Last updated on December 17th, 2018 at 08:34 am
Jan 17, 2017 Hi Ingrid - welcome to the forum! I love using AirDrop and have exchanged files between my Macs and iDevices in all combinations (all are hardware & software compatible), but the Apple technology is 'flaky' at times for me - works fine one time and then a NO GO - irritating - so, just for starters and if not already done, checkout this Apple KB Article and make sure that your Mac (did not.
Transferring files to/from Mac using Airdrop seems to be the easiest and the best way. But there might be the issue with your airdrop not working on MacBook. This post is made by keeping in mind after facing a similar problem with me. I searched a lot for various factors online to fix this issue but didn’t get the solution. After a deep research, we come to the solution and it was really easy. Might you have a different case but here we are going to discuss all the major factor responsible for this issue.
Don't know how to AirDrop iPhone to Mac? This step-by-step tutorial will tell you how to AirDrop files from iPhone to Mac computer, supports all models of Mac computer such as iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, MacBook, etc. And also shows you how to turn on AirDrop on Mac and common problems you may encounter. I generally choose to make myself discoverable only to my contacts. Being discoverable to everyone is convenient, but everyone around you with an iPhone or Mac will be able to see your device’s name and can request to send you files. As someone that commutes on a city train every day, this can get quite annoying. How To Turn On AirDrop On Mac.
- Step 1: Make sure that the Airdrop is turned on. Click on the Airdrop icon in the sidebar. Then, the Airdrop status will prompt display “Allow me to be discovered by”.
- Sep 07, 2017 AirDrop Not Working - 7 Steps to fix this on Mac iPad iPhone iOS by Admin. Set your AirDrop device discoverable to Everyone. You need to manually set this option from the Control Center on your iPhone or other iOS device as well as in the Mac Finder to make this work for you. Follow the steps mentioned below to set your AirDrop device.
Airdrop works on iOS & MacOS and is considered the best way. It makes transferring of heavy files in very less time and keeps the quality of transfer data whether it is a picture, video, or any other. This is the reason why Airdrop is most popular. But you must note Airdrop only works on apple products.
How to Use Airdrop?
Before going to actual fixes please take a look at how to use airdrop on your Macbook. Might there would be a possibility that you are using in a wrong way. Here we have made the best way to make sure you are using Airdrop in right way. You will find the Airdrop in Finder and check the nearby available airdrop devices.
How Do I Make My Mac Discoverable For Airdrop Ipad
- Open the Airdrop from Finders and locate the device you have to send. (Make sure receiver has enabled discovered to everyone).
- Now go to the files/docs/pictures/videos you want to share via airdrop. Select them and Drag to the available Airdrop device.
- Accept the files in receiver device and you can have the files there!
This is not the only way to share files via airdrop but this is the easiest way you can go for. Otherwise, if you are unable to locate the device on airdrop then continue reading this post and you definitely solve this problem.
How to Fix: Airdrop Not Working on MacBook
There are many factors that bring this issue. Let us consider one by one. If you have already done with the following factor then skip that and check next.
1. Make your Airdrop Discoverable
When you start sharing files make sure the receiver device’s airdrop is discoverable. In Airdrop, you will see 3 options:
- Receiving Off: By default, this is activated and it means your airdrop is not seen on any nearby device. Once you are done with sharing you have to select this option.
- Contacts Only: You can select this option to share/ receive files from contacts only. This might be your phonebook contacts, iCloud contacts or email contacts (for iCloud and email contacts you must be logged in already to access).
- Everyone: This option receives files from all the contacts either it is in your contact or someone else. If you are not sure whether the person is in your phonebook you must enable this option.
This option is easily opened on your MacBook. Navigate to Finder and under Favourite, choose Airdrop. Click on the Allow me to discovered by and choose your option.
On the other hand, if you are enabling it on iPhone then go to Settings> General> Airdropand select your option.
2. Hotspot Disabled
This is the reason in most of the cases by which your Airdrop us not working. Make sure that your Hotspot is turned off when connecting your device to airdrop. Hotspot must be disabled on both receiver and sender device otherwise it is not discoverable to the network. To turn Off hotspot navigate to Settings> Personal Hotspot and then turn it Off.
3. Both WiFi and Bluetooth are turned ON
Airdrop does not work if either of both turned off. Basically, Bluetooth locates your device which is nearby and WiFi helps in transferring of data. So you must keep both WiFi and Bluetooth turned ON for both receivers and sending devices.
