How to Use AirDrop to Share Files Between Macs and iOS Devices

[MacRumors]

Apple's AirDrop file-sharing feature debuted with the release of OS X Lion and allowed users to transfer files from one Mac to another without using email or an external storage device. The feature made its way to iOS devices with the release of iOS 7, and offered a simple way for users to share files like photos between iOS devices. Now, with the release OS X Yosemite, users can use AirDrop to transfer files between the Mac and an iOS device for the first time.

This video shows you how it works:

Prior to the release of OS X Yosemite, users looking to transfer files between a Mac and iOS device usually had to resort to a third-party service like Dropbox or use an iCloud-connected app like Messages. AirDrop on OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 provides an easy-to-use solution for transferring files, as users can either drag and drop files from the Mac to iOS or move files from iOS to the Mac using the Share feature.

On the Mac, a number of apps like Safari, Preview, Pages, and Contacts support the Share feature. Third-party Mac apps like Deliveries, Ember, and Notability also feature Share support, allowing content to be transferred via AirDrop. On iOS, most of Apple's stock apps including Photos, Safari, Notes, and Maps feature Share support. Third-party apps including Camera+, Evernote, and eBay also support the feature.

Before you Start

You will need iOS 7 or later and OS X Yosemite in order to use AirDrop to transfer files between a Mac and an iOS device. Using AirDrop to move files between iOS and Mac is supported by all Mac models released in 2012 and later running OS X Yosemite. You can confirm that your Mac is compatible with AirDrop by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock and clicking the "Go" icon in the Menu Bar. If AirDrop is not listed as an option, then your Mac is not compatible with the feature. AirDrop between a Mac and an iOS device also requires an iPhone 5 or later, iPad 4 or later, iPad mini, or fifth-generation iPod touch.

Apple notes that AirDrop users should ensure that devices being used are within 30 feet of each other. If you have a firewall enabled on your Mac, navigate to Menu Bar -> Apple -> System Preferences -> General -> Security & Privacy -> Firewall -> Firewall Options and ensure that "Block all incoming connections" is not checked.

Keep in mind that it is not required for both devices to log into the same iCloud account to use AirDrop, but doing so offers the benefit of transferring files through AirDrop automatically without the need to approve each transfer. Files transferred between devices logged into different iCloud accounts will need permission to accept file transfers. Both iOS devices and Macs must be powered on and not locked in order to make AirDrop file transfers.

Steps

1. Turn on Wi-Fi on your iPhone (Settings -> Wi-Fi) and Mac (Menu Bar -> Wi-Fi -> Turn Wi-Fi On. AirDrop will still work between the Mac and an iOS device even if both are using different Wi-Fi networks.

2. Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone (Settings -> Bluetooth) and Mac (Menu Bar -> Apple -> System Preferences -> Bluetooth -> Turn Bluetooth On).

3. Turn on AirDrop on your iPhone (Slide up to access Control Center -> AirDrop -> Choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone") and Mac (Finder -> Menu Bar -> Go -> AirDrop -> Click "Allow me to be discovered by:" -> Choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone").

4. You may now begin using AirDrop to transfer files between a Mac and an iOS device. To test it out, go to the AirDrop menu in Finder and notice that your iOS device is represented by circle. Drag and drop a file onto the circle, and your iOS device will prompt you to accept the file.

You can also transfer files from the Mac to an iOS device using apps that have Share feature built-in. The Share menu can be accessed in the upper right corner of an app and is represented by a square with an upward facing arrow.

The iOS share icon (middle) as seen in Safari​

​

Selecting the AirDrop option from the Share menu brings up a list of devices that can receive files.

5. Transferring a file from an iOS device to the Mac can be done in any app that supports the Share functionality. Like on the Mac, the Share button brings up a list of options for transfers including AirDrop. For example, sending an image to the Mac from the Photos app can be done by tapping the Share button, tapping AirDrop, and selecting the desired Mac. A prompt to accept the file should then appear on the Mac.

Troubleshooting

Some users have had trouble with AirDrop functionality between the Mac and iOS devices since it launched with OS X Yosemite. Members on our forums and on Apple's support forums have reported that restarting both devices fixed their problems. If the devices aren't recognizing each other, make sure AirDrop is set to "Everyone" instead of "Contacts Only," as the latter setting has caused some problems for users. A number of users have also realized their Macs are too old to support AirDrop functionality between OS X and iOS after attempting to try out the feature, so ensure that your Mac is a 2012 model or newer by going to Menu Bar -> Apple -> About This Mac.

Article Link: How to Use AirDrop to Share Files Between Macs and iOS Devices

 

[Jamalien]

Still find it annoying that my iPad 3rd gen doesn't support this, and therefore any other continuity features.

 

[k2director]

Airdrop DOES NOT work reliably when I try to share photos on my iPhone with my 2013 Mac Pro.

