Those who use Apple devices should be aware of the AirDrop feature. AirDrop is a popularly used feature on Apple devices. It allows users to securely transfer files over wi-fi and Bluetooth. Undoubtedly, it is a great feature; however, there are some odds as well. Odds are, if you use the AirDrop feature to share large media from iPhone to Mac or vice versa, it stops working. And trust that it really makes the whole thing frustrating if the AirDrop feature stops working or is not working. So, if you often experience issues with the AirDrop feature while transferring files, then read this post. Here, we have outlined some of the best ways to resolve the issue instantly. So, without any further delay, let’s get straight to the point. Here we go…
Table of Content
- Top 11 Ways/Solutions To Fix AirDrop Not Working From iPhone To Mac
- FIX NO. 1: Check If the AirDrop Is Enabled
- FIX NO. 2: Unlock the iPhone If It Is Locked
- FIX NO. 3: Bring the Devices Closer
- FIX NO. 4: Enable the AirDrop on Your iPhone or Mac
- FIX NO. 5: Turn Off the Wi-Fi Hotspot
- FIX NO. 6: Check the Device Is Compatible with AirDrop
- FIX NO. 7: Change AirDrops Settings
- FIX NO. 8: Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- FIX NO. 9: Disable MacOS Firewall
- FIX NO. 10: Force Reset Your Device
- FIX NO. 11: Update the Devices
Top 11 Ways/Solutions To Fix AirDrop Not Working From iPhone To Mac
Here are the best 11 fixes you can try to make the AirDrop feature function from iPhone to Mac. Read on!
FIX NO. 1: Check If the AirDrop Is Enabled
Make sure the AirDrop is enabled on both devices to transfer files from a Share menu or from the Finder on a Macbook. If the feature is not enabled on the devices, then here are the steps. Follow these steps to enable the AirDrop for a seamless file-sharing experience:
- Open the Finder Window
- Navigate to the Go menu
- Scroll down the screen to select AirDrop
- On the bottom of the window, look for the option Allow me to be discovered by
- Choose the option Contacts Only or Everyone.
FIX NO. 2: Unlock the iPhone If It Is Locked
More often than not, users face AirDrop no working issue when their phones are locked. Yes, your devices should be unlocked when using AirDrop feature. So, if you’re trying to AirDrop any file to someone else’s iPhone or someone else is trying to send you the file via AirDrop, then make sure the iPhone in which the file will be shared is unlocked. This is because the locked iPhone will never receive the signals via the AirDrop.
FIX NO. 3: Bring the Devices Closer
How far your devices are can also effect the functionality of the feature. Ensure that the devices are in close proximity. There is should be no obstruction, such as a wall or any other thing if you try to AirDrop using the Bluetooth for file sharing on iPhone or Mac. Furthermore, the distance between your iPhone and Mac or other Apple devices should not be more than 30 feet for seamless data exchange. In case devices are kept too far away, bring them closer for a smooth file-sharing experience.
FIX NO. 4: Enable the AirDrop on Your iPhone or Mac
Check whether or not the AirDrop is enabled on your iPhone or Mac. Follow the following steps to enable the feature if it is disabled:
- Launch the Settings app on your device
- Navigate to General>AirDrop
- Choose either Contacts or Everyone for 10 minutes
Also Read: How to Maintain Your iPhone’s Battery Health
FIX NO. 5: Turn Off the Wi-Fi Hotspot
Possibly, the AirDrop is not working because you are using the personal hotspot. So, if you want to use AirDrop, you need to disable the wi-fi. Check out the following steps to disable the hotspot:
- Launch the Settings app
- Tap the option Personal Hotspot
- On the top of the screen, view the option Allow Others to Join
- Swipe the button to the left side
- Finally, your personal hotspot is disabled.
FIX NO. 6: Check the Device Is Compatible with AirDrop
Another reason AirDrop is not working is that your iPhone model does not support it. Yeah, certain iPhone models. Additionally, to use this feature, your iPhone should be at least Fifth generation or later. Only the devices running for iOS 7 or later support the file sharing via AirDrop.
For Mac, you can follow these steps to know whether or not your device supports AirDrop:
- Open the Dock
- Click the Finder icon
- Navigate to the menu bar
- Select the option Go
- Search for the AirDrop feature.
