Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) does not recognize Samsung Galaxy S3

First post here, hoping some of you guys can help out. I've been searching the forums all morning for answers, trying suggestions, but nothing seems to work.

I've been an Apple iPhone user since it first came out, but the UI feels old and I was really liking the Galaxy S3. That being said I opted to make the switch yesterday. So far, I'm really enjoying the freshness of the Android OS (this device is currently running Ice Cream Sandwich) and I'm really excited to get configured for daily use (music, good battery, etc.)

Last night I was trying to add my music, but discovered that my MacBook Pro (mid-2011, running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion) doesn't recognize the device when it's plugged in via the USB cable. I did some research trying to see if others had experienced the issue, and they had. I found some recommendations for enabling USB Debugging, which I did. After that I tried using both MCP and TCP (?) options for media and camera, but both of those didn't work either. I also tried those options with Android File Transfer, but it only said that no Android device was connected. I tried rebooting both my machine and the phone, both proving fruitless.

I read about DoubleTwist this morning, which looks promising. I'll have to wait until tomorrow evening to give it a shot though.

Also, I'd like to root the device and install 4.1 Jelly Bean (if that's possible?) and get rid of all the Samsung/Verizon bloatware. That would require the USB though, if I'm not mistaken.

So, my question(s) to all of you are these:
1. How do I get my machine to recognize my device via USB? Again, I'm on a Mac running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on the Verizon's version of the Galaxy S3 which currently has ICS.
2. What's the best method of syncing music and playlists, either via USB or wireless?
3. Is there a way to root the device using a Mac and if so, is it possible to get a clean copy of Jelly Bean (or another recommended image?) that will still work with the Verizon "necessities"?
4. Finally, I did a full charge last night (phone has been on battery for about 3 hours now) but the battery is already down to 84% (with very little usage) - what are some techniques you guys use to conserve?

Thanks in advance.

clrux

Did you download Android File Transfer?

Yes. It always says "No Android device connected" though, despite using USB Debugging and trying both MCP and TCP (media and camera) options.

I'm wondering if it's a fault of OS X 10.8 (security stuff) or with the device itself?

I have no idea. I haven't upgraded to Mountain Lion yet so I can't personally troubleshoot that for you. Did you try an assortment of cables?

No. I'll have to see if I've got any other mini-USB to USB cables around the house. I guess it could be a faulty cable too.

Do you happen to have advice on rooting and music? Or are both of those a moot point until I figure out the USB issue?

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A buddy here at work said I probably need a USB driver to have the Mac recognize the phone. I'm going to give that a shot first and see if that works. If so, then I should be able to figure out the rest on my own. But I won't turn down solid advice from you guys.

Doesn't answer your specific question, but, how about using a microSD card? Copy music files from your MAC to the card then insert the card in the S3. Assumes you can use a microSD card in the MAC. Perhaps not a long term solution, but......

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Originally Posted by rexxman [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

Doesn't answer your specific question, but, how about using a microSD card? Copy music files from your MAC to the card then insert the card in the S3. Assumes you can use a microSD card in the MAC. Perhaps not a long term solution, but......

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This would certainly be the easiest way. My Mac does have an SD slot, so I'd need to find one of those little converters - not a problem though. This would also allow me to keep music separate from the OS space.

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Originally Posted by Solutions Etcetera [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

Mac OS will not mount MCP, and AFT probably doesn't work with S3 (works fine on ML with Nexus). There may be some other third party hack to do this, but why not just setup a SMB share and use something like ES File Explorer to transfer over wifi.

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I'd like to say that I wish to avoid third-party hacks as much as possible, but then I realize that rooting to install another Image is the same thing :) So, I'll do some research on ES File Explorer and see what it's about.

Did you try throwing the Mac out of the Window of a very tall building?

I found this video on YouTube [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] it shows an app called AirDroid that allows you to access and download files to your s3/droid wirelessly! Looks like it works fine haven't tried it myself yet

Just use Kies it works great. I have last years iMac. No problems and it will sync address book, iCal, notes, email, itunes pics.

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Originally Posted by clrux [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

First post here, hoping some of you guys can help out. I've been searching the forums all morning for answers, trying suggestions, but nothing seems to work.

I've been an Apple iPhone user since it first came out, but the UI feels old and I was really liking the Galaxy S3. That being said I opted to make the switch yesterday. So far, I'm really enjoying the freshness of the Android OS (this device is currently running Ice Cream Sandwich) and I'm really excited to get configured for daily use (music, good battery, etc.)

