# Safest file transfer between Mac and GOS **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/safest-file-transfer-between-mac-and-gos/23242 **Category:** Questions **Created:** 2024-12-17T17:18:46Z **Posts:** 17 ## Post 1 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T17:18:46Z Hi, I am a Mac, GOS, and Proton user. I’m trying to recover an older backup of my Signal which is stored in Proton Drive to my Android device. I tried downloading the 7GB file from the Android Proton Drive app, but I don’t see any file progress so I’m not sure if it’s doing anything. So I thought of doing the good ol USB way. Then I found out transferring files from Mac to Android isn’t as straightforward as Windows. Some websites suggested Android File Transfer, but the link goes [here](https://www.android.com/better-together/quick-share-app/) so not sure if the app is still out there. Anyone know how to securely transfer files from Mac to Android? --- ## Post 2 by @Valynor — 2024-12-17T17:20:36Z Try > **[LocalSend: Share files to nearby devices](https://localsend.org/)** > > LocalSend is a free, open-source, cross-platform file sharing tool that allows you to share files to nearby devices. --- ## Post 3 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T17:29:40Z Thanks, Valynor. It works! Do you know if there’s an alternative for a file transfer via USB? Wanted to compare the speed between USB vs Wifi transfer (assuming LocalSend only works via wifi since I can’t find an option for USB) --- ## Post 4 by @Valynor — 2024-12-17T17:33:56Z > [@Grunge164](#): > > Do you know if there’s an alternative for a file transfer via USB? I don’t. USB 3.x (5 or 10 gbps) should be faster but if you have modern WiFi on your devices it can also go up to gbps speeds. --- ## Post 5 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T17:36:37Z Yeah the wifi was good enough. Was asking if there was a better alternative in terms of speed via USB. Thanks again. --- ## Post 6 by @anon39279085 — 2024-12-17T17:37:36Z thunderbolt/USB4 but otherwise no. Also phones don’t either way utilize USB4 or Thunderbolt so usb 3 or local network is the best you got. --- ## Post 7 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T17:50:04Z Not sure what USB my USB C is, but I found an old Android File Transfer and it worked too. But didn’t want to use it again since the app was officially removed from Android (the link I put in my OP). --- ## Post 8 by @anon39279085 — 2024-12-17T17:51:04Z Usually can tell by the pins :grin: Also wdym officially removed from Android? I use localsend perfectly fine. --- ## Post 9 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T17:51:23Z Also, I found [OpenMTP](https://github.com/ganeshrvel/openmtp), this one also works via USB. Seems to be actively maintained and open source too. Can’t find this being mentioned anywhere in this forum, but perhaps worth considering? --- ## Post 10 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T17:52:25Z Oh, I just have the USB C. Not sure if USB C has the different version of 3 or 4 like you mentioned. The one officially removed: I meant the Android File Transfer, not localsend. --- ## Post 11 by @anon39279085 — 2024-12-17T17:56:23Z hmm thanks for clarifying. Android file transfer is an option still though when connected to a computer? ![Screenshot_20241217-195520](//forum-uploads.privacyguidesusercontent.com/original/2X/b/b3b75a6160eac8d01465e727a0f69ffd40f6cdc2.png) Unless there’s some Apple mac fuckery going on or something. and for the Version, again can tell by pins let me find a resource ok [there to tell between USB2 or USB3 Superspeed.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB-C#Receptacles) (You can tell if it’s missing 4 pins off the plug that allows for USB3 Speeds) USB4 etc. Is up to the USB-IF to have certified the cable. --- ## Post 12 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T18:19:33Z Thanks for the info on the pins. For the Android File Transfer, yes it is an option and I used it. It worked fine. I am just hesitant about using an app that is officially discontinued. --- ## Post 13 by @anon39279085 — 2024-12-17T18:23:51Z It is not an app nor a discontinued thing? What are you on about. --- ## Post 14 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T18:37:06Z Here is the official link [The New Quick Share App for Windows | Android](https://www.android.com/filetransfer/). You tell me what’s wrong --- ## Post 15 by @anon80779245 — 2024-12-17T18:57:02Z Unless Apple has some shaningans, there is no app to download to transfer files via USB. **Just plug in and click the popup notification and then allow file transfer** --- ## Post 16 by @Grunge164 — 2024-12-17T19:22:03Z That’s also what I thought. Tbh I’m not sure if it’s Apple or GOS, but even after choosing the “File transfer” mode on the USB pop notif on GOS, Finder just won’t detect it. I have this feeling it’s on the Apple side since I’m not the only one having [this issue](https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/1ah0bgn/how_to_transfer_files_from_android_to_mac/?sort=new). --- ## Post 17 by @anon73250778 — 2024-12-17T22:31:35Z One quick and dirty way I do it is that I rename the files to .jpg for hard to transfer files. Now I do not know if iOS will even allow you that (try in Files App) but that seems to facilitate file transfer better via Bluetooth. Problem is, this is not the intended use case and you may run into weird issues especially if the file is unusually big for a “jpg”. Another way to move things around is via a self hosted nextcloud or maybe a NAS.