AirDrop Is Not Working on Mac? 8 Solutions to Fix It

AirDrop is a popular feature for quickly sharing files between Apple devices, and many people rely on it for easy transfers. But it can be really frustrating if AirDrop is not working on Mac, especially when AirDrop stuck on waiting. There are a few reasons why this might happen, but don't worry! AirDrop is generally dependable, and there's always a cause behind the issue.

In this guide, you'll find some straightforward fixes to get AirDrop working again. Plus, we'll introduce you to a great alternative that allows you to transfer files quickly and easily, perfect if you're in a rush!

Part 1: Why is AirDrop Not Working on Mac?

If AirDrop isn't working on your Mac, there could be several reasons behind it. The best way to figure out the problem is to check and rule out each possible cause one at a time. Start by making sure that both your Mac and the other device you're trying to send or receive files from meet these basic requirements:

• They should be no more than 30 feet (around 9 meters) apart.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be switched on for both devices.
• Your Mac should be from 2012 or newer and running macOS Yosemite or a later version.

Part 2: How to Fix AirDrop on Mac is Not Working?

Sometimes, AirDrop doesn't work when you're trying to send files from your iPhone to your Mac, and there can be several reasons for this. Luckily, there are also plenty of ways to solve the issue. The right solution depends on what's causing the problem. Try the fixes below to see which one helps you get AirDrop working again.

Fix 1: Make Sure AirDrop is Available on Your Mac

Before anything else, if AirDrop isn't working on your Mac, you should first make sure the feature is actually available on your computer, especially if you're using it for the first time. Here's how to check:

1. Click the Finder icon in your Dock.
2. Go to the top of your screen and click "Go" in the menu bar.
3. Look for "AirDrop" in the list. If you don't see it, your Mac probably doesn't support AirDrop.

It's a good idea to confirm whether your Mac supports AirDrop at all. This is important if you're trying to send files from one Mac to another and it's not working. One of the Macs might not have AirDrop. Keep in mind, AirDrop only works on Macs running OS X 10.7 or newer.

Fix 2: Make Sure AirDrop is Enabled on the Mac

If you can't AirDrop from iPhone to Mac, one of the simplest fixes is to check whether it's turned on properly. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the Finder window on your Mac.
2. Click the "Go" option in the top menu bar.
3. From the list that appears, select "AirDrop."
4. Once you're on the AirDrop screen, look for the setting that says "Allow me to be discovered by."
5. Choose either "Contacts Only" or "Everyone," depending on who you want to receive files from. (AirDrop No People Found?)

This will make sure your Mac is visible to others and ready to receive files via AirDrop.

Fix 3: Restart Both Devices

Sometimes, a simple software hiccup can stop AirDrop from working between your iPhone and Mac. Restarting both devices can help clear out any background apps that might be causing trouble. It can also cool down your devices if they're getting too warm and fix memory issues that slow things down. Just turn your iPhone and Mac off, then turn them back on. After that, check if AirDrop is working again.

Fix 4: Make sure Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are Enabled on Mac

To send and receive files via AirDrop, it requires both of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be enabled on both devices (sender and receiver). So please check and make sure you have turned on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your Mac. If you have enabled them, please try to turn off and turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your device and make sure you have a good network connection.

You may want to know:

Can You AirDrop Without Wi-Fi? Find the Answer Here!

Fix 5: Place the Devices Closer Together

Even though AirDrop is supposed to work when devices are within about 30 feet, it doesn't always go smoothly. Things like walls or even household appliances, such as microwaves, can interfere with the connection. A simple fix is to shorten the distance between the two devices. The nearer they are, the more likely the transfer will work without issues.

Fix 6: Check the Firewall Settings on Your Mac

Please check if you have enabled the "Block all incoming communications" feature on Firewall, if so, you can not share files with AirDrop. So please turn it off.

To do so, please go to "System Preferences" > "Security & Privacy" > "Firewall" > "Firewall Options" and uncheck "Block all incoming communications" option here.

Fix 7: Turn off Personal Hotspot

One reason your Mac might not be getting AirDrop files is that your iPhone's Personal Hotspot is turned on. If you're using your iPhone to share internet with another device, that could interfere with AirDrop. To fix this, go to "Settings", tap "Personal Hotspot", and switch it off.

Fix 8: Update macOS and iOS

If nothing else has worked so far, the next thing you should do is make sure your Mac and iOS devices are fully updated. Sometimes, simply installing the latest software can fix connection or syncing problems.

How to update your Mac:

For macOS Ventura or newer:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Choose "System Settings" from the menu.
3. Go to "General", then select "Software Update".
4. Your Mac will check for updates. If one is available, click "Install" and follow the steps.

For macOS versions older than Ventura:

1. Click the Apple icon and select "About This Mac".
2. Click "Software Update".
3. Let your Mac search for updates. If one is found, follow the instructions to install it.

How to update an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

1. Open the "Settings" app.
2. Tap "General", then choose "Software Update".
3. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install", then follow the instructions.

Can't Miss:

AirDrop vs SHAREit, What's the Difference?

Part 3: Transfer Data From iPhone to Mac Easily Without AirDrop

If you're in a rush and don't have time to troubleshoot the "AirDrop not working on Mac" issue, there's a quick alternative you can try - Coolmuster iOS Assistant. This tool makes transferring data between your iPhone and Mac a breeze. No matter the size of your files, it works fast and efficiently, so you can move even large files in just a few minutes.

The software is user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to use without any hassle. Plus, it supports transferring up to 15 types of data between your devices, including some that AirDrop doesn't handle.

With Coolmuster iOS Assistant, you can:

• Quickly move data from iPhone/iPad to Mac, and vice versa.
• Transfer your files without worrying about data loss or leaks.
• Manage, edit, and delete your iPhone data directly from your computer.
• Support a wide range of data types like photos, videos, apps, contacts, messages and more.
• Be compatible with all iOS devices, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here's a simple way to transfer data from your iPhone to Mac using Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

Keep your iPhone plugged into the computer, and the transfer will finish soon. You'll get a notification when it's done.

If you ever want to move some or all of the data back to your iPhone, just follow these simple steps with the "Import" feature:

Video Guide:

The End

AirDrop is a great tool for transferring files between your iPhone and Mac. However, sometimes it doesn't work as expected. This article has covered the reasons why AirDrop might fail and shared solutions to fix the issue.

If you've successfully fixed the problem, you should now be able to send your files via AirDrop. But if you continue having trouble, consider using Coolmuster iOS Assistant as a reliable alternative. Install it on your Mac and enjoy smooth data transfers without the hassle.

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