How do I transfer photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB?

[AC Question]

How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

I have moved to a Galaxy S6 after being an iPhone user since 2009. I love the phone, but I can't exactly figure out how to transfer my photos to my Mac running OS Yosemite. I had installed Samsung Smart Switch, but it appears that this application is for getting information from my old iOS device to my S6. I am fully aware that I can use sources like Google Drive and Drop Box to upload the photos, but I would rather do this via USB. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thank you.

 

[anon8380037]

Re: How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

Hello. Welcome to Android Central.

I'm not great on this, and never had an Apple, but to start you off - can you see the S6 as a drive. You would be looking to open the DCIM folder. Maybe it's the same with Apple.
If Smart Switch installed the drivers as it should, when you plug the cable into the Mac the S6 should give a USB notification "installed as an MTP device" or some such. You can pull down the shade and change from Media Transfer Protocol MTP to Photo Transfer Protocol PTP, but I think either should work.

Smart Switch has been upgraded and is taking over from Samsung Kies, I have both currently. Kies also syncs and transfers/views media so you can try that. Not sure if the S6 works with Kies though.
BTW take the Lock Screen security off, just have swipe or none.

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

Welcome to Android Central! Have you tried Android File Transfer?

 

[anon8380037]

Re: How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

Or if you must have the easy way ^^

 

[TheRealJTRay]

Re: How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

Thank you for the response. I am curious what does taking off the Lock Screen password do to help? I tried Samsung Smart Switch and could figure out how to get it to transfer anything, but I may give it another try.

 

[TheRealJTRay]

Re: How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

I have read Android File Transfer does not work with the Galaxy S6, so never attempted.

 

[anon8380037]

Re: How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

Thanks for registering.
I think a computer won't see the device as a drive, or read it if the screen has a secure lock

Afaik, Smart Switch will only

Transfer useful data (not everything is compatible obviously) in one go to a new device.

Make a regular backup file of your current Samsung (it tells you what is backed up)

Check for software updates

Unlike the Samsung Kies programme, it won't do individual transfers of media etc to a pc.

I have a Samsung Note 3 (2013). I just drag photos from the DCIM folder, and Pictures folder for screenshots, to my Windows pc; and drag music files from ripped CD's back to the device.

Smart Switch has an accompanying app in the Play Store, you can have a look at it, but I don't think this program will do what you want.

Try Samsung Kies 3 for Mac, or unlock the screen security to find the DCIM folder.
Check in on the S6 forum too, there will be plenty of Mac users.

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: How to Transfer Photos from a Galaxy S6 to Mac OS X via USB

I have read Android File Transfer does not work with the Galaxy S6, so never attempted.

You might have to make sure you have the latest S6 USB driver installed: Samsung Galaxy S6 USB Drivers for Windows and Mac - Download ADB / Fastboot Drivers