How can I connect a Nexus 5 to a Mac via USB?

Solution 1:

You can use Mac's Image Capture after setting your Nexus 5 USB connection to Camera Mode. To do it do the following:

1. Swipe your screen from top to bottom.
2. click on the little avatar icon on the top right.
3. Click Settings.
4. Go to Device > Storage
5. Click on the Options icon (the 3 dots, on the very top right).
6. Choose USB connection and change it to Camera (PTP).

Now if you open Image Capture with your Nexus 5 plugged you will be able to preview and import your pictures and videos.

Solution 2:

Use Android File Transfer

If you install Android File Transfer (http://www.android.com/filetransfer/), you can use it to access the phone's memory and copy off files.

To quote Android.com from the linked page:

Android File Transfer is an application for Macintosh computers (running Mac OS X 10.5 or later) you can use to view and transfer files between your Mac and an Android device (running Android 3.0 or later).

It also says:

For Mac users only. You don't need extra software to connect your Android device to a Windows computer.

I found this phone's photos under DCIM > Camera.

Solution 3:

You can also do it without USB. Airdroid and Web PC Suite are both wireless connection app for Android and pc. Conennect the two devices by scanning a QR code, then you can transfer files via WiFi.