In the next article we are going to take a look at Android File Transfer for Gnu / Linux. This tool is effectively a clone of the Android Google File Transfer app for macOS. It is built with Qt and its user interface is super simple. Facilitates the transfer of files and folders between the Android system of our phone and our Ubuntu team (In this article I am going to test it in version 17.10).
While I am testing this program, I started to wonder what does this app do that our file manager Nautilus on Ubuntu, don't let us do. The truth, and after giving the tool several times, the answer is nothing. But it is always good to know these types of tools for what you may need one day.
When I connect my S5 (and I select the MTP option) on connection to my Ubuntu machine, I can browse, open and manage my files using Nautilus. Some people may experience problems with this and other MTP implementations. These problems can range from directories that do not load, the creation of directories that when copied from another unit end up not sticking, etc ...
It is for these people who are having problems that Android File Transfer for Gnu / Linux has been designed. This method can be considered a alternative to other methods of mounting MTP devices in Gnu / Linux. If the method you are currently using works well, you probably don't need to try this program, unless you are like me and like to test other people's developments.
General features of Android File Transfer for Gnu / Linux
- The program posed a simple user interface.
- It offers us support from drag and drop (from our system to the phone).
- We can batch download (from phone to Gnu / Linux).
- FUSE container (if you prefer to mount your device), compatible with partial read / write, allowing instant access to your files.
- The tool will show us progress dialogs.
- We will not have size limits In the files.
- We will have at our disposal a CLI tool, optionally.
Install Android File Transfer on Ubuntu
The team that develops this tool provides users with a PPA available which provides builds for Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, 16.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 17.10. As I have said previously, for this installation example I will use version 17.10.
For add the PPA to our list of software sources, we will only have to execute the following command in the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T):
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:samoilov-lex/aftl-stable
Once added, we can start the Android File Transfer installation for Gnu / Linux on Ubuntu. To do this, in the same terminal, we will only have to execute the following script:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install android-file-transfer
With this we will have practically everything. We only have to launch the application by looking for the icon in our system.
Important note: Before starting the tool, we will have to make sure no other device (like Nautilus) mount our phone first. If something is using it, the application will report through an error window that “no MTP device found".
To fix this error, unmount your device from Nautilus (or whatever application you are using) and then restart Android File Transfer. It should fix the problem without any major problems.
Uninstall Android File Transfer
To remove this application from our computer, we will only have to type in the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) the following to remove the PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository -r ppa:samoilov-lex/aftl-stable
At this point we can remove the program from our system. To do this, we will write the following in the same terminal:
sudo apt remove android-file-transfer
Who needs it will be able to consult more about this tool in your page of GitHub. The app creator asks for donations and volunteers with the development on this GitHub page. If you dare to do so, you just have to follow the instructions that you can find in the following link. This user is developing AFTL in his spare time and trying to fix everything as quickly as possible, sometimes adding real-time functions (more than 100 ticks closed for now). Any amount will be welcome.
I was able to install the tool and indeed, I get the error message. How do I disassemble or how do I know which program or tool you are using to mount the device, I am very new to Ubuntu and I have many complications with my Android. Thanks for the info.
The easiest way to unmount the unit is to right-click on the phone icon. Select "Unmount" from the menu. If, despite unmounting the unit, the program still does not start, look on your phone for the option to activate MTP.
Salu2.
In fact, nothing works for me, sometimes it recognizes the name of the device but it is only there and does not give me access, it locks and stops working. I right click and it gives the option to mount, but nothing happens. Even when the device is no longer connected, let's say I try to launch the application, the error you mentioned in the article still appears. I'm not sure why, but before updating to 17.10 I had Ubuntu 16.04 lts and there I could open all my android devices without any problems. I had to choose to put an adapter for my micro sd but it is not very comfortable to do so. I hope to find a solution to this, thank you very much for your answer.
Take a look at the section known issues to see if you can find a solution to your problems or if there is directly an incompatibility.
I have tried it for a few days and removing some slight problem I was able to use it without problems. Salu2 and I'm sorry that it doesn't work as you expected.