Welcome to the topic How to fix “Airdrop” issues on Mac.
AirDrop is one the best program to wirelessly beam/transfer almost anything from your Mac system, iPhone, and iPad to any other Apple device. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for the speedy transfer of your files.
Usually, file transfer from or to your various Apple devices and Mac is smooth and painless. The process is quick, simple, and incredibly secure. However, all software can malfunction at times.
If you are facing trouble with your AirDrop when you use it on Mac, here are some steps that will help you to correct the behavior on your Mac. Here are the necessary steps that you can use to fix Airdrop issues on Mac.
Check Device Compatibility
To use AirDrop successfully, your Mac must be running OS X Yosemite or a later macOS version. You can find out which macOS version your Mac is running by going to the Apple menu > About This Mac. As for updates, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
AirDrop is a great and quick way to share files with someone directly from your Mac. However, you need the OS X Yosemite or the latest version of macOS, or else it won’t work.
To check your macOS version, go to the Apple menu and then “About This Mac.” To update the operating system, go to “System Preferences and then Software Update.”
Similarly, ensure that the device you want to transfer files is compatible with AirDrop.
Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
As mentioned above, AirDrop works through Bluetooth to track other nearby devices and Wi-Fi to transfer your files smoothly. Thus, you need to ensure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are functioning and activated on the sending Mac PC or device. To check this:
First, go to Mac’s menu bar and tap the Bluetooth icon to activate the feature. Similarly, use the same method to activate the Wi-Fi as well.
You can also check this via AirDrop. First, go to the Finder menu, then AirDrop, and it will show you all the connections that are deactivated on the Mac. Just enable these features from the main menu and enjoy quick and smooth file transfers.
Furthermore, you should make sure that the other device has a working Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and both these features should be enabled. Besides, verify that the AirDrop feature is on for the device with the necessary permission.
Check AirDrop Sharing permissions.
The other common face issue that many faces while using AirDrop is the permissions. When it comes to permission, the first choice of many is the Contacts Only AirDrop on Mac, and it is perfectly fine. However, sometimes, it causes issues in file transfers from Mac to Mac and an iPhone.
Thus, verify and change the AirDrop’s sharing permission. We will advise you to set the sharing permission to “Everyone” from the AirDrop menu. Here is how to do it:
- First, go to the Finder menu on the Mac.
- Next, click on AirDrop, click on “Allow me to be discovered by” from the right pane, and choose “Everyone” from the menu.
Lastly, ensure that the sharing permission settings on the recipient’s device are also the same.
Sign in to iCloud On Both Devices
Most users like to use the “Contacts Only” when using AirDrop on both the Mac systems and iPhone for security and privacy reasons. If you are among those, ensure that ensure sending and receiving Mac devices are logged into iCloud.
The iCloud-associated emails or mobile numbers should be available in the contacts on both Mac devices.
Deactivate Do Not Disturb Mode On Mac
If the Do Not Disturb mode is active, you might face problems when using the AirDrop. To disable “Do not Disturb Mode,” follow these steps.
Go to the macOS main menu bar and look for Control Centre. Then select “Disable DND mode” from the available options from the drop-down menu.
Alternatively, you can deactivate the feature by navigating to the System Preferences and then the Notifications menu.
Again verify that DND mode is disabled on the other device.
Don’t Allow Your Mac To Sleep.
Transferring large files or multimedia files using AirDrop takes some time. AirDrop can stop working if your Mac goes to sleep during this process. Here is the process to change your Mac’s sleep settings.
- First, go to the “System Preferences menu”on your Mac.
- Then go to Battery and enter into the “Power Adapter menu.”
- From here, activate the ‘Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off’
Change Firewall Settings
If you are facing issues on your mac when using AirDrop, it can be due to macOS’ firewall restrictions. Usually, these firewall restrictions block out the machine’s communication with unknown connections. However, it can interfere with the working of AirDrop. Follow these steps to rectify the problem.
- First, go the System Preferences.
- Then Security & Privacy and look for Firewall.
- Now click the small padlock and enter Mac’s admin user ID and password.
- Now, navigate to the Firewall tab.
- If Mac’s firewall is activated, click on its Options.
- In this menu, uncheck the little box near “Block all connections.”
Now click on the save.
Disable VPN Connection
Another common AirDrop on Mac occurs when you use it with an active VPN. If you are using a VPN and AirDrop at the same time, sometimes things won’t work smoothly. VPN can cause issues during the process.
For this reason, if you are using VPN, simply disable it and try transferring the files over AirDrop again. To disable the VPN, follow this procedure:
- Go to the System Preferences.
- Click on the Network, and you will see the VPN service’s name on the sidebar.
- Now click on the Disconnect/Disable button and use AirDrop.
Final Thoughts
Transferring files through AirDrop to your other Apple devices is a breeze. The process is quick and straightforward. However, if you are facing problems, apply the fixes mentioned above and enjoy rapid files transfer.
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