Have you ever wanted to quickly share files between your Mac and another Apple device such as an iPhone or iPad? AirDrop is a wireless file-sharing feature that allows you to do just that. With just a few clicks, you can send photos, videos, documents, and other files from your Mac to another device, or vice versa.
However, many Mac users have trouble using AirDrop, as the feature may be turned off or not working properly. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make sure AirDrop is on and working on your Mac, along with some tips and tricks to help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To use AirDrop on your Mac, you’ll need:
- A compatible Mac running OS X Yosemite or later
- A compatible iOS device running iOS 7 or later
- Both devices should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on
- Both devices should have AirDrop turned on
What Requires Your Focus?
The most important thing to keep in mind when using AirDrop is that both devices should be close to each other, within 30 feet or so, and should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If AirDrop isn’t turned on or isn’t working properly, you’ll need to troubleshoot the issue by following some of the methods we’ll outline in this blog post.
Different Methods to Make Sure AirDrop Is on Mac
Method 1: Turn on AirDrop from the Finder
If you’re using OS X Yosemite or later, you can turn on AirDrop from the Finder on your Mac:
- Open a new Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon in the dock
- Click on AirDrop in the left sidebar
- If AirDrop is not turned on, you’ll see a message saying “No one nearby”. Click on “Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth” to enable AirDrop
Pros:
- Easy to access from Finder
Cons:
- May not work if the AirDrop settings are incorrect
- May not work if your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are not working properly
Method 2: Turn on AirDrop from the Control Center
If you’re using macOS Mojave or later, you can turn on AirDrop from the Control Center:
- Click on the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences”
- Click on “Extensions”
- Click on “Share Menu” in the left sidebar
- Drag “AirDrop” from the right-hand side to the Share Menu in the left sidebar
- Go to your Finder and click on “AirDrop” in the left sidebar
- Click on “Allow me to be discovered by” and select “Everyone” or “Contacts Only”
Pros:
- Can be accessed easily from the Control Center
Cons:
- May not work if the AirDrop settings are incorrect
- May not work if your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are not working properly
Method 3: Turn on AirDrop from the Command Line
If you’re comfortable using the Terminal app, you can turn on AirDrop from the command line:
- Open Terminal from the Utilities folder in your Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for Terminal
- Type the following command and press Enter: defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser BrowseAllInterfaces 1
- Type the following command and press Enter: killall Finder
- Open a new Finder window and click on AirDrop in the left sidebar
- If AirDrop is not turned on, you’ll see a message saying “No one nearby”. Click on “Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth” to enable AirDrop
Pros:
- Can be done quickly from the command line
Cons:
- May not be user-friendly for those not familiar with the command line
- May not work if the AirDrop settings are incorrect
- May not work if your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are not working properly
Why Can’t I Turn on AirDrop?
If you’re having trouble turning on AirDrop, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
1. AirDrop is not supported on your Mac or iOS device
If you have an older Mac or iOS device, it may not be compatible with AirDrop. Check Apple’s website to see if your devices are compatible.
Fix:
Upgrade your Mac or iOS device to a version that supports AirDrop.
2. Your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working properly
If your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is turned off or not working properly, AirDrop may not work as expected.
Fix:
Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on and functioning properly on both your Mac and iOS device.
3. Your Firewall or Network Settings are blocking AirDrop
Firewalls or network settings on your Mac or iOS device may be blocking AirDrop.
Fix:
Check your Firewall or Network Settings to allow AirDrop to function properly.
Implications and Recommendations
AirDrop is a useful tool for sharing files quickly and easily between your Mac and other Apple devices. However, it’s important to make sure the feature is turned on and working properly to avoid any issues or errors. Follow the methods outlined in this blog post to make sure AirDrop is on and working on your Mac.
5 FAQs about AirDrop
Q1: How do I know if AirDrop is turned on?
A: To check if AirDrop is turned on, open a new Finder window and click on AirDrop in the left sidebar. If AirDrop is not turned on, you’ll see a message saying “No one nearby”. Click on “Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth” to enable AirDrop.
Q2: Can I use AirDrop with devices that are not made by Apple?
A: No, AirDrop is a proprietary feature that only works between Apple devices.
Q3: What is the maximum file size I can share using AirDrop?
A: AirDrop does not have a specific file size limit, but larger files may take longer to transfer.
Q4: Can I transfer files between different versions of macOS or iOS?
A: Yes, AirDrop is backwards and forwards compatible across different versions of macOS and iOS.
Q5: What should I do if AirDrop is not working?
A: If AirDrop is not working, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on and functioning properly on both your Mac and iOS device. Check your Firewall or Network Settings to allow AirDrop to function properly. You can also try turning AirDrop off and on again, restarting your devices, or resetting your network settings.
Final Words
AirDrop is a convenient and effective way to share files between your Apple devices, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work properly. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can make sure AirDrop is on and functioning properly on your Mac.