How to Transfer Photos from Mac to Samsung (Full Guide in 2025)

Sophie Green
2025-03-07
Home > Resources > Samsung Transfer (Backup) > How to Transfer Photos from Mac to Samsung (Full Guide in 2025)

Summary

Tired of clunky photo transfers between your Mac and Samsung device? Want your Mac photos on your Samsung Galaxy S-series or tablet, without the hassle? No matter if you have an S8, S10, S20, or a Samsung tablet, we'll show you four simple, up-to-date ways to transfer your photos from Mac to Samsung. Choose between quick wired connections or convenient wireless options, and enjoy your memories anywhere.

how to transfer photos from mac to samsung

Part 1: How to Transfer Photos from Mac to Samsung Using Android File Transfer

This method works for all Samsung models, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25, S24, S23, S22, S21, S20, S10, S8, S9, and even Samsung tablets, ensuring that transferring photos from Mac to Samsung is simple and direct.

Follow this guide to transfer photos from Mac to Samsung via Android File Transfer:

Step 1: Download and install Android File Transfer on your Mac.

Step 2: Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung phone to your Mac, and select "File Transfer" mode on your phone.

Step 3: Open Android File Transfer on your Mac. It will display the contents of your Samsung device.

Step 4: Drag and drop the desired photos from your Mac into the appropriate folder on your Samsung device. After the transfer is complete, safely eject your device from the Mac.

move photos from mac to samsung phone via android file transfer

Part 2: How to Transfer Photos from Mac to Samsung via Samsung Backup for Mac

If you are looking for a streamlined way to transfer photos from your Mac to your Samsung device, this photo management software - Samsung Messages Backup, offers a user-friendly solution for effortlessly managing and transferring your precious memories. You can directly import your photos to your phone without hassle, and manage your Samsung photos on your Mac with ease.

Key features of this Samsung photo manger:

- Allow you to preview and select specific photos or entire albums for transfer.

- Transfer large photo libraries quickly and efficiently.

- Help maintain your photo organization, ensuring your images are transferred to the correct folders on your Samsung device.

- Export Samsung photos to Mac without hassle.

- Transfer contacts, messages, videos, music, and more between Mac and Samsung.

- Enable you to transfer your photos and other data with Wi-Fi and USB.

- Support a wide range of Samsung devices, ensuring compatibility with your Galaxy S-series, Note, or tablet.

Download this photo management tool.

download mac version of photo manager download windows version of photo manager

Here's how to import pictures from Mac to Samsung with this software:

Step 1: Install this software on your Mac after downloading it, and launch it.

Step 2: Connect your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet to the Mac computer with a USB cable, and follow the on-screen guide to enable the USB debugging feature on your Samsung device. Then the connection will be done.

connect samsung to pc

Step 3: Click "Photos" on the left panel, and select "Camera" or "Phone Gallery". Then click "Add" to select your photos from your Mac, and directly import them to your Samsung phone.

import photos from mac to samsung

Part 3: How to Transfer Pictures from Mac to Samsung via Image Capture

Image Capture is a built-in macOS application that's primarily used for importing photos from cameras and scanners, but it can also be used for Samsung devices.

This is the guide:

Step 1: Connect your Samsung device to your Mac using a USB cable, and open Image Capture (it's usually located in the Applications folder) on your Mac.

Step 2: Your Samsung device should appear in the "Devices" list on the left. Now, select the destination folder on your Mac where you want to save the photos.

Step 3: Select the photos you want to transfer and click "Import" or "Import All". Once done, you can view the photos on your Samsung device.

import photos from mac to samsung with image capture

Part 4: How to Move Photos from Mac to Samsung via Google Photos

Google Photos offers a cloud-based solution that allows you to sync and access your photos across multiple devices. Thus, you can use it to sync your Mac photos to your Samsung Galaxy device.

Here's the guide:

Step 1: Visit Google Photos on your Mac's browser, and log in to your Google Account.

Step 2: Upload the photos from your Mac to Google Photos with the Internet.

Step 3: Install the Google Photos app on your Samsung device and sign in with the same Google Account.

Step 4: Your photos will automatically sync to your Samsung device. You can choose to download them for offline access.

sync photos from mac to samsung with google photos

Part 5: How to Transfer Photos from Mac to Samsung via Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch supports not only backup and restore but also content transfer from a computer to Galaxy devices. With it, you can experience the convenient photo transfer.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Install Smart Switch on both your Mac and your Samsung device. In general, Smart Switch is pre-installed on your Samsung phone, and you can find it with the Settings app.

Step 2: Connect your Samsung phone to your Mac with USB. Then click "Restore" > "Select your backup data" to choose your specific pictures.

Step 3: After selecting, tap "Restore now" to start transferring your photos. Once the process is complete, click "OK".

use smart switch to transfer photos from mac to samsung

Part 6: How to Send Photos from Mac to Samsung via AirDroid

AirDroid is a wireless file transfer app that works with many Samsung phone or tablet. It allows you to easily move photos from Mac to Samsung without using a USB cable.

Follow the steps below to send your photos:

Step 1: Install and open the AirDroid app on your Samsung phone and create an account.

Step 2: On your Mac, open a browser, and go to the AirDroid website to download the Mac version. Then install it, and sign in with the same account.

Step 3: After that, choose your Samsung device on the Mac, and drag and drop the photos to the window. Finally, send and save them to the Samsung device.

send photos with airdroid

Part 7: FAQs About Transferring Photos Between Mac to Samsung

Q1: My Mac isn't recognizing my Samsung phone. What do I do?

Troubleshooting steps include:

  1. Checking the USB cable.
  2. Ensuring the phone is in "File Transfer" or "MTP" mode.
  3. Restarting both devices.
  4. Making sure that Android File Transfer is installed.

Q2: Where do the transferred photos go on my Samsung phone?

Generally speaking, they'll be in the "DCIM" folder or the "Pictures" folder of File Manager, accessible through your phone's Gallery app.

Conclusion

For users seeking a more integrated Samsung-centric solution, Samsung Messages Backup offers robust transfer capabilities. Originally designed for Samsung data transfer and management, but now, it also supports other Android devices. If you want to selectively transfer your files and enjoy more practical features, this tool will be particularly suitable for you.

download mac version of photo manager download windows version of photo manager

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Sophie Green Chief Editor

Sophie Green, Chief Editor of Samsung-messages-backup website, has been focusing on the realm of Android Recovery, Android Transfer (Backup), Android Device Tips, Phone Clean, and Phone Transfer technologies. Recognized contributions on leading platforms attest to her esteemed expertise and reliability.