MTP Host Android – How to Choose the best MTP Application

MTP host Android is a popular topic among internet users who are curious about the differences between MTP transfer mode, UMS, and PTP, and why MTP is the preferred option. To understand why these different modes are necessary, let’s explore each protocol individually.

MTP Host Android Transfer Mode

MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) is a widely used protocol for transferring files between Android devices and computers. It allows for the transfer of multimedia files, such as images, videos, and music, between devices. MTP is particularly useful for transferring large files and is often used for syncing data between devices.

UMS Transfer Mode

UMS (Universal Mass Storage) is another protocol used for transferring files between Android devices and computers. It allows for the transfer of files in a more traditional manner, similar to how files are transferred between computers. UMS is often used for transferring smaller files and is less commonly used than MTP.

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PTP Transfer Mode

PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) is a protocol specifically designed for transferring images between devices. It is often used for transferring high-resolution images and is particularly useful for photographers who need to transfer large files quickly.

Why MTP is the Most Popular

MTP is the most popular transfer mode due to its ability to handle large files and its ease of use. It is also widely supported by most devices and operating systems, making it a convenient option for users.

Differences Between MTP Application Android and UMS Protocols

The primary distinction between MTP transfer mode and UMS (USB MSC) protocols lies in the type of connection used. Android devices using MTP connect to the computer as multimedia devices, while UMS (USB MSC) devices connect as removable drives or storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, or flash drives. 

Although connecting an Android phone or tablet to a computer as a standard USB storage device is convenient, it has significant drawbacks. Consequently, modern Android devices employ different USB connection protocols.

User’s Situation

How can users set the MTP as the default connection protocol? When connecting a device (16th global) to a PC, it always defaults to “just charge.” It would be much more convenient if it could be set to MTP or Camera mode automatically, as constantly switching modes is quite annoying.

How to Connect Your Android Device via MTP

To connect your Android device using MTP mode, follow these simple steps with a USB cable:

  • Unlock your phone.
  • Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your computer.
  • Choose the USB notification that appears and select “Media device (MTP)” or “File transfer,” depending on your Android version.

Device Manager

It’s important to note that Apple macOS does not support MTP natively. iPod, iPad, and iPhone use their own proprietary sync protocol with iTunes. Therefore, to connect your Android device to a Mac, you will need to use a special MTP application.

Troubleshooting USB Connection Type Not Showing for Android Devices in Phone check

If your LG, Xiaomi, or other Android device is not appearing in Phone check, follow these troubleshooting steps:

General Steps

  • Enable USB Debugging: Ensure that USB Debugging is enabled on your device.
  • Change Connection Type: If the device doesn’t respond after enabling USB Debugging, try changing the USB connection type.
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Steps to Activate USB Connection Type

  • Connect the Device: Use a USB cable to connect your device to the computer. This should prompt the connection type menu to appear.
  • Access the Device Menu: Pull down the notification menu on your device.
  • Select Android System: Tap on “Android System” and then select “Tap for Other USB Options.”
  • Choose File Transfer: Select “File Transfer” from the options.

These steps should help resolve issues with your Android device not showing up in Phonecheck.

How to choose the best MTP application for Mac

What is MTP for Mac

  • An Android file transfer driver for macOS.
  • A kernel filesystem driver that lets you access Android files via USB.

How to Use

  • Connect your Android device to your Mac using a USB cable.
  • Select “File transfer” on your Android device.

Features

  • Provides native access to Android or any MTP-compatible device on macOS.
  • Allows your device to appear as a file system on your Mac.
  • Access and manage files just like a USB stick or any external drive.

Benefits

  • Access files directly from Finder or other macOS software.
  • No need to copy files to your local disk using Android File Transfer.
  • Edit files directly on your Android device from macOS.

How to Use MacDroid

Requirements

  • MacDroid application.
  • USB cable to connect your Android smartphone to your Mac.

Steps

  • Connect your Android device to your Mac using a USB cable.
  • Choose either MTP mode Android or ADB (Android Debug Bridge) mode.
  • Once connected, your Android files will appear in Finder, allowing for simple and intuitive file management.

This setup ensures that managing your Android files on macOS is as easy as managing local files on your Mac.

OpenMTP

OpenMTP is a free, open-source MTP application for macOS designed to facilitate file transfers between Android devices and Mac computers. It supports transferring multiple files, including those larger than 4GB.

