AirDrop not working on a Mac? 7 fixes to try

howtosimply.com/guides/airdrop-not-working-on-a-mac-7-fixes-to-try/ · Checked 2 October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

1 of 7 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device

Mac

Shown on

macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)

App

System Settings

Real screenshots

1 of 7 steps

Checked

2 October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. Move the devices closer

   Apple gives a range of about 10 metres (30 feet). Walls and other radio devices shorten it. Put the devices next to each other for the test.

   Done

2. Switch on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both

   AirDrop needs both, on the sender and on the receiver. The devices do not have to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

   Done

3. Turn AirDrop on at the Mac

   Click Control Centre in the menu bar and click the AirDrop icon. When it is blue, AirDrop is on.

   Done

4. 

   Set receiving to Everyone

   On the device that should receive the file, set AirDrop to Everyone. On the Mac the setting is also under System Settings, General, AirDrop & Continuity. Our picture shows it set to Contacts Only.

   Done

5. Check the contact card if you use Contacts Only

   With Contacts Only, the receiver must have the email address or phone number of your Apple Account in your contact card. If you are not sure, use Everyone for the transfer.

   Done

6. Wake and unlock the other device

   An iPhone or iPad has to be awake and unlocked to appear as a recipient.

   Done

7. Restart both devices

   Apple's last step: restart your device and try again.

   Done

About this guide

AirDrop sends files between Apple devices without cables or the internet. When the other device does not show up, the cause is nearly always a switch in the wrong position on one of the two devices.

Menu names are from recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings. The pictures are our own screenshots from macOS Tahoe 26 on a MacBook Pro.

Good to know

On a Mac, received files are saved in the Downloads folder. Some items let you choose where to save them.

After the transfer, set AirDrop back to Contacts Only or No One, so that strangers cannot send you files in public places.

How sending works: how to use AirDrop on a Mac and how to use AirDrop on an iPhone.

If Bluetooth itself is the problem: Mac Bluetooth not working: 7 fixes to try.

In short: Close together, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, AirDrop on, receiving set to Contacts Only or Everyone, restart.