Mac AirDrop Not Working - How to Fix

AirDrop requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:

1. Click Control Center in menu bar
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is ON
3. Make sure Bluetooth is ON
4. You don't need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network

Set who can see your Mac:

1. Open Finder
2. Click AirDrop in sidebar (or Go → AirDrop)
3. Click "Allow me to be discovered by"
4. Select Everyone for easiest sharing
5. Contacts Only requires both devices to have each other in Contacts

AirDrop has distance limits:

• Keep devices within 30 feet
• Closer is better — try within 10 feet
• Walls and obstacles can interfere
• Both devices should be awake and unlocked

These can block AirDrop:

• Turn off Personal Hotspot on iPhone
• Disable Internet Sharing on Mac
• Turn off VPN on both devices
• Disable Focus Mode if blocking notifications

Mac firewall can block AirDrop:

1. System Settings → Network → Firewall
2. Click Options
3. Make sure "Block all incoming connections" is OFF
4. If on, AirDrop won't work

Toggle Bluetooth to reset connections:

1. Click Bluetooth icon in menu bar
2. Turn Bluetooth OFF
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Turn Bluetooth ON

Or reset Bluetooth module:

1. Hold Shift + Option
2. Click Bluetooth in menu bar
3. Select Reset the Bluetooth module
4. Restart Mac

A restart fixes many AirDrop issues:

• Mac: Apple menu → Restart
• iPhone/iPad: Hold Power + Volume → Slide to power off
• Try AirDrop again after both restart

For "Contacts Only" AirDrop, iCloud is required:

1. System Settings → Apple ID
2. Make sure you're signed in
3. Check that Contacts is syncing
4. Or use Everyone setting instead

AirDrop requires:

• macOS Yosemite (10.10) or later
• Mac from 2012 or later (most models)
• For AirDrop to iOS: Mac from 2012+

Check your Mac model: Apple menu → About This Mac

Updates fix AirDrop bugs:

1. System Settings → General → Software Update
2. Install any available updates
3. Restart and try again

• Keep the AirDrop window open in Finder while waiting
• On iPhone, open Control Center to make it discoverable
• Try sending a small file first to test
• Large files (4GB+) may take time to appear