Features

  • Dual-pane Interface: Similar to Commander One, the app displays your Mac’s files in the left pane and your connected Android device’s storage in the right pane.
  • Easy File Transfer: Drag and drop files between your Mac and Android device for simple sharing.
  • High-speed Data Transfer: Utilizes a USB data cable to ensure fast and uninterrupted data transfers.

OpenMTP makes managing and transferring files between Android and macOS efficient and straightforward.

Dr.Fone

Dr.Fone is a versatile tool designed for data recovery on smartphones running Android and iOS, with support for MTP transfer mode. Its extensive feature set includes:

  • Data Extraction: Recover data from broken devices.
  • Backup and Restore: Easily back up and restore data such as music, videos, contacts, SMS messages, and call history.
  • Device Management: Unlock devices and resolve SD card issues.
  • Data Deletion: Safely delete information as needed.

Drawback

  • Free Version Limitation: The free version only allows you to view the recoverable data, but does not enable saving it.

Advantages of Media Transfer Protocol MTP App over USB Mass Storage Class (MSC)

Before MTP’s development, mobile phones primarily used USB Mass Storage Class (MSC) for file transfers between phones and PCs. Since MTP was standardized as a USB device class in 2008, manufacturers have gradually shifted towards MTP implementation due to its various benefits.

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Controlled File System Access

  • MTP: The smartphone manages file system input and output, reducing the risk of data loss from accidental or intentional disconnection from the host computer.
  • USB MSC: The host computer has direct control over the phone’s file system, increasing the risk of unintended formatting and data loss.

File System Integrity

  • MTP: Users interact with a layer over the file system, preventing them from reformatting the smartphone’s partition and enhancing data security.
  • USB MSC: Operates at the block level, allowing the host computer to control the phone’s operating system partition, potentially leading to serious issues such as accidental reformatting.

Compatibility

  • MTP: Uses a simulated file system, ensuring compatibility with any host computer, regardless of the operating system’s native file system support.
  • USB MSC: Requires the host PC to support the MSC file system natively or through additional drivers.

Large File Transfers

  • MTP: Supports transferring files larger than 4GB.
  • USB MSC: Typically encounters limitations with large file transfers.

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

  • MTP: Integrated with Windows Media Player and supports DRM for copyright protection.
  • USB MSC: Lacks support for DRM.

Simultaneous Access

  • MTP: Allows simultaneous access by the host computer and the device user. Users can make calls, check messages, and use other phone functions while transferring files.
  • USB MSC: Locks the device, preventing access by the user while the host computer is accessing the file system.

Disadvantages of Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)

While MTP offers various advantages, it also comes with its share of limitations:

Limited Direct Access:

Files on MTP devices cannot be directly viewed or modified; they must be copied to the host computer first. This can significantly increase transfer time, especially for large files, causing inconvenience to users.

Single Operation Execution

MTP can only execute one operation (read, write, delete, etc.) at a time. Other operations must wait until the current operation is completed, potentially slowing down file management tasks.

Read-only File Timestamps

File timestamps are often set by the device after file upload and are typically read-only. This can pose challenges for software that relies on accurate file timestamps for synchronization or backup purposes.

Mounting as Windows Portable Devices

MTP devices are mounted as Windows portable devices in Windows Explorer, without being assigned a drive letter. This prevents software that connects to devices via drive letters from accessing MTP devices.

Compatibility Issues

  • Older versions of backup and synchronization software, such as SyncBackPro, SyncBackSE, and SyncBackFree (pre-V7), may not support MTP devices. 
  • Without drive letters allocated to MTP devices, these software versions cannot perform data backups or synchronization to or from them. However, newer versions of SyncBackPro and SyncBackSE (V7 and newer) support MTP, while it is not supported in SyncBackFree.

image transfer MSC VS MTP

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) and Mass Storage Class (MSC):

CharacteristicsMTPMSC
Full FormMedia Transfer Protocol (MTP)Mass Storage Class (MSC)
Simultaneous File AccessYesNo
Advanced Media ManagementYesNo
Device RecognitionStandardizedDevice-Specific
Device ConnectionRequires driver installationPlug-and-play
CompatibilityNewer devicesOlder devices
File FormatsWide range, including media filesLimited to standard file formats

This comparison should help you understand the distinctions between MTP and MSC and their respective advantages and limitations.

Conclusion

We’ve explored four MTP applications designed for transferring files between Mac and Android devices, each offering a unique set of features. Hopefully, this overview has helped you find the application that best suits your needs.

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