Last night I was trying to add my music, but discovered that my MacBook Pro (mid-2011, running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion) doesn't recognize the device when it's plugged in via the USB cable. I did some research trying to see if others had experienced the issue, and they had. I found some recommendations for enabling USB Debugging, which I did. After that I tried using both MCP and TCP (?) options for media and camera, but both of those didn't work either. I also tried those options with Android File Transfer, but it only said that no Android device was connected. I tried rebooting both my machine and the phone, both proving fruitless.

I read about DoubleTwist this morning, which looks promising. I'll have to wait until tomorrow evening to give it a shot though.

Also, I'd like to root the device and install 4.1 Jelly Bean (if that's possible?) and get rid of all the Samsung/Verizon bloatware. That would require the USB though, if I'm not mistaken.

So, my question(s) to all of you are these:
1. How do I get my machine to recognize my device via USB? Again, I'm on a Mac running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on the Verizon's version of the Galaxy S3 which currently has ICS. Install Kies Make sure to select MTP
2. What's the best method of syncing music and playlists, either via USB or wireless? Install Kies
3. Is there a way to root the device using a Mac and if so, is it possible to get a clean copy of Jelly Bean (or another recommended image?) that will still work with the Verizon "necessities"? Use[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]
4. Finally, I did a full charge last night (phone has been on battery for about 3 hours now) but the battery is already down to 84% (with very little usage) - what are some techniques you guys use to conserve? I will leave this up to you. Do a search here on the forums plenty of info and advice, too long to list.

Thanks in advance.

clrux

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i think its a problem with 10.8.2. before i updated, i was able to use android file transfer on 10.8.1, now i cant connect with android file transfer but Adam Outler's casual is able to recognize the phone.

Android File Transfer always gets mixed reviews, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I've heard the best are Kies or AirDroid as mentioned above.

AirDroid is pretty awesome, thanks for that.

AFT works but you have to put the phone in Camera mode when connected. It's honestly pretty crappy IMO.

Kies wont install on 10.8 so until they update it I would use AirDroid or Wifi Explorer Pro.

Having the same problem connecting my S3 with a mac running mountain lion. Have heard that it's either an Apple thing or a Samsung thing. Anyway, I also couldn't connect with AFT. I was swapping out micro sd cards and wanted simply to move data from 1 card to the other and ended up just copying card to card without connecting to the mac. Will take a look at AirDroid too.

Kies doesn't work with mountain lion yet, but there's an app that allows it to work. Will see if I can find the link, but I learned about it here on Android Central so there should be a thread somewhere that mentiones the Kies workaround with mountain lion.

I just installed it on my daughters MAC running ML, and it works perfect. Not sure why everyone is having so much trouble?

got kies to work on ML 10.8.2, followed the instructions in the first post in this thread: [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

opened kies, installed the update and bam, works like a charm. also deleted AFT then reinstalled it and works again.

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Originally Posted by dmmarck [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

Did you download Android File Transfer?

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I think the Android File Transfer needs to be updated or something. I know that when I hook up my S3 to my MacBook Air, it doesn't recognize it. I generally use Air Droid now for my file transfer needs.

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Originally Posted by PaulDroidR2D2 [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

I think the Android File Transfer needs to be updated or something. I know that when I hook up my S3 to my MacBook Air, it doesn't recognize it. I generally use Air Droid now for my file transfer needs.

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It's a horrible application. I avoid it at all costs :).

Use KIES Air. It is a little slower bc it is over wifi but it works fine with the latest Mac OS, that is what I am using. It is stock on the phone so there are no third party apps involved.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Android Central Forums

Have you download kies? Or you could just use kies air

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

It isn't your USB Cable. I have just bought a new Macbook air and Samsung S3 and I am experiencing the same issue. I even tried to use Kies Air to browse the Samsung with my browser and it didnt work. :(

---------- Post Merged at 05:57 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 05:54 AM ----------

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Originally Posted by Jmess82 [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

Did you try throwing the Mac out of the Window of a very tall building?

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This is a super solution! Er... I think.

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Originally Posted by iceberg384 [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

I found this video on YouTube [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...] it shows an app called AirDroid that allows you to access and download files to your s3/droid wirelessly! Looks like it works fine haven't tried it myself yet

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This worked for me!

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Originally Posted by dmmarck [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

Did you download Android File Transfer?

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That's what I used to get my Mac to recognize my Android.