Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support (2024)

With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send documents, photos, videos, websites, map locations, and more to a nearby Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro.

  1. Open the file that you want to send, then click the Share buttonUse AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support (1) in the app window. For files in the Finder, you can also Control-click the file, then choose Share from the shortcut menu.

  2. Choose AirDrop from the sharing options listed.

  3. Choose a recipient from the AirDrop sheet:

    Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support (2)

Or open an AirDrop window, then drag files to the recipient:

  1. Select AirDrop in the sidebar of a Finder window. Or choose Go > AirDrop from the menu bar.

  2. The AirDrop window shows nearby AirDrop users. Drag one or more documents, photos, or other files to the recipient shown in the window.

    Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support (3)

You can also share content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Receive content with AirDrop

When someone nearby attempts to send you a file using AirDrop, you see their request as a notification, or as a message in the AirDrop window. Click Accept to save the file to your Downloads folder.

Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support (4)

If you can't see the other device in AirDrop

Make sure that both devices are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

Choose Go > AirDrop from the menu bar in the Finder, then check the ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting in the AirDrop window. A similar setting is available on Phone and iPad and on Apple Vision Pro. If set to receive from Contacts Only, both devices must be signed in to iCloud, and the email address or phone number associated with the sender's Apple ID must be in the Contacts app of the receiving device.

Install the latest software updates for your Mac and other devices.

Make sure that incoming connections aren't blocked in firewall settings:

  • macOS Ventura or later: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings. Click Network in the sidebar, then click Firewall on the right. Click the Options button, then make sure that “Block all incoming connections” is turned off.

  • Earlier versions of macOS: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Security & Privacy. Click the Firewall tab, click the lock buttonUse AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support (5) and enter your administrator password when prompted. Click Firewall Options, then make sure that “Block all incoming connections” is deselected.

Published Date:

Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

Why won't my AirDrop work on my Mac? ›

Turn Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and then on again

Lots of problems with wireless connections, including with AirDrop, can be solved by turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and then on again. On your Mac, click on the Control Center icon, then on the down arrow next to Wi-Fi, and toggle the switch to off. Repeat for Bluetooth.

How do I use AirDrop on my Mac? ›

From the desktop or a Finder window: Control-click the item you want to send, choose Share from the shortcut menu, choose AirDrop, then select the device you want to send the item to. From the Finder: Click AirDrop in the Finder sidebar, then drag the item to the device you want to send it to.

How do I use AirDrop with Apple support? ›

Use AirDrop on your Mac
  1. Open the file that you want to send, then click the Share button. in the app window. For files in the Finder, you can also Control-click the file, then choose Share from the shortcut menu.
  2. Choose AirDrop from the sharing options listed.
  3. Choose a recipient from the AirDrop sheet:
Feb 7, 2024

Why is AirDrop failing? ›

Some of the common causes of AirDrop's decline are: Both devices are not close enough to each other to let AirDrop connect them. Your iPhone or Mac is not fulfilling the AirDrop minimum requirements. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned off on any device.

Can send AirDrop from Mac to iPhone but not iPhone to Mac? ›

Since you are able to see your Mac on your iPhone, the Firewall configuration is most likely the reason for the exchange to fail. On your Mac open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall. Now click on Firewall Options and untick the box Block all incoming connections.

Why is AirDrop unable to share? ›

If you're having issues or can't send files with AirDrop, adjust your AirDrop receiving settings in Control Center. Make sure that your devices have the latest operating system version, you have turned Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on, or you have restarted your devices.

How do I get my Apple AirDrop to work? ›

How to turn on and use AirDrop
  1. Launch the Control Centre by swiping up from your iPhone's bottom bezel.
  2. Press and hold the WiFi button until 6 further options appear on-screen.
  3. Tap the AirDrop icon.
  4. Once there, tap Contacts Only or Everyone to turn on AirDrop.

Do all Macs support AirDrop? ›

Transfer between two Mac computers

MacBook (Retina): all models. MacBook Pro: Mid 2012 or newer. iMac: Late 2012 or newer. iMac Pro: all models.

Is my Mac too old for AirDrop? ›

Older Macs use a legacy implementation of AirDrop that isn't compatible with the latest iOS devices. You can use a modern Mac to send files to an older Mac, but you first have to tell AirDrop to search for the older Mac. If your Mac was manufactured pre-2012, this method might work for you.

Where do AirDrop files go on a Mac? ›

Files sent using AirDrop are placed in the Downloads folder.

Why is AirDrop cancelling? ›

Here are the main reasons why AirDrop keeps turning off below. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not turned on: The most direct cause is that your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned off. Airdrop needs a stable network environment, so make sure the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on.

Do you need Wi-Fi for AirDrop? ›

You don't need WiFi to use AirDrop, but it's recommended. AirDrop works best when both devices are connected to the same WiFi network. If WiFi is unavailable, AirDrop can use Bluetooth to establish a peer-to-peer connection between devices, but these will be noticeably slower than sharing over WiFi.

When I AirDrop, it just says "waiting"? ›

AirDrop requires a Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth to work properly. Try disabling and re-enabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both Mac and iPhone/iPad. Wait a few seconds and restart the AirDrop. ► Note: Make sure your two devices are nearby and within the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range (30 feet, preferably closer).

Why is my AirDrop not finding anyone? ›

Proximity and Signal Strength: AirDrop works best when devices are close and have a strong Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signal. Being too far from the target device can lead to this error. Software Updates:Outdated iOS firmware on your Apple devices can sometimes cause AirDrop problems.

Why is AirPlay not working? ›

Make sure that your AirPlay-compatible devices are turned on and near each other. Check that the devices are updated to the latest software and are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the devices that you want to use with AirPlay or screen mirroring.

Why is my AirDrop receiving off? ›

If you see Receiving Off and can't tap to change it: Go to Settings > Screen Time. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. Tap Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.

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