Having trouble with AirDrop on your Mac? Learn how to fix it in no time.
Verify Device Compatibility and Update Status
To verify device compatibility and update the status of AirDrop on your Mac, follow these steps:
1. Check System Requirements: Make sure your Mac is running macOS Yosemite or later, and your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is running iOS 7 or later. If you have an older device, such as the iPod Touch (5th generation) or iPhone 5, AirDrop may not be supported.
2. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: AirDrop requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be turned on. Check that they are enabled on both your Mac and iOS device. You can do this by clicking on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons in the menu bar, or by going to System Settings and selecting the appropriate options.
3. Adjust AirDrop Settings: On your Mac, open Finder and click on “AirDrop” in the sidebar. From the drop-down list, select “Allow me to be discovered by” and choose either “Everyone” or “Contacts Only” depending on your preference. On your iOS device, go to Settings > General > AirDrop and select the same option.
4. Restart Devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix AirDrop issues. Restart both your Mac and iOS device, then try using AirDrop again.
5. Check Firewall Settings: If you have a firewall enabled on your Mac, it may be blocking AirDrop. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and make sure it is not blocking incoming connections.
6. Reset Network Settings: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting your network settings. On your iOS device, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and other network settings, so make sure you have the necessary information to reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Adjust AirDrop and Network Settings
1. Open the Finder software on your Mac. You can find the Finder icon in the Dock at the bottom of your screen or in the menu bar at the top.
2. From the menu bar, click on “Go” and select “AirDrop.” This will open the AirDrop window.
3. In the AirDrop window, you’ll see options for “Allow me to be discovered by” and “Receiving off.” Make sure the “Allow me to be discovered by” option is set to either “Contacts Only” or “Everyone” depending on your preference.
4. If your AirDrop is set to “Contacts Only,” make sure the person you’re trying to share files with is in your Contacts list. If not, add their email address or phone number to your Contacts.
5. If your AirDrop is set to “Everyone,” make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or have Bluetooth turned on.
6. If AirDrop still doesn’t work, check your network settings. Go to the Apple menu, select “System Preferences,” and click on “Network.” Make sure Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is turned on, and that your network connection is stable.
7. If you’re using an older Mac with OS X Yosemite or earlier, you may need to adjust your Firewall settings. Go to the Apple menu, select “System Preferences,” and click on “Security & Privacy.” In the Firewall tab, click on the padlock icon to unlock the settings, and then click on “Firewall Options.” Make sure “Block all incoming connections” is unchecked.
Disable Unnecessary Network Services
1. Open the System Settings on your Mac.
2. Click on “Network” to access your network settings.
3. In the left sidebar, select the network connection you are currently using (e.g., Wi-Fi).
4. Click on the “Advanced” button at the bottom right corner.
5. Navigate to the “TCP/IP” tab.
6. Locate the “Configure IPv6” dropdown menu and select “Off” to disable IPv6.
7. Next, go to the “Proxies” tab.
8. Uncheck all the boxes under the “Select a protocol to configure” section to disable any proxy settings.
9. Click on the “OK” button to save the changes.
10. Restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.
Reset Devices and Check Security Settings
| Reset Devices and Check Security Settings | |
|---|---|
| Article Title | AirDrop Not Working? Fix it on Mac |
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. |
| 2 | On your Mac, open the Finder and click on “Go” in the menu bar. |
| 3 | Select “AirDrop” from the drop-down menu. |
| 4 | Check if the “Allow me to be discovered by” setting is set to “Contacts Only” or “Everyone”. Adjust it according to your preference. |
| 5 | Try turning off AirDrop on both devices, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on. |
| 6 | Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. |
| 7 | Restart both devices. |
| 8 | If AirDrop still doesn’t work, reset the network settings on your Mac by going to “System Preferences” > “Network” > “Advanced” > “Reset”. |
| 9 | Check if any firewall or security software on your Mac is blocking AirDrop. Temporarily disable them to test if it resolves the issue. |
| 10 | If all else fails, contact Apple Support for further assistance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I AirDrop from iPhone to Mac?
You may not be able to AirDrop from your iPhone to Mac if both devices are not within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other or if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned off. To fix this issue, make sure both devices are in close proximity and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Also, check the “Allow me to be discovered by” setting in the AirDrop window on your Mac.
Why is AirDrop stuck on waiting?
AirDrop may be stuck on waiting if the device does not meet the minimum requirements, if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is disabled, if a personal hotspot is enabled, if there are glitches in the system software or background apps, or if the iOS version is outdated.
Why is AirDrop failing?
AirDrop may fail due to various reasons, including device incompatibility, issues with AirDrop settings, network or Bluetooth errors, or if the personal hotspot is activated.
How do I enable AirDrop on my Mac?
To enable AirDrop on your Mac, open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, locate and click on “AirDrop” in the Finder sidebar. In the AirDrop window, select the “Allow me to be discovered by” pop-up menu and choose an option.
