macOS AirDrop Not Working Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

AirDrop lets you wirelessly send files between Apple devices without an internet connection. When AirDrop stops working, devices cannot see each other, transfers fail, or files are sent but never arrive. The most common causes are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi being off, devices too far apart, AirDrop set to receive from 'No One,' or a Firewall setting that is blocking AirDrop connections.

Affected Models

MacBook Air
MacBook Pro
iMac
Mac Mini
Mac Pro
Mac Studio

Common Causes

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is turned off on one or both devices — AirDrop requires both to be on
AirDrop is set to 'No One' or 'Contacts Only' and the sender is not in the recipient's contacts
The devices are more than 9 metres (30 feet) apart
The macOS Firewall is blocking the ports and protocols AirDrop uses
A Personal Hotspot is active on an iPhone, which disables Wi-Fi-based AirDrop functionality

How to Fix It

Check that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on. On your Mac, look at the menu bar — the Bluetooth icon and Wi-Fi icon should both be active (not dimmed). On iPhone or iPad, open Control Center and confirm both are on.

AirDrop uses Bluetooth to discover nearby devices and Wi-Fi to transfer the files. Both must be enabled on both devices.
Set AirDrop to receive from Everyone. Open Finder, click AirDrop in the sidebar, and at the bottom of the AirDrop window, set 'Allow me to be discovered by' to Everyone.

On iPhone/iPad: open Control Center, long-press the network block, then tap AirDrop and choose Everyone. This is the most common fix.
Bring the devices closer together. Make sure the Mac and the device you are sending from are within 9 metres of each other with no walls or obstacles between them.

AirDrop is designed for short-range transfers. Distance and physical barriers significantly reduce reliability.
Check the macOS Firewall settings. Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall. If the Firewall is on, click Options and make sure 'Block all incoming connections' is NOT checked.

A strict Firewall setting blocks AirDrop's incoming transfer connections. The default Firewall setting should allow AirDrop, but a custom strict configuration may block it.
Turn Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and turn it off. Then click the Wi-Fi icon and turn it off. Wait, then turn both back on.

This refreshes the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi states, which often resolves discovery problems where devices cannot see each other.

When to Call a Professional

AirDrop issues are almost never a hardware or professional service problem. All fixes involve software settings. If AirDrop never works on a specific Mac after all fixes, contact Apple Support for further diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I see the other device in AirDrop but the transfer fails?

If you can see the device but files do not arrive, the most common cause is the recipient's device dismissing the transfer notification, the file being too large for an instant transfer, or a brief Wi-Fi interruption during the transfer. Try sending a smaller file first to confirm the connection works. Make sure the recipient taps or clicks Accept when the transfer notification appears.

Does AirDrop work between a Mac and an iPhone?

Yes — AirDrop works seamlessly between Macs, iPhones, and iPads as long as all devices are signed into an Apple ID and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. You can send photos, documents, URLs, and more between any combination of Apple devices.

AirDrop was working before and suddenly stopped. What changed?

A macOS or iOS update sometimes resets AirDrop's discovery setting back to 'Contacts Only.' Check the AirDrop setting on both devices first. Also check if Personal Hotspot was accidentally turned on — on iOS, enabling Personal Hotspot disables the standard Wi-Fi connection that AirDrop uses for transfers. Turn off Personal Hotspot and try again.