To turn on Bluetooth and WiFi on Mac navigate to Apple icon () on the top left of your screen, click System Preferences and then Bluetooth and Network. Here you can turn them ON. Spotify pop up email app.
Most Probably, both WiFi and Bluetooth automatically turn ON once you turn ON Airdrop. If still not enable you can turn ON by the above option. And in case if you are using iPhone then simply swipe up the home screen and turn ON Bluetooth and WiFi.
4. The issue with IP Address
As discussed in the first paragraph. This problem I faced during the transfer of files is due to the change in IP address. As I use VPN (Virtual Private Network) on both MacBook and iPhone and probably wifi fails to locate the nearby airdrop device.
Recommended: What is VPN and how VPN works to protect your privacy?
VPN is recommended software to protect your data and privacy if you use public WiFi. VPN basically hide your original IP address and makes your connection invisible. This is the reason the WiFi unable to locate the nearest WiFi. If you are using VPN then make sure this is Off on both receiver and sender device.
5. Multiple Files transfer failure
Mostly we select multiple files to transfer in one go and the problem arises or the transfer stuck in between. Try to transfer limited files at a single time (although there is no limitation) to work the processing smoothly. When the apple device receives any files via airdrop there is an option to open it. If all the files are not in the same format then this issue might happen. In general, if you have a mix collection of files having apps, pictures, videos then try to send the same format file first. This may fix your problem.
6. Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
You may note down that if your Do Not Disturb mode is enabled for keeping the notification, calls as silent then Airdrop cannot work. It is advised to disable Do Not Disturb more at the time of transferring files and after that, you can enable to continue it. It is very easy to turn off Do Not Disturb mode from your Mac and iPhone as it appears as a half moon logo.
For Mac users, go to the apple icon () on the top left corner and navigate to SystemPreferences> Notifications> Do Not Disturb on the sidebar.
And for iPhone users, Swipe up your screen and check for half moon logo. If it is enabled, tap to disable.
7. Network Reset
Resetting your network is annoying and you may skip this step as no one wants to reset their system. But for Airdrop, you must do this if the above steps are not working. Some time by resetting your network fixes WiFi and Bluetooth problems that arising error in airdrop. To reset Your network navigate to below steps.
How Do I Make My Mac Discoverable For Airdrop Free
- For Mac: Navigate to SystemPreferences> Network> Advanced tab> TCP/IP tab> Renew DHCP lease.
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- For iPhone: Settings> General> Reset> Reset Network Settings.
8. Update to the latest Version
If you followed all the above steps and still unable to share a file using airdrop then the only option left is to upgrade your system. By upgrading your system may be the arising issue settle down and the airdrop works well. And updating your current version to latest version is recommended to keep your system up to date. Java oracle for mac os x. To check your system update follow some steps.
For Mac: Navigate to Apple icon ()> System Preferences> Software Update
For iPhone: Navigate to Settings> General> Software Update.
Make sure your internet connectivity is good and your device is charged more than half otherwise plugin the charger before starting the update.
I hope you fix the issue of Airdrop Not Working on MacBook and successfully started sharing your files. If still, a problem arises, do comment below or if any other way you find to fix this problem then explain it on the comment box. Maybe readers here find your solution best.
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AirDrop is a program that allows you to share photos and other files via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections with other devices using AirDrop. These other devices must be within 30 feet of you to share files. The steps for how to turn on AirDrop depend on which device you are using.
To turn on AirDrop on a Mac, you follow these steps:
1. Remove unwanted software from mac. On the Go menu, choose AirDrop. The AirDrop window will open.
2. You need to make sure your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. There will be a button to allow you to turn them on if they are off. This will also automatically turn on AirDrop.
3. Once AirDrop is on, you can receive files from those in your contact list. You can allow others who are not on your list to send you files by using the “Allow me to be discovered by” setting, which is at the bottom of the screen, and selecting “Everyone.”
Here is a complete tutorial on how to AirDrop on a Mac.
If you are using an iPhone, iPad or iPod, then you will follow these steps:
1. Open the Control Center.
2. Tap AirDrop.
3. Choose one of the options that come up. This allows you to choose who can share files with you. You can choose only your contacts, everyone or turn off AirDrop.
Here is a complete tutorial on how to AirDrop on an iPhone. https://mysocialever229.weebly.com/peoplesoft-for-dummies-free-download.html.
Other how to AirDrop Resources:
Read Next:How to Use AirDrop