How to Use AirDrop on macOS

Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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AirDrop is a very useful feature available on macOS that makes it easy for users to send and receive files wirelessly between Mac computers, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. This technology uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to make the transfer, so you don't need cables or USB drives to share things. This article will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to use AirDrop effectively on Mac computers.

Understanding airdrops

AirDrop was first introduced by Apple in 2011 and since then it has been an essential tool for quick sharing between Apple devices. It is an option for transferring files such as photos, documents quickly and securely. AirDrop can work within a distance of about 30 feet, which is about 9 meters. By using both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, AirDrop ensures a strong, stable connection that helps facilitate quick transfer of data.

Prerequisites for using AirDrop on macOS

Before you start using AirDrop on macOS, you need to make sure that certain conditions and prerequisites are met. These are important as they enable AirDrop to work smoothly and quickly.

• Make sure both the sending and receiving devices are Apple devices and are compatible with AirDrop.
• Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on for both devices. You don't need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network, but Wi-Fi should be on.
• The devices should not be too far away from each other. Ideally, they should be within 30 feet (9 meters) for a stable connection.
• Both devices must be awake and unlocked for the devices to be discoverable.

How to set up AirDrop on Mac

Setting up AirDrop on Mac is a very simple process. The following steps will guide you through enabling and preparing your Mac device for AirDrop transfers.

Step 1: Open Finder

The first step is to open Finder on your Mac. Finder is the file management app on your Mac that includes features for organizing, viewing, and quickly accessing your files. To open it, you can click the smiley face icon in the Dock or press Command+N with an active Finder window.

Step 2: Access AirDrop

In the Finder sidebar, you will find a list of different categories including 'All My Files', 'Documents', and 'Downloads'. Look for "AirDrop" in this list. If it is missing, press Shift + Command + R to open the AirDrop window directly. This will show all AirDrop-enabled devices within range.

Step 3: Set up discoverability

You'll need to set your Mac's discoverability to make your device visible to others. At the bottom of the AirDrop window, you'll find discoverability options. Select "Contacts Only" or "Everyone."

Contacts only: Your device will be visible only to people whose information is in your Contacts app and who are signed in to iCloud.
Everyone: Any Apple device near you and enabled with AirDrop can see and connect to your device.

Step 4: Ready to Airdrop

After you set up your discoverability, your Mac is now ready to receive files via AirDrop. You can send files by dragging and dropping them into the AirDrop window and onto the icon of the device you want to send them to.

How to send files using AirDrop on macOS

Sending files using AirDrop on macOS is very easy and can be done quickly with just a few clicks.

Step 1: Find the file(s) you want to share

First, locate the file or files you want to share. You can do this by using the Finder or by accessing the files from an app like Photos or Pages. Highlight a file by clicking it, or select multiple files by holding down the Command key and clicking each file you want to select.

Step 2: Open the Sharing menu

With the files selected, click the Share button. This button is a small box with an upward arrow coming out, available at the top of most application windows and the Finder. A dropdown menu will appear showing various sharing options including Mail, Messages, AirDrop, etc.

Step 3: Select AirDrop

From the Share menu, choose AirDrop. This will open a new window showing the AirDrop-enabled devices within range. These devices can include Macs, iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches that can be shared.

Step 4: Select the receiving device

In the AirDrop window, select the device you want to send your files to by clicking its icon. It may take a few seconds for all available devices to appear. If no desired device appears, make sure both devices are properly configured for AirDrop use as described above.

Step 5: Wait for the transfer to complete

Once you select the device, the files will begin transmitting automatically. A request requesting approval will pop up on the receiving device. The recipient must approve to begin the transfer. Upon approval, the file transfer will happen almost instantly (larger files may take longer).

How to receive files using AirDrop on macOS

Receiving files with AirDrop on macOS is as easy as sending. Here's what you need to do to receive files on your Mac using AirDrop.

Step 1: Make sure AirDrop is enabled

Before you can receive files, make sure AirDrop is activated on your Mac. Return to the "How to set up AirDrop on a Mac" section to activate AirDrop and make sure your device is discoverable.

Step 2: Wait for the sharing notification

When someone tries to send you a file via AirDrop, a notification will appear on your Mac asking if you want to accept the transfer. If you initiated the transfer using another Apple device under the same Apple ID, the transfer will begin automatically without requiring manual approval.

Step 3: Accept the transfer

Click "Accept" in the notification message to begin the transfer. If the file is being sent from one of your devices that is registered under the same Apple ID, the transfer will usually begin automatically. Otherwise, if acceptance is delayed or missed, the sender will need to send the request again.

When receiving files from someone else's device, you'll have the option to choose where to save the received files. Normally, AirDrop items are saved to your Downloads folder, but you can save them to other locations if you want.

Troubleshoot AirDrop problems on macOS

Although AirDrop is a very reliable and straightforward tool, sometimes you may encounter issues where transfers fail. Here are some common problems and how you can fix them:

1. Devices are not visible

This can happen if the devices are not configured correctly. Make sure:

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices.
• The two devices should be no more than 30 feet (9 meters) apart.
• The devices are not set to "Receiving Off".
• If discoverability is set to "Contacts only", make sure you're in the sender's Contacts app with the required details.

2. Transfers are slow

Larger files may take longer to transfer, but if you experience persistent slowdowns, try these options:

• Make sure no other Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks are causing interference.
• Check the battery level and make sure both devices are charged or plugged in.

3. Transfers are failing

If the transfer is failing, try the following:

• Restart both devices to refresh the connection.
• Make sure there is enough storage space on the receiving device.
• Update macOS to the latest version as older versions may contain bugs affecting AirDrop.

Security and privacy considerations

Although AirDrop is generally safe, there are a few privacy measures you should consider:

• When not in use, change your AirDrop settings to "Receipt Off" to avoid unknown transfer requests.
• To avoid unintended recipients, be careful with information shared via AirDrop, especially in public places.

Conclusion

AirDrop is a fast and effective way to share files between Apple devices. It provides a hassle-free solution for quick data exchange without the need for any additional equipment or cables. By following the steps mentioned above, you should be able to use AirDrop on your macOS device seamlessly. Also remember to follow the privacy tips for a secure file-sharing experience.

In a world where there is a constant demand for quick access and transfer of information, AirDrop remains one of the optimal solutions for Apple users. By mastering its use, you can significantly streamline the way you share files between your devices or with others.'

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