Every once in a while it works, but most of the time the Mac icon does not show up on the iPhone's Airdrop dock.

Airdrop does work reliably when going from Mac to iPhone, but that's not useful because I'm always snapping pictures on the phone that I want to share with my Mac.


I wish Apple's passion for quality control matched its new-found passion for diversity, LQBG rights, women freezing their eggs, children's education. etc. Tim talks a lot about those issues, but can I get a statement about all the bugs I'm increasingly finding in Mac products? No.

I miss the old Apple, which didn't carry the Progressive torch quite so high, but could launch products that Just Worked.

 

[Cloudsurfer]

Does not work on my 2010 mbp. But thankfully, there's iCloud drive so whatever...

 

[auhagen]

Does not work on my 2010 mbp. But thankfully, there's iCloud drive so whatever...

System Requirements
To see if your Mac works with AirDrop, make sure you’re in the Finder by clicking the desktop (the background area of your screen), or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, check to see if AirDrop is listed as an option in the Go menu. If you don't see AirDrop listed, your Mac doesn't support this feature.

In order to transfer files between a Mac and and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, your iOS device needs iOS 7 or later installed and your Mac needs to be a 2012 or later model. To transfer files between two Mac computers, you need one of the Mac models listed below and OS X Lion or later.

MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)
*The MacBook Pro (17-Inch Late 2008) and the white MacBook (Late 2008) do not support AirDrop.

 

[goobot]

I need a new computer.

 

[Dangerous Theory]

My iPhone 6 STILL can't see my 2012 retina mbp with Yosemite to airdrop. However my mbp sees the iPhone and is able to transfer files to it. Both are set to allow anyone. I'm not the only one either, so what's the deal with that Apple?

 

[janderson0719]

Wait, is this MacRumors or OSX Daily?

 

[auhagen]

My iPhone 6 STILL can't see my 2012 retina mbp with Yosemite to airdrop. However my mbp sees the iPhone and is able to transfer files to it. Both are set to allow anyone. I'm not the only one either, so what's the deal with that Apple?

Are you implying that Apple made something that doesn't work?!
Quickly hide, before the iSheep comes and flames you!

Apple simply ain't what it used to be. I'm starting to look for alternatives sadly :/

 

[wikiverse]

Air drop between iOS devices is slow. Slower thank just emailing or imessaging a photo over 3G cellular. I don't know why.

 

[Padmini]

AirDrop is extremely unreliable.

Across my many devices, there are certain transfers, like from my iPad Air to my iMac, that work every time.

But there will be others such as iMac to iPhone 6 Plus that fail every time. By fail, I mean I will try to transfer the file, the icon on the Mac will say "Waiting..." and nothing will ever appear on the iPhone. If I cancel the transfer and initiate it again, usually it will work.

 

[superram1234]

You all should try desk connect, it has the same functionality and you can send files from anywhere

 

[JoEw]

AirDrop is unreliable

Easier just to iMessage it to myself

 

[heisenberg123]

my 2011 MBP does not have the option to change the who can see me

 

[xoAnna]

my 2011 MBP does not have the option to change the who can see me
View attachment 509877

I’m pretty sure that’s because your Macbook Pro is a 2011 model and for Airdrop to work with iOS 7+ it has to be at least a 2012 MBP model or newer.
At least as far as I understand the referenced article above.

 

[Someyoungguy]

I have to say, I'm more than a little perturbed at the gimping of older Macs with regard to this feature. This isn't the BT LE issue that limits other continuity features to newer machines. This is a WiFi file transfer that was already supported between Macs built before 2012, and separately, iPhones. If I can't have ecosystem features on my 3 year old computer, maybe I need to find another ecosystem.

I know Apple has played this type of game before, as do other manufacturers, but in recent memory they struck a good balance between planned obsolescence and backward compatibility that endeared them to me. I think that balance is off now. If I can't use ecosystem features after such a short amont of time (computers are usually depreciated over 5 years), I don't see why I need to pay the "Apple Tax" when it's time for a new computer.

 

[R3k]

Thanks MR, appreciating the guides you are putting out these days.

 

[Mums]

Airdrop DOES NOT work reliably when I try to share photos on my iPhone with my 2013 Mac Pro.

Every once in a while it works, but most of the time the Mac icon does not show up on the iPhone's Airdrop dock.

Airdrop does work reliably when going from Mac to iPhone, but that's not useful because I'm always snapping pictures on the phone that I want to share with my Mac.


I wish Apple's passion for quality control matched its new-found passion for diversity, LQBG rights, women freezing their eggs, children's education. etc. Tim talks a lot about those issues, but can I get a statement about all the bugs I'm increasingly finding in Mac products? No.

I miss the old Apple, which didn't carry the Progressive torch quite so high, but could launch products that Just Worked.

Excellent comment.

