Key Takeaways

  • Android File Transfer allows Mac users with Android devices to easily transfer files between their phone and computer using drag-and-drop functionality.
  • AirDroid mirrors phone notifications, calls, and messages on a Mac, and even supports screen mirroring and remote control.
  • Clipto brings a universal clipboard to Android users with Macs, allowing them to sync copied texts between devices instantly.

You need an iPhone to use Apple's Continuity features on a Mac. But if you're an Android user who owns a Mac, you still have several third-party apps that offer seamless continuity between your devices. We'll take a look at them below.

1. Android File Transfer

Android File Transfer app running in macOS

Let's start with Android File Transfer, a seamless file management app from Google for Mac users with Android devices. It allows you to browse your phone's storage when plugged into your computer and share files effortlessly between both devices. While your Android phone is connected to your Mac, you can transfer files between the two using the drag-and-drop functionality.

All you need to do is install the Android File Transfer client on your Mac, connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable, and then enable USB debugging on Android.

Of course, there are other alternatives for transferring files between Android and macOS, but we chose Android File Transfer because it's the official app from Google.

Download: Android File Transfer (Free)

2. AirDroid

AirDroid open on Mac with notifications displaying

AirDroid is a full-fledged companion app that mirrors your phone notifications, including app notifications, calls, and messages to your Mac. The app also supports screen mirroring, remote control, sending and replying messages, managing contacts, and wireless file transfer.

The best feature of AirDroid is when you have the app installed on your devices, Android notifications will show up instantly in the top-right corner of your Mac, almost as if they are native. You can even make calls directly via the desktop app, although you must use your phone to communicate.

If you opt for the premium subscription, you can unlock other perks like closing and muting connection alerts. Overall, AirDroid is quite a handy utility, especially if you're a Mac user with an Android phone.

Download: AirDroid for Mac | Android (Free, subscription available)

3. Clipto

Using Clipto universal clipboard on Mac

If you don't want to spend money on an iPhone to use Apple's Universal Clipboard feature, take a look at Clipto. As the name suggests, the app brings a universal clipboard to Android users with Macs.

The idea is simple: copy text on either of the two devices and add it to the app, and you'll have it across both devices instantly. Since Clipto uses cloud sync, you need to create an account and sign in with the same account on both devices. You don't have to download the app if you don't want to; you can use it via your favorite browser.

Clipto will store your clipboard history so that you can revisit any of the copied texts later down the road if needed. Remember that the free version is limited if you'd like to use the auto-sync functionality.

Download: Clipto for Mac | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Vysor

Using Vysor to mirror and control an Android phone using a Mac

Vysor is likely the app you'll end up using most out of all these. The app turns your connected Android phone into a live and interactive emulator, letting you control your phone with a mouse and keyboard on your Mac. You can reply to texts, test projects if you're a developer, and even navigate around with the arrow keys.

The latency is surprisingly low, and it's possible to play some casual games as well. While you can control your Android device and take screenshots for free, you'll need to subscribe to Vysor Pro for features like drag-and-drop, high-quality mirroring, fullscreen mode, wireless connectivity, and more.

Download: Vysor for Mac | Android (Free, subscription available)

5. VLC Mobile Remote

Popular video player VLC has a handy unofficial Android app that lets you remotely manipulate its playback. During setup, you need to download a companion app called VMR Connect and install it on your Mac. As soon as you're through the setup process, you'll have all the options on your phone, including the timeframe, subtitles, play/pause, volume, and much more.

The app even lets you play any file from your Mac's storage directly, which is quite helpful when binge-watching a TV series. To play an audio or video, add it to the playlist tab first. Keep in mind that most functionality is behind a paywall, so you'll have to buy the app to unlock all of its features. Also, did you know these secret VLC features?

Download: VLC Mobile Remote (Free, in-app purchases available)

Download: VMR Connect (Free)

6. Unified Remote

Unified Remote lets you control your Mac with your Android phone. The app allows you to navigate your Mac and manage it from your phone. You can move the cursor around, access music controls, type from the virtual keyboard on your phone, and even browse your computer's files.

For a few extra bucks, you can even have voice commands, a floating remote, and a couple more features.

Download: Unified Remote for Mac | Android (Free)

Download: Unified Remote Full for Android ($4.99)

7. Google Messages

Using Google Messages on Web

Messages by Google is the company's primary messaging app on Android. Unlike other SMS apps for Android, you can also access Google Messages via the web. This means that you can use Messages on other platforms apart from Android.

The web version is identical to Android, enabling you to send and receive messages. So, when you receive a message while at work, you don't have to use your Android phone to view and reply; you can do it directly on your Mac.

To use Google Messages for Web, visit the site's link below, then scan the QR code provided using the device pairing feature in the Android app.

Download: Messages by Google for Android | Web (Free)

8. Google Chrome

chrome welcome page displayed on smartphone screen

Since Safari is exclusive to Apple devices, there's no way to sync bookmarks, browsing history, reading lists, and more across non-Apple devices. However, with Chrome supporting Android, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Windows, switching to it ensures continuity across your Mac and Android phone.

The key to accessing your browsing data across Android, macOS, and other platforms is to sign in to Chrome using the same email. Using its sync functionality, you can instantly pick up from where you left off on a Mac when you need more screen real estate. You can also use Chrome as your password manager, ensuring you have your password at your fingerprints, even on a Mac.

Download: Google for Android | Mac (Free)

Make Your Mac Work With an Android Phone

Apple makes it hard to get a seamless experience when using a Mac with an Android phone. But that doesn't mean you have to buy an iPhone. You can use an Android phone with a Mac and still get continuity. Depending on the features you'd like to access across your Android device and Mac, you can use one or more of the above apps to satisfy your needs.