Those who use an Android and macOS, how do you manage sync?

Question

I've been using a Macbook with Samsung android for a while and I usually use something like Pushbullet to sync some notifications.I also use the low-effort way of sending files to my WhatsApp on either device in case I need something quick.Of late I've discovered PlainApp which has made managing files on my phone easier.Weirdly enough I've found doing this using Google Drive the most cumbersome way so far. It just feels so difficult for some reason.Looking for any tips or suggestions anyone that anyone has tested out that works for them.

wraptile · Accepted Answer

KDE connect is trully magical and works on every operating system and has been a core program on every device in our household.

livueta · Answer

Syncthing for background syncing things like my keepass db I always want an offline, updated copy of. Smb over wg for general filesystem access and one-off bulk copies, usually via rsync. Both are served from the same fileserver cluster; the graphene phones and macbooks are all clients. Nextcloud for notes and photos, though I can also get at those over smb if necessary.

geor9e · Answer

For small files with no hassle, any instant messenger app like Telegram, Google Chat, FB Messenger etc where you can send photos, videos, files to yourself.
For massive files at home, I own a Synology NAS hosting a SMB network folder. I drag files in and they transfer at ~1gbps in theory, a bit slower in practive.
For massive files on the go, I turn on mobile hotspot then use Total Commander in "Wi-Fi transfer" mode. Also ~1gbps in theory, a bit slower in practice. You use your browser to upload/download the files on the mac side.
Options I avoid because they suck: GDrive (slow and limited by internet speed), All those "snapdrop" "peardrop" "wormhole" etc sites. They promise a lot more than they deliver. They're usually slow and finicky.

seltzered_ · Answer

KDE connect (android, macos, linux, etc.) + Soduto (a kde connect client for macos - https://github.com/soduto/Soduto ) is decent for basic file-sharing as an alternative to apple airdrop.

ggm · Answer

I don't personally think there is one single mechanism. I use some things which synchronise inside themselves or their own cloud sync, (bitwarden) and some things which synchronise via Google Drive, and other things which use iCal/Caldev syncing, or IMAP syncing.
I help people who live entirely inside Apple, and the built in and cloud sync is very very good: Password store sync is within seconds.
But, for various reasons I think I will remain in Android, despite using a Macbook for my daily life.
Photo sync has more complex problems. Acceptance of "live" images HEIC is .. mixed in other apps.

davesmylie · Answer

Beeper is quite useful here with a pinned message to yourself - can quickly send urls/text and have that show up on all devices. Obviously also handles google chat/facebook/sms/discord messages etc in the same system.For photos and other large files - dropbox, though the current price means I'll probably be dropping this next renewal.

iqandjoke · Answer

https://localsend.org/

RandomGuy45678 · Answer

Hi, my best solution is Syncthing.It all happens in the bacground. You define which folders to sync and additionally you can sync with as many devices you wish (e.g. a backup in your own server).https://syncthing.net/Good luck!

bestouff · Answer

I'm on LineageOS and use the included backup with Nextcloud. Relatively painless to configure, works quite well. I also use Nextcloud for photos/videos sync, so in theory I can loose/break my phone and restore everything back on a new one.

Kunsang · Answer

I am using OpenMTP for fast file transfers and file management https://openmtp.ganeshrvel.com/

nkzd · Answer

I use NearDrop for sharing files between my Samsung and Macbook: https://github.com/grishka/NearDrop

bhub · Answer

For Dropbox like stuff I use Nextcloud. Means I can select which files I want to download on my phone. For individual transfers of files a la airdrop I use Tailscale&rsquo;s Taildrop

prof18 · Answer

To quickly transfer files I'm using https://www.ubidrop.com/

navigate8310 · Answer

While I don't have a Mac but I found LocalSend invaluable, which allows me send and receive files without internet on ad-hoc basis.

allanrbo · Answer

Syncthing

conradfr · Answer

For a file or two I use "Wifi file explorer" that creates a temporary http server to browse from my computer.

renegat0x0 · Answer

To send files I use smb with file manager.To send files over the internet I use nextcloud.

__rito__ · Answer

Many ways to do this.- Mega Sync - Syncthing - Plain old email to share small stuff

jeffrallen · Answer

1Password and Google Photos and Google Drive.(i.e. piecemeal and badly)

aborsy · Answer

Synology NAS, and Tailscale tail drop.

thefz · Answer

Syncthing?

rcMgD2BwE72F · Answer

Syncthing. 200%

hehdhdjehehegwv · Answer

In my experience you can get to nominally working without too much pain, but getting beyond that is very hard no matter what you use. You really need to commit to an ecosystem to get seamless integration.I&rsquo;m not happy about this fwiw, just my experience.