How to Use AirDrop Between iPhone and Mac has changed the way we share files, it’s so easy to transfer files using AirDrop between Apple devices. If you’re an iPhone user you may need to send photos, videos, or documents to your MacBook.
AirDrop is the fast and reliable solution even if you want to use Bluetooth to connect and Wi-Fi to transfer. AirDrop works without needing an internet connection.
AirDrop is a great way to share files quickly and securely. Just a few taps and you can send files from your iPhone to your MacBook or vice versa. No cables or complicated setup is required, that’s why it’s a favorite feature among Apple users.
If you encounter issues with AirDrop between iPhone and MacBook, it’s usually because of connectivity problems. Make sure both devices are within range.
Check that AirDrop is enabled on both devices and they are discoverable. Knowing these common issues will help you have a seamless AirDrop experience and make it a useful tool in your Apple life.
Lets see how to go about that below.
How to Use AirDrop Between iPhone and Mac
What is AirDrop?
AirDrop is a file-sharing service by Apple that allows users to transfer files between supported devices wirelessly. It works over a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection, using Bluetooth to connect devices. So your iPhone and Mac don’t need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, they just need to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. AirDrop is designed to be secure, files are only shared between devices that are within close proximity, usually up to 30 feet.
Prepare Your Devices for AirDrop
Before you can start sharing files between your iPhone and Mac, make sure both devices are ready. Follow these steps:
- Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: On your iPhone, swipe down from top right corner to access Control Center. Make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi icons are blue. On your Mac, click Apple logo on top left corner, select “System Preferences”, then “Bluetooth” and “Network” to make sure both are enabled.
- Check AirDrop Settings: On your iPhone, open Control Center again and tap on AirDrop icon. You can choose from three options: “Receiving Off”, “Contacts Only” or “Everyone”. If you want to share files with anyone nearby, select “Everyone”.
- Set Up AirDrop on Mac: Open a Finder window on your Mac and click on AirDrop in the sidebar. You can select who can see your Mac under “Allow me to be discovered by”. Set it to “Contacts Only” or “Everyone” depending on your preference.
How to AirDrop from iPhone to Mac
Now that you’re set up, you can start transferring files from your iPhone to your Mac. Here’s how:
- Choose what to Share: Open the app that has the file you want to share, like Photos, Notes or Files. For example, if you want to share a photo, open the Photos app and select the photo.
- Share: Tap the Share button, which looks like a box with an arrow coming out of it. This will bring up the share options.
- Select Your Mac: In the AirDrop section of the share menu, you should see your Mac’s name. Tap on it.
- Accept on Your Mac: You’ll get a notification on your Mac that your iPhone is trying to send a file. Click “Accept” to start the transfer.
- Find the Transferred File: Once the transfer is done, the file will be in your Downloads folder on the Mac.
AirDrop from Mac to iPhone
You can also AirDrop from Mac to iPhone. Here’s how:
- Open the Finder: On your Mac, open a Finder window and find the file you want to share.
- AirDrop: In the Finder sidebar, click on AirDrop. Your iPhone should show up in the AirDrop section.
- Drag and Drop: Drag the file over your iPhone’s name in the AirDrop section.
- Accept the Transfer on Your iPhone: A notification will pop up on your iPhone. Tap “Accept” to receive the file. It will be in the correct app (e.g. photos will be in the Photos app).
AirDrop Troubleshooting
AirDrop is usually pretty reliable but you may run into some issues. Here are the common problems and solutions:
- AirDrop Not Showing Up: If your devices aren’t showing up in AirDrop, make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on on both devices. If you still don’t see the devices, try turning AirDrop off and on again.
- Transfer Fails: If a file won’t transfer, make sure both devices are within 30 feet of each other. Also, check if you have set the AirDrop receiving setting to “Contacts Only” and both devices are signed into iCloud.
- AirDrop Not Working with Windows: AirDrop is only for Apple devices so you can’t use it to transfer files between iPhone and Windows PCs. For that, use third-party apps like Dropbox or Google Drive.
AirDrop Settings
You need to manage your AirDrop settings to share files securely. You can choose who can send to you by going into your AirDrop settings:
- On Your iPhone: Go to Control Center, tap AirDrop and choose “Contacts Only” or “Everyone”.
- On Your Mac: Go to Finder, select AirDrop and adjust the “Allow me to be discovered by” setting.
Now you can control who can send to you via AirDrop and only get what you want.
How to Turn Off AirDrop on iPhone
If you want to turn off AirDrop altogether, especially for parental control purposes, you can do so by using Screen Time:
- Go to Settings: Open the Settings app.
- Select Screen Time: Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions: If it’s not already enabled.
- Select Allowed Apps: Turn off AirDrop.
To turn AirDrop back on, follow the same steps and toggle it back on.
FAQs
1. What is AirDrop?
AirDrop is a feature that lets you share files, photos, videos and more between Apple devices like iPhones and MacBooks. It uses Bluetooth to find nearby devices and Wi-Fi to send the files so you don’t need an internet connection.
2. How do I turn on AirDrop on my iPhone?
Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Control Center. Press and hold the network settings card (the one with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). Then tap on “AirDrop” and choose “Contacts Only” or “Everyone” to share with people around you.
3. How do I turn on AirDrop on my Mac?
Open Finder and click on “AirDrop” in the sidebar. If AirDrop is off you will see an option to turn it on. Make sure your Mac’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both turned on. You can also choose who can see your Mac by clicking on the “Allow me to be discovered by” dropdown.
4. Why isn’t my AirDrop working?
If AirDrop isn’t working check that both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. Make sure the devices are within 30 feet of each other. If you’re still having trouble restart both your iPhone and Mac or check that neither device is in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
5. Can I use AirDrop without Wi-Fi?
Yes you can use AirDrop without a Wi-Fi connection. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a connection between devices and Wi-Fi to send files but you don’t need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Just make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices.
6. What kind of files can I share with AirDrop?
You can share all kinds of files with AirDrop including photos, videos, documents, links and even contact information. AirDrop lets you send any file you have on your iPhone or Mac to another Apple device nearby.
Conclusion
So there you have it, AirDrop is a great tool to share files between iPhone and Mac. With just a few taps you can transfer photos, videos, and documents. Now that you know how to set up and troubleshoot, you can use AirDrop for all your file sharing needs. Go ahead and use AirDrop now!
I’m Edidiong Ekpo, an experienced SEO content writer who writes well-researched articles to educate the public on various niches across the web.