Last Updated on May 2, 2019 by Husain Parvez
Apple’s Airdrop feature allows you to transfer data and files from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac without wires. It is a fast and convenient way of safely moving items such as photos, documents, websites, map locations, and more from iPhones to Macs and vice versa. It is one of Apple’s unique features that other competitors like Android or Windows do not have.
Before Airdrop, you would need to use either a hard wire to transfer files slowly or use a third party site like DropBox. Now, you and your friends can enjoy sharing files at the push of a button.
Airdrop was first seen with the release of the OS X Lion and has quickly made its way to iOS devices during the release of iOS 7. Now, it is an Apple staple. All Apple devices with the right iOS can enjoy this feature, whether it is your iPad or iPod Touch.
While the process is a relatively simple one, some users may not even know about the Airdrop feature and how it can make their lives easier.
Below is an easy step by step guide on how to successfully transfer files from your iPhone to Mac.
Before Using Airdrop
Before you start, ensure that your device has a suitable operating system. Mobile devices require at least iOS 7 while post 2012 Macs require at least OS X Yosemite to use Airdrop. Apple recommends that devices need to be within 30 feet of each other, be powered on, and not locked in order to transfer files through Airdrop.
How to Airdrop from iPhone to Mac
Step 1
– Turn on the WiFi feature on both devices, by accessing settings and switching WiFi on.
Step 2
– Turn on the Bluetooth feature on both devices, by accessing settings and switching Bluetooth on.
Step 3
– On your iPhone, search and tap the Sharing icon. It resembles a square with an arrow pointing out.
Step 4
– On your Mac, choose the Go menu and press AirDrop. Alternatively, you can select AirDrop through the Finder window on the sidebar.
Step 5
– Check the ‘Allow me to be discovered by:’ at the bottom of the screen of the Mac. It should either say ‘Everyone’ or Contacts Only’. Keep this Finder window open.
Step 6
– On the iPhone’s sharing screen, select the AirDrop icon.
Step 7
– Wait until your Mac connects to your iPhone and appears on the list of devices, then select it to begin sending the files to the Mac.
Step 8
– Wait until you hear a sound effect to confirm the completion of the download.
Step 9
– The files will appear on the downloads folder on your Mac and you can action them straight away.
Your Mac will continue to accept AirDrop file transfers from Apple devices when the Finder window is not closed. Just close the AirDrop Finder window and it will cease from accepting any more transfers.
Most importantly, remember to have the AirDrop Finder window on your Mac open, and select the Airdrop icon on your iPhone or any Apple devices.
Potential Issues
AirDrop is relatively new to Apple’s mobile devices and the feature may still have lingering teething issues this far in. Most of the time, it works fine. However, you will experience instances where it doesn’t connect at all or transfer files correctly.
Below are some troubleshooting tips that you might come across while using AirDrop.
Devices Not Showing On Airdrop
If your devices do not register on AirDrop, follow these steps:
- Ensure that your Bluetooth and WiFi is enabled on both devices. Simply go to settings and switch both on.
- Devices must be within 30 feet or 9 meters of each other.
- On Mac, ensure that AirDrop is switched on.
- On Mac, check the device’s accessibility. On the AirDrop window, you will see ‘Allow me to be discovered by’. If it is set to ‘Contacts Only’, both devices must be signed in to iCloud and have the Apple ID associated with the sender’s details.
- On the iPhone, check the Airdrop Setting. Like above, if it is set to ‘Contacts Only’, both devices must be signed in to iCloud and have the same details.
- Ensure that the internet sharing or Mobile Hotspot feature is disabled. Simply go to settings and turn Hotspot off.
- Check your device’s iOS version. Make sure that you update it to the latest one that your device is compatible with.
- Mac may be too old to support AirDrop. You can check the system requirements below.
System Requirements
- Mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch using iOS 7 or later.
- Mac models from 2012 onwards, excluding the 2012 Mac Pro, with the OS X Yosemite or later.
Conclusion
If your device is too old or is not compatible with this feature, you can always resort to using alternative file transfer methods. There is no doubt that AirDrop is the easiest method of mass transferring files from one device to another. The steps may seem a little confusing at first, but we assure you that it is simple once you start doing it.
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