How to Use AirDrop Between iPhone and Mac: Guide

Want to quickly share photos, videos, or files between your iPhone and Mac without cables or emails? AirDrop is the perfect solution. Apple’s wireless sharing feature lets you transfer files instantly between Apple devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

In this guide, you'll learn how to use AirDrop between your iPhone and Mac, what to do if it’s not working, and tips to speed up your sharing process.

What Is AirDrop?

AirDrop is Apple’s native file-sharing tool that allows fast, secure, and wireless transfers between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It doesn’t require an internet connection—just Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.

You can use AirDrop to share:

• Photos & videos
• Contacts
• Safari links
• Documents (PDFs, Word, Excel)
• Notes and more

How to Turn On AirDrop on iPhone

Follow these steps to activate AirDrop:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) to open Control Center.
2. Long-press the connectivity box (where Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons appear).
3. Tap AirDrop.
4. Select either:
   • Contacts Only – visible only to people in your contacts
   • Everyone – visible to all nearby Apple devices

For easier sharing, choose "Everyone" temporarily, especially if the Mac isn’t in your contacts.

How to Turn On AirDrop on Mac

To enable AirDrop on your Mac:

1. Open Finder.
2. In the left sidebar, click AirDrop.
3. At the bottom of the window, choose Allow me to be discovered by:
   • Contacts Only
   • Everyone

If Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is off, macOS will prompt you to turn them on.

How to Send Files from iPhone to Mac via AirDrop

Now that both devices are set up:

1. Open the file you want to send (e.g., open a photo in the Photos app).
2. Tap the Share icon.
3. Tap AirDrop.
4. Select your Mac from the list of nearby devices.

The file will automatically be sent to your Downloads folder on Mac.

How to Send Files from Mac to iPhone via AirDrop

1. Open Finder and locate the file.
2. Right-click on the file > Share > AirDrop.
3. Select your iPhone from the AirDrop window.

On your iPhone, a pop-up will ask you to Accept or Decline the file.

The file will open in the appropriate app (e.g., Photos, Notes, or Files).

Troubleshooting AirDrop Not Working

If AirDrop isn’t showing nearby devices:

Check the Basics:

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be turned on for both devices.
• Ensure the devices are unlocked and nearby (within ~30 feet).
• Set AirDrop to Everyone for better detection.

Restart Devices:

• A quick restart on both devices can fix temporary issues.

Turn Off Personal Hotspot:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot and turn it off on your iPhone.

Disable Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode:

• The focus mode can block incoming AirDrop transfers. Could you turn it off temporarily?

Is AirDrop Secure?

Yes. AirDrop uses encryption during the transfer, sending files directly between devices without cloud or internet involvement.

However, using "Everyone" mode in public places may expose your device to spam requests. Always switch back to Contacts Only when done.

Conclusion

AirDrop is one of Apple’s best productivity tools—it's fast, reliable, and works seamlessly across Apple devices. Whether you're sending files from iPhone to Mac or vice versa, this step-by-step guide makes the process smooth.

Save time, skip the cables, and AirDrop like a pro today!

FAQs

1. Where do AirDrop files go on Mac?

They are saved in the Downloads folder by default.

2. Can I use AirDrop without Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wi-Fi must be turned on, but you don’t need an internet connection—just Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.

3. Why can't my iPhone find my Mac on AirDrop?

Ensure both devices have AirDrop set to Everyone and that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.

4. Can I AirDrop from iPhone to Windows PC?

No, AirDrop only works between Apple devices.

5. Does AirDrop reduce photo quality?

No, AirDrop transfers the original file in full quality.

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