Please keep reading to learn how to AirDrop from iPhone to Mac and vice versa.
Though AirDropping from iOS to Mac OS X is convenient, how AirDrop works is not always common knowledge. How to AirDrop to from iPhone to MacĪirDrop is the quickest and easiest way to send items from an iOS device to a Mac computer. You can verify if your Mac is compatible by checking for the AirDrop feature in the “Go” menu of Finder.
Many of these models did not come with compatible software by default, however may be compatible with system upgrades.
To send items to another Mac device, you need a MacBook Pro (late 2008) or newer excluding the MacBook Pro (17-inch, late 2008), MacBook Air (late 2010), MacBook (late 2008), iMac (early 2009), Mac Mini (mid 2010), Mac Pro (early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or mid 2010). This excludes the Mac Pro (Mid 2012) by default.
Sending or receiving items from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch requires a 2012 or later Mac with OS X Yosemite or newer. You also need to make sure that the email address or phone number linked to your Apple ID is in the Contacts app of the receiving device. If the receiving Mac’s AirDrop is configured to accept items from contacts only, ensure that both devices are signed in to iCloud. A Mac computer will not receive anything via AirDrop if this setting is turned on. You may also need to check if the receiving Mac has “Block all incoming connections” turned on in Security & Privacy preferences. From there, click “Search for an Older Mac” and select your computer from the list. If you are sending an item to a Mac device and the receiving Mac is a 2012 or older model, just click on “Don’t see who you’re looking for?” that is located in the AirDrop window of the sending Mac device. To open the AirDrop window, select “Go” in Finder and choose AirDrop from the menu bar. If you are sending data wirelessly to a Mac and the receiving Mac is using OS X Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion, you need to have its AirDrop window open. iOS devices must be using iOS 7 or later versions and their Personal Hotspot must be turned off (by going to Settings and selecting Cellular).
If you are sending an item to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, your Mac must be a 2012 or newer model running OS X Yosemite or later. In case you cannot see the recipient in the AirDrop window ensure that AirDrop is turned on for both devices and they are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other. Things You Need to Know About Sending Files over AirDrop For instance, photos will be stored in the Photos app and websites can be viewed in Safari. On a Mac device, the sent item is saved to the Downloads folder while on iOS, the item displays in the associated app. If the receiver is not signed into the same iCloud account, the recipient will be asked to accept the item before it can be saved to their device.
AirDrop turns on automatically when Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled on your Mac computer. If your Bluetooth or WiFi is turned off you will see a button you can use to turn them on. The AirDrop settings window will appear on your screen. Choose AirDrop from the menu that appears. To turn on and set up AirDrop on Mac computer: If the “Go” menu displays AirDrop, your Mac is AirDrop-ready and you can proceed with the instructions below to get started! How to Turn on AirDrop on Mac To find out if your Mac device can use AirDrop, select “Go” from the menu bar in the Finder on your Mac. You need to enable the app on your Mac device, this way it can use AirDrop. AirDrop is a feature that allows Mac computers and iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, iPods, etc) to share files like photos, videos, websites, locations, and much more with just a few clicks (or taps)! Designed to be easy to use and built right into your favorite Mac and iOS devices, Airdrop is a quick and easy way to move things between the devices you own.