Capture

Image Capture is a built-in macOS application that can be used to import photos from various devices, including Samsung smartphones.

Step 1. Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung phone to your Mac.

Step 2. Launch the Image Capture app on your Mac. Choose your Samsung phone from the list of devices.

Step 3. Select the photos you want to transfer, choose a destination folder on your Mac, and then click "Download."

✔️Pros:

• There is no need to download additional software.
• It is easy to use.

❌Cons:

• Image Capture is limited to photo and video transfers only.

Move Android Photos to Mac with Samsung Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch provides a simple way to back up your entire Samsung phone to your Mac by connecting the devices and clicking a button. While it lacks the flexibility to just transfer photos, it's a reliable option developed by Samsung for their phones. The full backup is useful if you need to restore your phone or transfer to a new device.

Step 1. Install Samsung Smart Switch on your Mac.

Step 2. Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung phone.

Step 3. Open Smart Switch and select the "Backup" option. Then, it will back up all the photos on your Samsung Galaxy phone to your Mac computer.

✔️Pros:

• It has a user-friendly interface and backs up various file types, not just photos.
• It is developed by Samsung for Samsung phones.

❌Cons:

• You can't selectively transfer just photos.
• It backs up everything, even if you don't need it.
• The backup is stored on your Mac, not the cloud.

Drag and Drop Photos from Samsung to Mac with MacDroid

MacDroid is a powerful file transfer app that allows you to easily move photos, videos, music, and other files between your Mac and Samsung devices. It provides a seamless solution for managing content on your Android phone or tablet directly from your Mac. To transfer photos from a Samsung phone to a Mac using MacDroid, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to https://www.macdroid.app/ or the Mac App Store and download the MacDroid application.

Step 2. Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung phone to your Mac.

Step 3. Open the MacDroid application on your Mac. In MacDroid, choose MTP mode (Media Transfer Protocol), which allows your Mac to communicate with your Android device.

Step 4. A pop-up window will appear on your Samsung device, asking for permission to allow file transfer. Select File Transfer.

Step 5. Back in the MacDroid app, click Next, then select your phone from the device list and click Mount.

Step 6. Your Samsung phone will now appear as an external disk on your Mac. Open Finder on your Mac. You will see your Samsung phone listed as a drive.

Step 7. Navigate to the folder containing your photos (usually found in the DCIM folder).

Step 8. Select the photos you want to transfer and either drag and drop them into a folder on your Mac or copy and paste them.

✔️Pros:

• It works with any Android device running Android 4.0 and later.
• It has both free and Pro versions to meet different needs.

❌Cons:

• A free version allows one-way transfers from Android to Mac, while the Pro version (costing $19.99 per year) enables bidirectional transfers and additional features.

Transfer Pics from Samsung Phone to Mac with a MicroSD Card

If your Samsung device supports a MicroSD card, this method can be efficient for transferring large amounts of data. This method is particularly useful if you prefer not to use USB cables or third-party applications. Let's see how to transfer photos from Samsung to Mac without USB cable.

Step 1. Ensure the photos are saved on the MicroSD card.

• On your Samsung phone, open the Gallery app.
• Select the photos you want to transfer.
• Tap on the Share icon and choose Move to SD card or use the Copy function if you want to keep them on your phone as well.

Step 2. Use a card reader to connect the MicroSD card to your Mac.

Step 3. Open Finder, select the card and drag the desired photos to your Mac.

✔️Pros:

• It has a high success rate and allows for large data transfers.
• Your phone remains free to make calls and send messages during the transfer.

❌Cons:

• It requires additional hardware (card reader).
• Transfer speed may vary depending on the quality of the adapter or reader used.

Download Photos on Samsung Phone to Mac with Cloud Services

Using cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox can also facilitate photo transfers without the need for cables.

Step 1. On your Samsung device, upload the desired photos to your cloud service.

Step 2. Access the cloud service on your Mac and sign in to the same account on your computer.

Step 3. Locate the uploaded images and download them to your Mac.

✔️Pros:

• Wireless transfer and easy access from multiple devices.

❌Cons:

• Dependent on internet speed and storage limits of the cloud service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transferring photos from a Samsung device to a Mac can be done through various methods, each suited to different needs. Whether you prefer using a direct connection via USB or leveraging cloud services, there is a suitable option available.