A device for collecting and transferring light emitting elements of microscale size includes a non-magnetic plate, a plurality of magnetic probes, and a magnetic plate. The non-magnetic plate defines through holes. Each of the probes is fixed in one through holes. The magnetic plate is on a surface of the non-magnetic plate and closes one opening of each of the through holes. The magnetic plate generates a magnetic field, so that each of the probes magnetically attracts one light emitting element. A method for making the transfer device and a method for transferring light emitting elements using the transfer device are also disclosed.