FIX NO. 7: Change AirDrops Settings
Sometimes, the problem occurs due to issues in the settings section. Adjust the AirDrop settings if it does not support your iPhone or Mac. You’ll need to check your settings and make changes accordingly. Certain situations under which you cannot use the AirDrop feature include the following:
If you have turned on Receiving Off, nobody will be able to send you the sharing request over AirDrop. If the option Contacts Only is turned on, you can share the file with only email addresses and mobile numbers. Check the “Everyone for 10 minutes only” option. It’s a temporary option that turns off after 10 minutes. It accepts the requests from everyone. Follow these steps to change the AirDrop settings on your iPhone:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down the screen
- Tap the option General
- Select the option AirDrop
- Tap Everyone for 10 minutes.
Check out the following steps to adjust the AirDrop settings on Mac:
- Go to the Finder window on the Macbook
- Navigate to the sidebar and select the option AirDrop
(Note: If you do not find the AirDrop feature, press the key Command+Shift+R to access it together)
- Look for the option Allow Me to Be Discovered By
- Click the dropdown menu bar
- Select the option Everyone.
Also Read: Best Camera Setting For iPhone 15 Series
FIX NO. 8: Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
AirDrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files, photos, videos, contacts, and more to nearby Apple devices. If you are having trouble with AirDrop functionality on iPhone and Mac, toggle off and on Wi-fi and Bluetooth. Go over the following steps to disable and enable the Wi-Fi on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device
- Tap the option Wi-Fi
- Toggle off the button next to the Wi-Fi
- Turn on the button
- Check if the AirDrop functions.
Follow the steps below to turn off and on the Bluetooth on your iPhone:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap Bluetooth
- Swipe the toggle button to turn Bluetooth off and on
Check out the following steps to disable and enable the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on MacOS:
- Go to the menu bar of your macOS device
- Navigate to the Control Center located on the right side
- Go through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to toggle the switches next to them.
FIX NO. 9: Disable MacOS Firewall
If the issue still persists, then try disabling the MacOS firewall. This is because you won’t be able to use the AirDrop feature with the firewall on. Hence, make sure you disable the Firewall of your macOS device if it doesn’t allow for a new connection. You may need to restrict the use of the Firewall if the AirDrops feature does not work on the device. This is how you can do it:
- Go to the desktop’s menu bar
- Click on the Apple Logo
- Then, click the option System Preferences
- Then, select Security and Privacy
- Navigate to the bottom left corner of the screen
- Click the lock icon
- Input your password or use Touch ID to unlock the settings
- Then, select the Firewall
- Click the option Turn Off Firewall.
FIX NO. 10: Force Reset Your Device
If none of the solutions work for you, then try hard resetting your device. This will help you share the files over AirDrop from iPhone to Mac. The steps include:
- Long press the volume up button and quickly release it
- Long press the volume down button and quickly release it
- Then, press and hold the side button for a few seconds
- Let the Apple Logo appear on the screen
- Once it appears, release the side button.
Follow these steps to do the hard reset of the MacOS:
- Navigate to the Apple menu
- Click System Settings
- Select General in the sidebar menu
- Then, click Transfer or Reset
- Select Erase All Content and Settings
- Then, input your administration information
- Click the option Unlock
- Click the option Continue
- Follow the on-screen instructions to hard reset your device.
(Note: Make sure to back up the files before continuing the hard reset on Mac as it will erase all the downloaded information, files, videos, or photos from the device.)
FIX NO. 11: Update the Devices
Last but not least, you need to update your devices. This is when you have tried everything, and you couldn’t resolve the issue. Updating your device can help you fix the issue instantly. So, check the update of both devices to fix the issue. If there is any update displayed on the screen, install it. You can follow the steps below to update the software on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your device
- Go to General
- Select Software Update
- Look for the update
- Tap Install.
For initiating the software update on MacOS, you can follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu
- Select System Settings
- Navigate to General> Software Update
- Wait for a few seconds
- Click on the available update to install it.
- If there are updates, do install them; just tap Install
AirDrop is a great feature, and by using these fixes, you can easily address the problem and have a seamless exchange of data. However, if you continue to experience the issue even after trying these fixes, then consider using the iCloud drive to share files. For this, copy the file to the iCloud drive on the device and wait for it to sync. Then, open it on another device.
The Bottom Line
So, these are some of the fixes you can use to troubleshoot the issue of AirDrop not working from iPhone and Mac. Troubleshooting the issue is a breeze. Just by following the fixes outlined above, you will be able to restore the functionality instantly. Ensure both devices are on the same wi-fi network, Bluetooth is enabled, and AirDrop settings are correctly configured.
Updating your devices to the latest software version is also crucial to get rid of the problem. By following these steps, you can seamlessly share files between your Apple devices and enjoy the convenience that AirDrop provides. If problems persist, consulting Apple Support might be necessary for advanced assistance.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more such insightful articles!