 

[macgabe]

Mine, like many of those above, was hardly working between my 5S, 2014 MBA and 2013 iMac (Contacts only). But I've just tried it again and it worked both ways - first time I've tried it since iOS 8.1 install a couple of days ago. So I guess if you haven't tried recently maybe worth another go.

I would set it to "Everyone", but doesn't that mean every stranger I pass in the street can see my device and send files to it?

 

[Potus]

One Of These Things Is Not Like the Other

Airdrop DOES NOT work reliably when I try to share photos on my iPhone with my 2013 Mac Pro.

Every once in a while it works, but most of the time the Mac icon does not show up on the iPhone's Airdrop dock.

Airdrop does work reliably when going from Mac to iPhone, but that's not useful because I'm always snapping pictures on the phone that I want to share with my Mac.


I wish Apple's passion for quality control matched its new-found passion for diversity, LQBG rights, women freezing their eggs, children's education. etc. Tim talks a lot about those issues, but can I get a statement about all the bugs I'm increasingly finding in Mac products? No.

I miss the old Apple, which didn't carry the Progressive torch quite so high, but could launch products that Just Worked.

OOOOOKaaaay. We can now infer your position on a variety of issues. But why you link Apple's concern with those issues and Airdrop is unfathomable to me. They are not related in any way.

 

[g1sdaname]

Is that an MS3 I spotted in the background? ☺️#

 

[jackzig]

A Right-Wing Apple?

I wish Apple's passion for quality control matched its new-found passion for diversity, LQBG rights, women freezing their eggs, children's education. etc. Tim talks a lot about those issues, but can I get a statement about all the bugs I'm increasingly finding in Mac products? No.

I miss the old Apple, which didn't carry the Progressive torch quite so high, but could launch products that Just Worked.

So I guess if Apple didn't support Gay Rights, Women's Rights, or Children's Education one of two things would take place: 1) Air Drop would work 100%, all the time, or 2) It wouldn't bother you because Apple would not have nasty Progressive tendencies.

I guess Tim Cook is just fixated about being a decent human being and doesn't give a damn about quality products like he would if he were a Neanderthal.

 

[auhagen]

So I guess if Apple didn't support Gay Rights, Women's Rights, or Children's Education one of two things would take place: 1) Air Drop would work 100%, all the time, or 2) It wouldn't bother you because Apple would not have nasty Progressive tendencies.

I guess Tim Cook is just fixated about being a decent human being and doesn't give a damn about quality products like he would if he were a Neanderthal.

What kind of defence is that?

So because you support human rights, and other great organisations, you can just make crap to your customers?

I get your point, that there is far more important things in life, but when you pay premium for different features, and Apple highlights the **** out of it, it's better be working.

I cant start my own firm and sell poorly made software, and when people complain, just tell them: "Sorry I haven't got the time to make your product the right for your, event though you have paid for stuff i promised you, but I'm fighting for human rights which is far more important".

 

[Av8]

Very useful and informative, thanks for this.

 

[Highlands]

Ego Mania versus Quality Products and Service

Apple was once known to design, develop and produce outstanding products that matched a level of service that was brilliant even when delivered by arrogant and egotistical apple employees.

Today, we have an organization that is thrilled to talk about themselves in such a manner that it removes the "we" as in a team of people within Apple to "I" as in 1 person that seems to want to talk about his personal life in detail versus talking about how he is going to build apples founding values back to delivering quality products and services.

Airdrop works perfectly from mac to iPhone and iPad. Airdrop is hopeless when attempting to deliver upon its promise from iPhone and iPad to mac.

How have we gone from being a country that lost its way in making great products to then find them being made now overseas outside of the USA, to then become great at providing services to now find that this is being sent overseas.

It seems that all is left is for us to become great talkers and deliver no substance. Actually, that is something I could be happy to see shipped overseas and we get back our true values in manufacturing and service excellence that we once had ...... and we had the worlds attention then because what we said we would do, what we said would work, actually did work and we did do what we said we would do.

Apple, can we get back to doing the right thing and deliver on your promise to provide a sound and high quality product and less talk about your personal lives. Shareholders, clients and employees want to build on products and service.....not talk.

Airdrop DOES NOT work reliably when I try to share photos on my iPhone with my 2013 Mac Pro.

Every once in a while it works, but most of the time the Mac icon does not show up on the iPhone's Airdrop dock.

Airdrop does work reliably when going from Mac to iPhone, but that's not useful because I'm always snapping pictures on the phone that I want to share with my Mac.


I wish Apple's passion for quality control matched its new-found passion for diversity, LQBG rights, women freezing their eggs, children's education. etc. Tim talks a lot about those issues, but can I get a statement about all the bugs I'm increasingly finding in Mac products? No.

I miss the old Apple, which didn't carry the Progressive torch quite so high, but could launch products that Just Worked.