To import photos from a Samsung Galaxy phone into the Photos app on a Mac, connect the phone with a USB cable that carries data, switch the phone’s USB mode from charging to file or image transfer, approve the access prompt, and then drag the photos you want into the Photos library. Samsung’s Mac-specific support instructions describe this wired route. Screen labels and device behavior vary by phone model, software version, and region, so treat the steps below as the standard path and adjust to the names on your screen. This guidance reflects Samsung and Apple support material checked in October 2026.
Before you start: what you need
- A data-capable USB cable. Use the cable that came with the phone if it transfers data, or another USB-C cable that supports file transfer. Samsung notes that not every USB cable transfers data. A charge-only cable can power the phone but cannot complete a photo import.
- An adapter, if the ports do not match. If your Mac has only USB-A ports, you may need a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter. Check the ports on both the phone cable and the Mac before you begin.
- Enough free space on the Mac. Photos needs room for the imported files, and the copies are stored in your library rather than in a separate folder.
Step-by-step: import selected photos into Photos
- Connect and unlock the phone. Plug the phone into the Mac and unlock it. Leaving the phone locked can stop the connection prompts from appearing.
- Approve access on the phone. If the phone asks whether to allow access to its data or to trust the computer, approve it. Without this approval the Mac will not see the phone’s storage.
- Change the USB mode. Pull down the notification shade and tap the notification that reads something like “USB for charging this device.” Choose Transferring files (file transfer) or the image transfer option, depending on what your phone offers. Samsung’s Mac guidance uses the file-transfer or image-transfer route.
- Open Photos on the Mac. Open the Photos app and look for the phone in the sidebar’s devices area. If it appears, select the photos you want, or choose all files, and drag them into the Photos library window. Confirm the destination library and your selection before you release the mouse button.
- Check the import before deleting anything. Open a few of the imported photos in Photos to confirm they display correctly. Only then remove the originals from the phone. Samsung’s excerpt does not instruct users to delete source files; this check is a precaution.
If Photos does not list the phone
Apple’s support guidance for importing from third-party mobile devices describes a fallback. Connect the device, drag its photos onto the Mac’s internal disk, and then import the copied files or folder into Photos. You can drag them into the Photos window or choose File > Import. Apple does not promise that every Android or Samsung model will expose its photos through the same mechanism, so use this route only when you can actually see the image files on the Mac.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If the phone still does not appear, work through these checks in order:
- Confirm the cable carries data by trying a different cable known to transfer files.
- Reselect the USB mode on the phone. A mode change sometimes needs to be made after the cable is already connected.
- Look again for the access prompt on the phone and approve it.
- Unplug and reconnect the cable, then try a different USB port on the Mac, or connect directly rather than through a hub.
Choosing the right method for your goal
The right method depends on where the photos need to go and how much you want to move. The table compares the options covered by Samsung and Apple support material.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
| Goal | Recommended route | Limits and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selected photos into the Mac Photos library | Wired connection, then drag into Photos | Documented in Samsung’s Mac-specific instructions; interface labels can vary. |
| Photos copied into an ordinary Mac folder | Wired connection, then copy files to the Mac disk | Apple describes this for third-party phones. Import into Photos afterward only if you want it there. |
| Full phone backup or migration | Samsung Smart Switch for Mac | Creates a broader backup and can restore data to a Samsung phone. It is not a substitute for importing selected images into Photos. |
| Wireless sharing | Quick Share | Samsung mentions Quick Share for sharing media, but Samsung’s support material does not establish a reliable Mac receiving workflow across current devices and software. Not stated as a dependable Mac method. |
When to use Smart Switch instead
Smart Switch for Mac is designed for a broader job: backing up a Samsung phone and restoring that data later, often when moving to a new device. Choose it when you want the whole phone preserved rather than a set of photos. For day-to-day photo transfers, the wired Photos route is simpler and more direct.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Samsung’s Mac instructions were tested on
Samsung’s Mac-specific page reports a single test setup: a Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra running One UI 9.0 on Android 17, connected to a MacBook Air M4 (2025) running macOS 27.0.1. That is the manufacturer’s reported configuration, not independent testing. Menu names, notification wording, and the way the phone appears in Photos may differ on other models, Android versions, and macOS releases.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
If your steps look different from the ones above, follow the closest equivalent on your screen. The core requirements stay the same: a data-capable cable, the correct USB mode, the access approval, and a Photos import or file copy you verify before deleting anything.
Photos, file transfer, and Smart Switch are separate tools, so keep them separate in your workflow. Photos handles selected images; file copying handles folders; Smart Switch handles full backups.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
