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From your Mac

AirDrop not working on your Mac? Check these first.

Usually it's a setting on one of the two devices, or they're too far apart. Here's what Apple suggests.

Quick checks

  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on, on both devices.
  • Both are Apple devices: an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
  • You’re close: within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.
  • Personal Hotspot is off. If either of you is using it, disconnect.
  • Restart the device that’s having trouble, then try again.

Can’t see them, or they can’t see you

The person receiving has to allow AirDrop from you.

  • On a Mac: click Control Center in the menu bar, then AirDrop. It’s on when it’s blue. To choose who can send to you, click and hold the AirDrop button, then choose Contacts Only or Everyone.
  • On an iPhone or iPad: open Control Center, touch and hold the connectivity controls, tap AirDrop, then choose Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes. After 10 minutes, Everyone switches back to Contacts Only.

With Contacts Only, you must be in their contacts, with the Apple Account email address or phone number you use.

Asked for an AirDrop code?

From iOS 26.2 and macOS 26.2, sending to someone who doesn’t have you in their contacts takes a code. The person receiving gets a code on their screen and shares it, and the sender enters it. After that, you can AirDrop each other for 30 days without a new code.

Sent, but where is it?

Most items land in the app they came from: a photo from Photos goes to Photos. On a Mac, other files usually go to Downloads. Between your own devices on the same Apple Account, AirDrop accepts automatically. If you have AirDrop open in a Finder window, the Accept button shows there, not in Notification Center.

Using a VPN or security software?

Apple says VPN, firewall and other third-party security software can block connections to other devices on your network. Turn off the app’s features and try again. In System Settings, search for VPN, profile, firewall and filter, and check Login Items & Extensions too. If you change something, restart. Work Macs may be managed, so ask your IT team first.

Still stuck, or not in the same room?

AirDrop is for nearby Apple devices, and Apple says it’s best for a small selection of files. If the person isn’t next to you, or isn’t on Apple, send it by iMessage or email instead. See AirDrop vs iMessage, Send a file by iMessage and Send large files from your Mac. Want another app? See AirDrop alternatives for Mac.

Send it by iMessage or Gmail with Sendoff

Sendoff is a Mac app that lives in the notch, for the people you send to most. It sends by iMessage or Gmail, and remembers which one each person uses: your mom by iMessage, your accountant by Gmail. Drop the file, pick the person, press Send off. A 48 MB video for someone you usually email goes by iMessage instead, and you get 3 seconds to undo.

Join the waitlist below, and tick the beta box if you want to test it first.