android file transfer not recognizing samsung galaxy phone

I know this sounds stupid, but try a different USB port. I have an Android phone (Moto G) and when I first tried connecting to my iMac I got the same "Could not connect" message you got from Android File Transfer. Then I plugged into another port and I got an intermittent connection. I tried yet another port and I got a steady, usable connection. I've had no problem transferring files and I was able to keep the phone I purchased. Go figure.

For what it's worth, I ran into this problem after installing "KIES" for OS X from Samsung. I deleted the app and that didn't work. I then remembered that the dmg file contained an uninstall program which I opened and ran. After that my Android File Transfer app worked again.

Thanks Charles, after many months I failed to use the Android File Transfer app even Kies app has already removed, I finally can use the Android File Transfer app after following your instruction. It worked like a charm. Big thanks.

Maybe a silly question, but where do i install the android file transfer app, on my macbook, my phone or on both? Thank you!

You only need to install the Android File Transfer app on your MacBook. No need to install anything on your smartphone.

After you installed it, connect your smartphone using USB cable to your MacBook. The Android File Transfer app should recognises your smartphone immediately.

Hey, guys. I, too, need help with this... but my problem appears to be a lot more complex! Possibly. I mean, the original poster never came back to verify if her issue was repaired (p.s. Kiki, I wrote a song about Kiki if you care to hear it.. it's silly).
Keep in mind - I do NOT have WiFi availability where I live, so my MacBook Pro does not get any internet access.

I live so far out in the country that I can't get cable, etc. But I can find some spots in my house where I can get a 4G network on my phone (I can't add HotSpot to my plan because my dad works for Verizon and well, long story, but we'll lose our awesome plan we currently have that we're grandfathered into).

In order to not lose my mind completely while way out in the middle of nowhere, I download TV shows or movies onto my phone, then I transfer them via USB and Android File Transfer onto my computer. This has been no problem for years, but just last week, it completely stopped working.

What Happens:

I plug the phone in, the word Verizon + CD symbol appears in the device list in Finder. After a few seconds, it disappears, then Android File Transfer appears to open, but is immediately thwarted by an error message, rendering it inaccessible. The message claims that I need to unlock my screen, but my screen is unlocked!

Troubleshooting Steps I've Already Taken (sometimes multiple times):

- Restarted both phone and computer.

- Tried different USB cables.

- Tried different USB ports.

- Made sure my android software was up-to-date.

- MTP is selected.

- PTP functions through Image Capture, but only pictures may be transferred.

- Made sure that USB debugging is selected in Developer settings.

- Put both computer and android device in Safe Mode.

- Uninstalled and reinstalled Android File Transfer (I am visiting my parents an hour away from my home today in an attempt to resolve this, they have WiFi).

None of these attempts have fixed the issue.

First, the computer sees that I've connected the phone (it's listed in devices in the finder window), then it suddenly disappears from that list and the AFT app opens but is immediately frozen by an error message claiming my screen is locked.

Device: Samsung Galaxy S5, completely up-to-date

Computer: Mac OSX Version 10.9.5 Maverick (can't go much higher, I have a 2011 computer).

And again, this was working find until last week when no new changes took place on either device. Also, please keep in mind that if you're able to help with more suggestions, I may not be around any WiFi (therefore my computer won't be able to be online at all) if your response is not within 24 hours of my post.

I hope this was sufficient information. Thank you so, so much in advance. I am hoping for only helpful responses, no judgement on the fact that I have an S5 or a 2011 machine or that I don't have HotSpot. Just simple help with this specific issue would be so wonderful.

Thanks, again!!