Bluetooth File Transfer: OS X to Android 5.0
Bluetooth File Transfer Between Android and Mac
Bluetooth technology is increasingly prevalent across various devices, and its widespread adoption is well-deserved due to its convenience.
Android users can readily transfer files between their devices and a Mac computer utilizing OS X's built-in Bluetooth File Exchange, commonly known as BFE.
Why Use Bluetooth for File Transfer?
While seemingly redundant, transferring files via Bluetooth offers a valuable alternative to traditional methods.
Consider situations where a USB cable is unavailable, or when direct, AirDrop-style file sharing isn't feasible with non-Apple devices.
Alternatives like FileDrop provide excellent options, but Bluetooth remains a reliable solution.
Bluetooth as a Practical Alternative
In the absence of a physical cable, Bluetooth functions effectively as a primary or secondary file transfer method.
Specifically, if you possess an Android device with Bluetooth capability and need to exchange files with a Mac, BFE consistently delivers results.
It's important to note that file transfer speeds via Bluetooth are generally slower compared to using a cable.
Benefits of Using BFE
- Provides a wireless file transfer option.
- Works reliably with Bluetooth-enabled Android devices and Macs.
- Serves as a backup when cables or AirDrop alternatives are unavailable.
Despite the slower transfer speeds, Bluetooth File Exchange offers a practical and accessible solution for file sharing between Android and Mac systems.
Establishing Bluetooth File Sharing
Prior to initiating any file exchange, it is necessary to configure Bluetooth sharing within the Sharing preferences of OS X. This can be readily accessed by opening System Preferences and selecting "Sharing."
Alternatively, Spotlight search can be utilized to bypass several mouse clicks.
Once the Sharing preferences are open, ensure that Bluetooth sharing is activated. If not, select the checkbox adjacent to it.
Enabling Bluetooth Sharing represents only the initial step in its configuration. Decisions regarding the handling of received files and your preferred Bluetooth browsing policy must also be made.
Consider, for instance, how your Mac should respond when a device shares a file via Bluetooth. You can opt for automatic acceptance and saving of all files, configure files to open automatically, or have OS X request your input each time.
A destination location for accepted files should also be selected. In the provided screenshot, the Desktop was chosen, though Documents, Downloads, or a dedicated folder for Bluetooth file transfers are also viable options.
Furthermore, you can determine whether devices are permitted to browse your computer, mirroring traditional location sharing. We have enabled this feature in our example, but you can configure it to prompt for permission each time or disable it entirely. A browse folder can then be specified, with its scope ranging from expansive to limited.
Remember that any subfolders within the chosen browse folder will also be accessible. If Bluetooth browsing is not intended, it is recommended to disable this option.
Establishing Connections: Pairing Android Devices
Before initiating file transfers using Bluetooth File Exchange (BFE), a pairing process between your Android device and your Mac is required. Begin by accessing the Bluetooth settings on your Android device.
The screenshots provided are captured from Android 5 Lollipop; however, the procedure remains consistent across earlier Android versions.
Initiating the Pairing Process
Select the target device for pairing – in this instance, your Macbook Air – from the list of available devices.
A unique six-digit code will be generated during the pairing sequence. This security measure prevents unauthorized connections from potentially malicious devices.
Verification and Completion
Confirmation of the displayed code on both your Mac and Android device is essential. Simply verify the numbers match.
Once verified, tap "Pair" on both the Mac and the Android device to finalize the connection. The devices will then be saved as paired, eliminating the need to repeat this process for future Bluetooth File Exchange sessions.
Transferring Files from Mac to Android
Now that the setup for sending and receiving files between macOS and Android devices is complete, the final step involves initiating the file transfer itself. A swift and straightforward method is to simply select the Bluetooth menu bar icon, choose the intended device, and then opt to "Send file to device."
The Bluetooth File Exchange (BFE) application will then launch. Alternatively, you can directly open BFE utilizing Spotlight search. You will then be prompted to select the file or files you wish to transmit.
To send multiple files simultaneously, hold down the "Command" key while clicking each desired file to select them. Once your selections are made, click the "Send" button to begin the transfer process.
If a connection between your Mac and the Android device isn't already established, you may be required to re-specify the destination for the file(s) within OS X and then click "Send" again.
Upon initiating the transfer, a notification will likely appear on your Mac indicating that the target device is awaiting your approval for the incoming file transfer.
Consequently, on the Android device, you must either accept or decline the incoming transfer request. Selecting "Accept" will authorize the transfer of all files currently queued.
Once the file transfer is finalized on your Android device, the system will typically handle the file based on its type. For instance, image files will be accessible through the Photos application, while music files will appear in your preferred music player.
You can review all recent incoming transfers and manage them as needed. Tapping on a transferred image, for example, will present options to open and view it.
Regardless, files transmitted via Bluetooth, particularly on Android 5 devices, are generally stored within the Bluetooth folder on your device’s SD card storage.
Should you need to locate a transferred file or relocate it to a different directory, this Bluetooth folder should be the first place you check.
Here's a summary of the process:
- Select the desired file(s) on your Mac.
- Initiate the transfer via the Bluetooth menu.
- Accept the transfer request on your Android device.
- Locate the file in the Bluetooth folder on your SD card.
Bluetooth provides a convenient method for file transfer between Mac and Android devices, ensuring seamless data exchange.
Transferring Files from Android to Mac
Previously, we established the destination folder on our Mac during the Bluetooth Sharing configuration. Consequently, files transmitted from any Bluetooth-enabled source – be it Windows, Android, Blackberry, or another Mac – are automatically saved to the Desktop.
To begin the transfer process from an Android device, first identify and select the desired file(s). For this demonstration, we will utilize the Android Photos app to send several images captured on the phone. A long press on an image initiates the selection mode.
The available sharing options will vary based on the applications installed on your device. However, Bluetooth should consistently be present as a transfer method.
Select the target Bluetooth device for the image transfer. In this scenario, the choice is straightforward as it is the only available device.
On your Mac, a progress indicator will appear, displaying the status of the transfer. If prompted, you will need to accept the incoming file transfer before it begins. The transfer can be halted at any time by clicking "Cancel".
All files sent to your Mac will be deposited on the Desktop for convenient access. Remember, the destination for incoming files can be customized within the Bluetooth sharing preferences.
Bluetooth transfer speeds are not exceptionally high. For instance, a 10MB file may require over a minute to complete. In comparison, the same file transferred via USB 2.0 would typically finish in just a few seconds. Therefore, a cable connection is preferable, though Bluetooth provides a viable alternative.
We are interested in your experiences. Do you regularly utilize Bluetooth for file transfers between your Mac and Android devices? Share your thoughts and any questions you may have in our discussion forum.