Setup & Activation Guide

Five-minute setup. Install the Mac app, install the Companion on your phone, pair once, you're done. If you bought Pro, activating your license takes one more step.

1. Install the Mac app

1. Download MacTransfer-1.0.5.dmg.
2. Double-click the DMG to mount it.
3. Drag MacTransfer onto the Applications shortcut.
4. Eject the DMG and launch MacTransfer from your Applications folder or Spotlight.

The Mac DMG is signed with an Apple Developer ID and notarized — it opens cleanly on macOS Sonoma and later with no right-click workarounds.

2. Install the Companion app on your phone

Two paths — pick whichever your phone supports.

From Google Play (recommended once available)

Search "MacTransfer Companion" on Google Play and install. If it's not yet on Play in your region, use the sideload path below.

Sideload (direct APK download)

1. On your phone, open this page in your phone's browser and tap Download Companion APK.
2. When the download finishes, tap the notification or the file in your Downloads folder.
3. Android will ask you to allow installs from this browser the first time. Tap Settings → toggle Allow from this source → back arrow.
4. Tap Install. If Play Protect warns about an "unsafe" app, tap More details → Install anyway. The app is signed; the warning is because it's not yet recognised by Play Protect.
5. Open the Companion app and grant Storage and Camera permissions (Storage to transfer files, Camera to scan the pairing QR code).

3. Pair your phone and Mac

1. Make sure your Mac and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On the Mac, click Pair phone in the top-right of the MacTransfer window. A QR code appears.
3. On the phone, tap Scan QR Code in the Companion app, point it at the Mac's QR code.
4. The Mac status bar shows the connected phone. The phone's home screen shows "Connected to <your Mac>".

4. Transfer files

• Left pane = Mac, right pane = phone.
• Click any file or folder to select it. Hold ⌘ to select multiple.
• Click ← Copy to Mac or Copy to phone → in the toolbar.
• Track progress in the bottom panel.

USB transfer (no Companion app needed)

If you'd rather use a USB cable: enable Developer options → USB debugging on your phone, plug it in, accept the prompt. The Mac app uses ADB internally — same dual-pane experience, just over USB.

5. Activate Pro (only if you bought a license)

1. Open MacTransfer.
2. Press ⌘ , (or menu MacTransfer → Settings).
3. Paste your license key (format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) into the activation field.
4. Click Activate.

The status flips from "Free" to your tier (Pro Annual or Pro Lifetime). Daily transfer limits disappear.

Moving your license to a different Mac

Each license activates up to 3 Macs. To free a slot:

1. On the old Mac: MacTransfer → Settings → Deactivate.
2. On the new Mac: paste the key and activate.

If you've lost access to the old Mac, email [email protected] with your license key and we'll free the slot from our side.

Troubleshooting

Phone doesn't show up

• Wi-Fi: both devices on the same network. Some routers isolate "guest" networks — switch off guest mode.
• USB: adb devices in Terminal should list the phone. If "unauthorized", unlock the phone and tap Allow.

License activation says "limit reached"

You've used all 3 device slots. Deactivate one from another Mac, or email support to free one remotely.

License activation says "invalid key"

Double-check the key from your purchase email. If it's correct, it may be that the subscription was refunded or cancelled — check your LemonSqueezy customer portal.

Still stuck?

Email [email protected] with your platform, what you tried, and any error message. We reply within 24 hours.