AirDrop a file from your Mac to an iPhone, iPad or another Mac

Why it happens

AirDrop sends files straight from one Apple device to another over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with no cable and no internet needed. Both devices must be close together, usually in the same room, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on. The receiving device also decides who's allowed to send to it.

How to fix it

1. On the iPhone or iPad you're sending to, unlock it and keep the screen on. Check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on in Control Center.

2. On your Mac, find the file in Finder or on the Desktop. Control-click (or right-click) it, choose Share, then AirDrop.

   Finder›Control-click›Share›AirDrop

3. A window lists the nearby devices. Click the one you want. If it's someone else's device, they'll see a request to accept or decline.

4. Wait for the progress ring to finish. On another Mac the file lands in the Downloads folder. On an iPhone, photos and videos go to the Photos app.

Still not fixed?

1. If the other device isn't in the list, make sure it's unlocked and within a few metres, and that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on at both ends. Turning Bluetooth off and on again often helps.

   Bluetooth

2. Check who the other device accepts AirDrop from. On a Mac, open General > AirDrop & Continuity and set AirDrop to Contacts Only or Everyone. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirDrop and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes if you're not in each other's contacts.

   General›AirDrop & Continuity

3. If the iPhone is sharing its connection, turn off Personal Hotspot while you send. On your Mac, make sure Block all incoming connections is off in the firewall Options….

   Network›Firewall›Options…

4. Restart both devices and try again. If AirDrop still never finds any device, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work for everything else, contact Apple Support.