AirDrop lets you send files wirelessly to nearby Apple devices

AirDrop is a feature built into macOS that lets you send files, photos, links, and other content to other Macs, iPhones, and iPads nearby without using email or cloud storage. The receiving device gets a notification asking whether to accept, and if they do, the file arrives within seconds. It works over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so both devices need to be on the same network and within about 30 feet of each other.

To use AirDrop, you first need to turn it on in your Mac's settings. The steps differ slightly depending on which version of macOS you have, but the process takes less than a minute. Once it's on, you can start sending files right away.

Key Takeaways

  • AirDrop is turned on through System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs) under the General tab.
  • You can choose to receive files from everyone, only from your contacts, or turn AirDrop off entirely.
  • Both your Mac and the receiving device must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, though they don't need to be connected to the internet.
  • Once AirDrop is on, you can drag files to the AirDrop icon in Finder or right-click a file and select AirDrop from the menu.

How to turn on AirDrop in macOS Sonoma and newer

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting System Settings. In the sidebar on the left, click General. Scroll down until you see AirDrop, then click it.

You'll see three options: Allow me to receive AirDrop from: Everyone, Contacts Only, or No One. Choose the setting that works for you. "Contacts Only" is the most common choice because it lets people in your Contacts app send you files without allowing strangers to do the same. If you select "Everyone", anyone with an Apple device nearby can try to send you files. If you select "No One", AirDrop is off.

How to turn on AirDrop in macOS Ventura and earlier

Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple menu and selecting System Preferences (or System Settings, depending on your version). Look for the AirDrop icon in the main window — it usually appears in the first or second row. Click it.

You'll see the same three options: Allow me to receive AirDrop from Everyone, Contacts Only, or No One. Choose the setting you want. After you've made your choice, you can close System Preferences. AirDrop will stay on until you change it back.

What to check if AirDrop isn't working

If you're trying to send a file to another device and AirDrop isn't showing up, first make sure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. You don't need to be connected to the internet, but both radios need to be active. On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner and make sure Wi-Fi is on. Then click the Bluetooth icon (or check Control Center) and make sure Bluetooth is on.

Next, check that the other device has AirDrop turned on and set to receive from you. If their setting is "Contacts Only", make sure you're in their Contacts app. If you're still not seeing the device, try moving closer — AirDrop has a range limit of about 30 feet, and walls or interference can reduce that. Restarting Bluetooth on both devices sometimes helps: turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

How to send a file using AirDrop

Once AirDrop is on, open Finder and navigate to the file you want to send. You can also use the AirDrop feature from other apps like Photos, Notes, or Mail. In Finder, look for the AirDrop icon in the sidebar on the left — it looks like a radar symbol. Click it to see nearby devices that have AirDrop turned on.

Drag the file onto the device name you want to send it to, or right-click the file, select Share, and then click AirDrop. A window will pop up showing nearby devices. Click the one you want to send to. The receiving device will get a notification asking whether to accept the file. Once they click Accept, the file transfers automatically.

Privacy and security with AirDrop

AirDrop uses encryption, so files sent between devices are scrambled and can't be read by someone intercepting the signal. However, anyone with an Apple device nearby can see your device name if your AirDrop is set to "Everyone" — they won't be able to send you files without your permission, but they will know you're there.

If you're in a public place and don't want to receive AirDrop requests, set it to "Contacts Only" or "No One". You can change this setting anytime from System Settings. There's no log of AirDrop transfers on your Mac, so once a file is sent and received, there's no record of the transaction in your system settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send files to an iPhone or iPad using AirDrop from my Mac?

Yes. The iPhone or iPad must have AirDrop turned on in Control Center, and both devices need Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on. The process is the same: drag the file to the device name in AirDrop, or right-click and select Share > AirDrop.

What file types can I send with AirDrop?

You can send almost any file type: photos, videos, documents, PDFs, links, contact cards, and more. Some apps also let you share content directly through AirDrop — for example, you can share a web page from Safari or a note from Notes.

Does AirDrop work if we're not on the same Wi-Fi network?

No, but you don't need to be connected to the internet. Both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, but they can be on different networks or no network at all — AirDrop creates its own connection between them.

Why does my Mac not show up in someone else's AirDrop list?

Your AirDrop might be set to "No One", or Bluetooth and Wi-Fi might not both be on. Also check that you're within about 30 feet of the other device. If their AirDrop is set to "Contacts Only", make sure you're in their Contacts app.