Sharing photos is a common need for Mac users, especially when it comes to transferring images from one Mac to another one. Airdrop is one of the most popular features of macOS that allows users to quickly transfer files from Mac to Mac. In this article, you will learn how to airdrop photos from Mac to Mac using different methods. You will also find out what requires your focus, why you can’t airdrop photos from Mac to Mac, and the implications and recommendations related to airdropping.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
If you want to airdrop photos from Mac to Mac, you should make sure that both devices meet the following requirements:
- Both Macs should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
- Both Macs should be within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other.
- Both Macs should have the latest version of macOS installed.
- Both Macs should be signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
What Requires Your Focus?
Airdropping photos from Mac to Mac may require your focus on some important factors, such as:
- Accessibility: You should make sure that the Airdrop is enabled and set to receive files from everyone or contacts only.
- Privacy: Airdrop shares your photos over Wi-Fi, so you should be careful when transferring sensitive information.
- Connectivity: You should make sure that both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Different Methods to Airdrop Photos from Mac to Mac
Method 1: Airdrop via Finder
This method allows you to airdrop photos from the Finder app.
Steps:
- Open the Finder app on your Mac.
- Select the photos you want to share.
- Click on the "Share" icon in the toolbar.
- Click on "AirDrop".
- Select the Mac you want to share photos with from the list of available devices.
- Click "Send".
Pros:
- Easy and straightforward
- No additional apps required
Cons:
- Cannot transfer a large number of files at once
Method 2: Airdrop via Photos App
This method allows you to airdrop photos directly from the Photos app.
Steps:
- Open the Photos app on your Mac.
- Choose the photos you want to share.
- Click on the "Share" icon.
- Click on "AirDrop".
- Select the Mac you want to share photos with from the list of available devices.
- Click "Send".
Pros:
- Easy and quick option without the need to use Finder.
- Can upload multiple images to the same Airdrop transfer.
Cons:
- All photos must be in the Photos app
- May not be able to share videos or other files
Method 3: Airdrop via “Go To” folder
This method allows you to airdrop photos via a specific folder.
Steps:
- Open a new window on Finder.
- Click on "Go" in the top toolbar.
- Click on "AirDrop".
- Select the Mac you want to airdrop photos to.
- Drag your files to the AirDrop window.
- Click on "Send".
Pros:
- Quick and easy to use with minimal clicks.
Cons:
- Only files in the folder can be shared via Airdrop.
- Cannot preview photos before sending.
Why Can’t I Airdrop Photos from Mac to Mac?
If you can’t airdrop photos from Mac to Mac, the possible reasons could be:
- The feature is not supported by one of the devices.
- You have not enabled Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- The devices are not within the required range.
- One of the devices has a firewall that is blocking Airdrop.
Here are some fixes for these issues:
1. Fixing Unsupported Devices
If one of the Macs is too old, Airdrop may not be compatible and unable to share files. To resolve it, you can employ a third-party cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
2. Enabling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
If either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth isn’t turned on, you won’t be able to use Airdrop effectively. To rectify it, turn on these features under System Preferences > Network and Bluetooth.
3. Moving Devices Closer to One Another
Airdrop typically works well within a 30-foot radius. So both devices should be within this range. So make sure that the Mac Pro and Macbook Pro are positioned next to each other to enable a transfer.
4. Disabling Firewall
Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to your Apple computer by actively monitoring incoming and outgoing internet traffic. If the firewall is preventing the Mac from accessing Airdrop, dial back on those restrictions under System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Implications and Recommendations
While Airdrop is an excellent tool for quickly sharing files between two devices, the following are some implications and recommendations to consider when using it:
- Privacy: Be careful when sharing sensitive information over Airdrop since it is not encrypted.
- Firewall: Disable a firewall or create an exception for Airdrop to ensure that it works correctly.
- Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, Airdrop may not work due to compatibility issues of older devices.
- Transfer Limitations: It’s important to note that Airdrop has a file transfer limit of 5GB.
5 FAQs about Airdropping Photos from Mac to Mac
Q1. Is Airdrop free to use?
A1. Yes, Airdrop is a free feature available on macOS devices.
Q2. Can I use Airdrop to transfer files between my Mac and iPhone?
A2. Absolutely, Airdrop is Apple’s built-in file sharing feature for both macOS and iOS devices.
Q3. How do I know if my Mac supports Airdrop?
A3. Go to Finder and click on "Go" in the menu bar. If Airdrop is listed on the menu, then your device supports Airdrop.
Q4. Is there a limit on the size of files I can Airdrop?
A4. Yes, Apple sets a limit of 5GB per file for Airdrop. Anything that exceeds this threshold cannot be shared via Airdrop.
Q5. Can I share photos using Airdrop between different macOS versions?
A5. Airdrop is generally cross-compatible between different macOS versions. However, if you’re experiencing issues, it could be the case that your devices are not fully up-to-date.
In Conclusion
Airdrop is a straightforward and efficient tool that can be used to share photos between Macs easily. By using Airdrop, you can save time and efforts. In this article, we have shared different methods to Airdrop photos from Mac to Mac, the implications, and some recommendations to use this feature securely. Hopefully, by following these steps, you will be able to share your photos between Macs without any trouble.