Top 7 Fixes for AirDrop Not Sending Files from iPhone to Mac

AirDrop is one of the best ways to share files between devices in the Apple (iOS and macOS) ecosystem. We have detailed guides and explainers explaining the technology and how it works. This time, we’ll walk you through some of the things you should do when AirDrop fails. If you are trying to send media files or documents from your iPhone to Macbook via AirDrop but to no avail, you should check out the troubleshooting fixes in this guide.

Of course, we assume here that you have fully functional devices and have used AirDrop at least once before. If you’re running iOS 14 beta builds, this might be a temporary glitch. Restarting both devices (iPhone and Mac) is a great precaution that can help. If you have tried this and nothing changes, then move on to the solutions listed below.

1. Re-Enable Bluetooth

AirDrop functionality requires Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled on both sending and receiving devices. If your iPhone isn’t sending files to your Mac, run a check on both devices to make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled. If you cannot transfer files via AirDrop even though they are enabled, turn them off and then on again.

2. Zoom Devices

Yes, as vivid as it sounds, proximity plays a huge role in wireless file transfer. For AirDrop, Apple recommends that both devices be within 30 feet (about 9 meters). So, you can bring your phone closer to the Mac or vice versa and try sending the files again.

3. Disable Personal Hotspot

Personal Hotspot is another feature that makes AirDrop unusable. If you’re sharing your iPhone’s cellular data with other devices, you should temporarily turn off Personal Hotspot. Otherwise, you cannot transfer or receive files via AirDrop. You can disable Personal Hotspot from your iPhone’s Control Center or Settings menu (Settings > Personal Hotspot > disable ‘Allow Others to Join’.

4. Disable Do Not Disturb on Mac

When you AirDrop files from an iPhone to your Macbook, macOS should show you a notification prompt to accept or reject incoming files. If you have ‘Do Not Disturb’ enabled, this can mute/hide the notification. Here’s how to check and disable the ‘Do Not Disturb’ option on your computer.

Stage 1: Tap the Notification Center icon in the upper right corner of the menu bar.

Step 2: Scroll down (to the top) to reveal hidden options and disable ‘Do Not Disturb’.

4. Change Macbook’s AirDrop Discoverability

You’ll also want to check that your Macbook’s AirDrop is configured to receive requests from the iPhone.

Stage 1: Tap the Finder icon in the menu bar (top-right corner of the screen) and AirDrop enter it in the search bar.

Step 2: Double-click AirDrop to open the AirDrop console.

Alternatively, you can quickly launch the AirDrop menu by tapping Go in the desktop’s Apple menu and selecting AirDrop.

Stage 3: Tap the dropdown next to ‘Let me be discovered’ and select Everyone.

If your AirDrop discoverability is set to Contacts Only, the iPhone must be signed into iCloud. Also, the phone number or email address associated with your iPhone’s Apple ID must be saved in your Macbook’s Contacts app. This is a lot of conditions that must be met; ergo, configuring your Macbook’s AirDrop to be discoverable by all devices is a much better and faster option.

5. Unblock Incoming Connections on Mac

Another thing you should check is your Macbook’s Firewall configuration. If your Macbook’s Firewall is blocking incoming connections, it may be impossible to transfer files from your iPhone to your PC via AirDrop. Go to your Macbook’s Firewall settings and check that all incoming connections are allowed.

Stage 1: Tap the Apple menu icon and select System Preferences.

Step 2: Select ‘Security & Privacy’.

Stage 3: Go to the Firewall tab.

Step 4: Tap the lock icon in the lower left corner of the page.

You will be prompted to enter your device’s passcode to continue.

Step 5: Now, tap on the Firewall Options button.

Step 6: Finally, uncheck or deselect ‘Block all incoming connections’ at the top of the menu. Click OK to save the changes.

Restart the AirDrop connection from your iPhone and check if your Macbook is now receiving transfer requests.

6. Check Device Compatibility

AirDrop has minimum operating system requirements for iPhone, iPad, Macbook and all other compatible devices. AirDrop for iPhone only works on devices running iOS 7 or later. Macbooks must be running OS X Yosemite or later to use AirDrop. Follow the steps below to check if the affected Macbook supports AirDrop.

Stage 1: Tap the Apple menu icon and select ‘About This Mac’.

Step 2: Next, select System Report.

Stage 3: In the menu on the right, under the Network section, select Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Look for AirDrop on the Wi-Fi info page and check if it’s marked as Supported.

7. Update iOS or macOS

In addition to having an AirDrop compatible Macbook, Apple recommends regularly updating your devices’ operating system to the latest version. This helps fix some software-related bugs that cause AirDrop to malfunction. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and select ‘Download and Install’.

Updating macOS is just as easy. Tap the Apple menu icon > About This Mac > Software Update and the Upgrade Now button.

Enjoy Seamless Data Transfer

One last thing you can try is resetting your iPhone’s network settings. This can also help fix any network related issues that are causing AirDrop to malfunction on your iPhone. Let us know which of these methods worked for you. We’re also here if you need more help; Write your questions in the comments section below.

Next: If you’re a new Apple user wondering what separates AirDrop and AirPlay, the explainer linked below will enlighten you quickly and easily.