Ever since I purchased the new Mac, I’ve grown fond of AirDrop because it allows me to wirelessly transfer files between my Mac and iPhone. However, I occasionally encounter the issue of AirDrop not working on my Mac. When I sought solutions, I discovered that numerous users worldwide frequently experience this issue when using AirDrop to transfer files between their iPhones and Macs.
Given the widespread reports of AirDrop not working on Mac and iPhone, the topics have gained popularity on Google Trends. Therefore, we have offered you effective solutions to resolve this problem. Let’s delve into the issue and rectify your Mac’s AirDrop not working problem!
12 Methods To Fix AirDrop Not Working on Mac
1. Make Sure Both Devices Are Connected to the Same Wi-Fi Network
To initiate an AirDrop transfer, your Mac and the receiving device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If AirDrop is not working, check if both devices are connected to the same network. You can do this by following these steps:
- On your Mac, click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
- Ensure that both devices are connected to the same network.
2. Check that Bluetooth is Enabled on the Mac
AirDrop uses Bluetooth technology for device discovery and initial connection setup. Therefore, ensuring Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac is crucial. Follow these steps to verify if Bluetooth is turned on:
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Navigate to “Bluetooth” and make sure the checkbox next to “Bluetooth” is ticked.
3. Check Firewall Settings on the Mac
Sometimes, the firewall settings on your Mac can interfere with AirDrop functionality. To ensure that incoming connections are not blocked, follow these steps:
- Open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.
- Click on “Security & Privacy” and select the “Firewall” tab.
- Ensure the firewall is turned off or, if enabled, that the necessary exceptions are added to allow AirDrop connections.
4. Clear the Cache on the Mac
Clearing the cache on your Mac can help resolve various system-related issues, including AirDrop problems. Here’s how you can clear the cache:
- Open Finder and click on “Go” in the menu bar.
- Press the “Option” key to reveal the “Library” option.
- Click on “Library” and navigate to the “Caches” folder.
- Locate the cache folders related to AirDrop and delete them.
5. Restart the Devices After Making Changes to the Settings
After making any changes to the network, Bluetooth, or firewall settings, it’s important to restart both your Mac and the receiving device. Restarting can help apply the changes and refresh the connection. Simply power off both devices, wait for a few seconds, and then turn them back on.
6. Check that the Mac is Running OS X 10.10 or Higher
AirDrop requires a minimum operating system version to function properly. Ensure your Mac is running OS X 10.10 Yosemite or a higher version. To check your Mac’s operating system:
- Click on the Apple menu and select “About This Mac.”
- Check the version number under the “Overview” tab.
7. Make Sure the “Allow me to be discovered by” Setting is Checked
To successfully send or receive files through AirDrop, you must enable the “Allow me to be discovered by” setting. Follow these steps to verify the setting:
- Open a Finder window and click on “AirDrop” in the sidebar.
- In the AirDrop window, check if the “Allow me to be discovered by” option is selected.
8. Check that Both Devices Have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Turned On and Are Within 30 Feet (9 Meters) of Each Other
For AirDrop to work properly, both devices involved in the transfer must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Additionally, they should be in close proximity to each other, within a range of 30 feet (9 meters). Follow these steps to ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled:
On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and ensure it is turned on.
On the receiving device, such as an iPhone or iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. Check that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons are highlighted.
9. Disable Personal Hotspot
If you have enabled Personal Hotspot on your iPhone, it can interfere with AirDrop functionality. To disable Personal Hotspot:
- On your iPhone, go to “Settings” and select “Personal Hotspot.”
- Turn off the Personal Hotspot feature.
10. Update the Devices
Outdated software versions can often cause compatibility issues with AirDrop. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s important to keep your devices updated with the latest software. Follow these steps to update your devices:
- On your Mac, click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Choose “Software Update” and install any available updates.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to “Settings,” select “General,” and choose “Software Update.” Install any pending updates.
11. Unlock the iPhone
If you’re attempting to AirDrop files from an iPhone to a Mac, ensure that the iPhone is unlocked. AirDrop requires the iPhone’s screen to be active and unlocked to establish a connection.
12. Try Disabling the Mac’s Focus Mode
The Focus mode on macOS can restrict certain notifications and connectivity features. If AirDrop is not working, try disabling the Focus mode temporarily to see if it resolves the issue. Here’s how to disable Focus mode:
- Click on the Control Center icon in the menu bar.
- If Focus mode is enabled, click on it to disable it.
Wrapping Up
With the help of the above twelve methods, you can fix AirDrop not working issue on Mac. Did you try the above method? Which method worked for you? Do you know any other working way to get rid of the same? Share with us in the comment section.