Is AirDrop Not Working on Mac? Fix It with 4 Possible Causes
Nowadays, many Apple users complain about their inability to share files through AirDrop from Mac to iPhone. Simply put, they’re facing the AirDrop not working on Mac error, a common problem triggered for several reasons. You know that AirDrop plays a vital part in the Apple ecosystem as it allows you to send files between Apple devices quickly, so fixing it as soon as possible is needed. Thankfully, this page will walk you through the 7 fixes to solve AirDrop not working on Mac alongside reasons why you have this problem. Start reading now!
Guide List
Figure Out the Problem with 4 Reasons Get 7 Ways to Make AirDrop Work on Mac AirDrop Still Not Working on Mac? Try This Alternative FAQs4 Reasons Why Your AirDrop Not Working on Mac
Why is my AirDrop not working on Mac? Whether using the macOS Catalina, Big Sur, Sonoma, or others, you’re not exempted from the AirDrop not working issues. There are many possible reasons, so you can have a quick view of the potential causes of AirDrop not working on Mac.
1. Having an Outdated System.
Among the most prominent suspects of why you have the AirDrop issue on Mac is that you’re running an outdated version vulnerable to malicious bugs or malware.
2. Network Connectivity Issues.
Since AirDrop utilizes a Wi-Fi network to connect with other devices, if you have unstable or poor connectivity, this leads to AirDrop not working on Mac.
3. Wrong AirDrop Settings.
You may likely have set the AirDrop settings incorrectly, such as the options Receiving Off, Everyone, or Contacts Only.
4. Hardware Issues.
It’s possible that because of a hardware problem with your iPhone or Mac, the AirDrop feature won't work correctly; it usually occurs when you drop your device on the floor.
7 Efficient Ways to Fix AirDrop Not Working on Mac MacBook Pro/Air/Mini
Now that you have an idea about what causes your AirDrop not working on Mac, it’s time to get the easiest methods to get your AirDrop feature to work correctly again!
Way 1: Make Adjustments to AirDrop Settings.
The AirDrop feature has options for device visibility, such as Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone. So ensure you have selected the right one to share files to your target device without AirDrop not working issue.
- Open the "Finder" from the above tabs.
- Then select "AirDrop" on the sidebar options.
- Click the "Allow me to be discovered" option.
- Choose "Everyone". It will fix AirDrop found no people problem.
Way 2: Re-enable the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Options.
The following way to solve AirDrop on Macbook not working is to disable and then enable the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options afterward. It’s a quick solution to get rid of minor glitches that trigger the AirDrop issues.
- Open the "Control Center" at the upper right corner of your Mac screen.
- Then click on the "Wi-Fi" and "Bluetooth" icons to them "off".
- After a few seconds, click both to turn them back "on".
Way 3: Get the Devices Closer.
If you’re having trouble about why you can’t see the target devices, ensure that both devices are closer and within the Bluetooth range. If devices are far from each other while doing the transaction, you will be stuck with the AirDrop not working on Macbook.
Way 4: Ensure that Devices are Unlocked.
When transferring files between Mac and iPhone, please ensure those two are on and unlocked because the process won’t proceed if one of the included devices is asleep. It is also impossible for them to appear in the list of available devices to which you will AirDrop files.
Way 5: Update macOS.
Make sure your devices are running the latest versions to avoid problems such as AirDrop not working on Mac. If you conclude that minor glitches are at fault, they will be eliminated with an update of your device. It is suggested to update the operating system whenever there’s an available.
- Go to the "Apple logo" at the upper left, then select "System Preferences" from the drop-down list.
- Click the "Software Update", among other options.
- Tick the box "Automatically keep my Mac up to date" to keep your device regularly updated; click "Update Now" if there’s one.
Way 6: Remove the AirDrop Restrictions.
If you still have the AirDrop Mac not working issue, you might have disabled the AirDrop from the Content & Privacy Restrictions. You have to remove this on Settings to get you out of AirDrop not available problems, and here’s how to get it done.
- Enter the "System Settings", then go to "Screen Time".
- Click "Content & Privacy", and select "App Restrictions".
- From there, see if the "Allow AirDrop" switch button is enabled.
Way 7: Restart Both Devices.
Finally, the last method you have here to fix the AirDrop Macbook not working is to restart your device. Most of the time, the restarting methods fix any minor issues happening within your iPhones, iPads, or Macs, so it is worth trying!
You can start with rebooting your Mac computer first. Navigate to the "Apple menu" at the right corner of your Mac screen,then choose "Restart" from the drop-down list. You can turn on AirDrop and use it on Mac now.
If the propblem still exist, you can retsart iPhone or iPad. Press either Volume button and Side button. Don’t release two buttons until the power-off slider appears. Try again to see if Airdrop.
What to Do If AirDrop Still Not Working on Mac After Fixes
Even though AirDrop is a convenient feature for Apple devices to share files quickly, potential issues like AirDrop not working on Mac may arise. If directly transfer from iPhone still not working, you can go for AnyRec PhoneMover. This program comes to help you transfer images, videos, music, and more effortlessly from Mac to iPhone. It comes with a batch-transferring feature to share large files, check all files, or select the desired one. In addition, you can classify and manage those files into different types as you like.
One-click file transfer for all Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Preview the files, including their metadata, category, and sequence on screen.
Support batch transfer to quicky move files without AirDrop not working on Mac.
Provide a video player to view all chosen videos to check which to pick.
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Step 1.Start by getting a "USB cable" to link your iPhone to your Mac, then run the software. The program will start detecting your iPhone; please tap on the "Trust" button from your iPhone screen. Without AirDrop not working on Mac problem, you can start transferring now.
Step 2.Afterward, your iPhone data will be visible on the screen by categories. Select the data section you wish to transfer from Mac to iPhone, like "Photos", "Music", "Videos", etc.
Step 3.For example, if you have chosen Photos, click the "Add" button to import all the Mac pictures. Then, click the "Export to Device" button to transfer Mac photos to iPhone successfully.
FAQs about How to Fix AirDrop Not Working on Mac
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What are the AirDrop compatible devices?
To use AirDrop, you should have an device above iPad 4, iPhone 5, and iPod touch. For Macs, all Mac models and macOS running X Yosemite or the newest version support AirDrop.
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Does AirDrop need a Wi-Fi connection?
Yes. The two devices included in the AirDrop transfer must have their Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled; having them connected to the same network will speed up the transaction process and avoid AirDrop not working on Mac.
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What are the differences in the AirDrop device visibility?
AirDrop has three options: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone. You cannot receive nor send files through AirDrop for the Receiving Off. As for the Contacts Only option, the people in your contact list can only see your device. Lastly, Everyone is for all nearby iOS devices; any users can see your device.
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Why can't I AirDrop to my Mac?
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options are turned off, or your Apple devices are unlocked. Both devices might not be close to each other during the process, so you have the AirDrop not working on Mac problem.
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For how close should be the two devices before AirDropping?
To avoid complications using the AirDrop feature, when sending files to another Apple device, ensure that both devices are within 30 feet or 10 meters to establish a connection.
Conclusion
There you have it! Hopefully, those 8 solutions have resolved the AirDrop not working on Mac problem, and you’re having a smooth transaction from Mac to iPhone or vice versa. However, if none of those have fixed your problem, why not try an alternative to share files between Apple devices without AirDrop not working on Mac issue? Get the AnyRec PhoneMover today! The program allows you to transfer essential data on your device into another with the use of a USB cable. It has a lot more to offer regarding transferring and managing features, so make sure you visit and download it now!
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