AirDrop doesn't show your iPhone or other Mac

Why it happens

AirDrop finds nearby devices over Bluetooth and sends the file over Wi-Fi, so both must be on. A device that's asleep or locked doesn't show up. Contacts Only also hides you from anyone whose contact card doesn't have your Apple Account email or phone number.

How to fix it

1. On both devices, check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. They don't need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but both switches must be on.

2. Unlock the other device and leave its screen on. Keep the two within about 9 metres (30 feet) of each other.

3. On your Mac, open System Settings > General > AirDrop & Continuity and set AirDrop to Everyone.

   General›AirDrop & Continuity

4. On the iPhone, open Settings, tap General, then AirDrop, and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.

5. Try sending again. When you're done, set AirDrop back to Contacts Only on the Mac, because it stays on Everyone until you change it.

Still not fixed?

1. Turn off Personal Hotspot on the iPhone, and Internet Sharing on the Mac if you use it. AirDrop can't work while either is sharing a connection.

2. If a VPN is on, turn it off while you send. VPNs can block AirDrop.

   VPN

3. Check the firewall isn't blocking everything. In Network, open Firewall, click Options and turn off Block all incoming connections.

   Network›Firewall›Options…

4. Turn Bluetooth off and on in Bluetooth settings on the Mac, and in the Settings app on the iPhone, then restart both devices.

   Bluetooth

5. Update both devices. On the Mac, install any waiting update in Software Update.

   General›Software Update

6. If AirDrop still can't see any device, even with everything above done, contact Apple Support. The Mac's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware may need a check.