AirDrop needs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, nearby devices, and the right discovery setting on both sides. When it fails, the other device may never appear or the transfer may begin and then stall.
This guide applies to Macs running recent macOS versions such as Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia when sending to or receiving from an iPhone, iPad, or another Mac.
Does This Affect You?
Use these steps if your Mac cannot see the other AirDrop device, if Contacts Only does not work, or if large transfers fail partway through.
Check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Visibility
- On the Mac, open Control Center and confirm both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on.
- Check the other device too. On iPhone or iPad, Airplane Mode must be off and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth must be enabled.
- On the Mac, open Finder and choose AirDrop from the sidebar or Go menu.
- Set Allow me to be discovered by to Everyone for 10 Minutes or Contacts Only.
- On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > General > AirDrop and choose a matching visibility setting.
- Keep the devices within about 30 feet and try again.
Fix Transfers That Start but Fail
- Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stay on for both devices. AirDrop makes its own direct connection, but both radios still matter.
- If using Contacts Only, confirm both devices are signed in with Apple IDs and contact details that match each other.
- Move the devices closer and avoid thick walls between them.
- Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off for 10 seconds on both devices, then turn them back on.
- Try one small file first. If that works, retry the larger batch.
More AirDrop Checks
Firewall Settings
A strict firewall can interfere with discovery. Check System Settings > Network > Firewall > Options for overly restrictive incoming-connection rules.
VPN Interference
Disconnect VPN temporarily. Some VPNs block local discovery traffic that AirDrop relies on.
Personal Hotspot
Turn off Personal Hotspot on iPhone if it is not needed. It can interfere with nearby sharing in some situations.
Restart Both Devices
If all settings look right, restart the Mac and the other device to reset the background wireless services.
Sources
- Apple Support: If you cannot AirDrop files from your Mac
- Apple Support: Use AirDrop on your Mac
- Apple Support: Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on or off on Mac