Photos App on Mac Says "No Photos" When Samsung Phone is Connected

[Jeremiah2931]

Hello,

For years I’ve been able to connect my Samsung phone directly to my Mac and transfer pictures through the Photos app. Recently, when I connect my phone, the Photos app detects the device but shows “no photos found,” even though I have plenty of pictures stored on my phone.

I’ve tried using the SmartSwitch app to transfer photos which works, but it doesn’t provide image previews before transferring, which makes it difficult to select the right files.

To rule out my Mac as the issue, I tested it with my iPad, and the Photos app works as expected, so it seems to be specific to my Samsung device.

Has anyone else run into this problem, or found a workaround/fix? Any guidance would be appreciated.

[GaryB82]

@Jeremiah2931  Give this a try on your phone swipe down the notification panel and tap on the USB option and switch it too Transferring Images 

You will also need to open phone settings and turn off Auto Blocker 

Security and Privacy

Scroll down and toggle off Auto Blocker

[Jeremiah2931]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the reply. I checked your suggestions and still have the same problem with the computer not recognizing that there are photos on my phone.

[GaryB82]

Strange mine works great id suggest downloading Macdroid in the meantime to be able to access your files on your Mac

[CEParsons]

Mac lacks the media transfer protocol needed to access files on Android. You will need to install a third party utility such as MacDroid to access the files on your phone.
https://www.macdroid.app/article/access-android-from-mac/

This is, unfortunately, yet another example of the "walled garden" at work.

[GaryB82]

I can access my s25U on my MacBook with no added 3rd party apps

[CEParsons]

Interesting. I have always been unable to do so on my MacBook.

Perhaps a change in the latest MacOS updates?

[GaryB82]

Not sure I've only had MacOS 26 so wouldn't know of previous versions except for this one.  I only have to switch to transferring images in the USB options on my phone for it too show up in the photos app.  

[CEParsons]

Must have been changed in MacOS 26. You can see my attached article was updated as recently as July, 2025.

Really great to hear about the positive change... I imagine in response to recent issues with "anti-competitive practices" and various governmental agencies.

I've been using Mac off-and-on since ~2013 and cross-platform has always been a pain.

[GaryB82]

Ive always wanted one growing up and seeing that price tag was the only thing that keep me from getting one and then finally had a little extra a few months ago and was finally able to afford that childhood dream the only bad thing is I hardly use it since I have a windows desktop.  Can't wait until the update from Google that allows Quickshare between the 2 that I heard was in the works.