How to Use AirDrop from iPhone to Mac: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

If you’re part of Apple’s ecosystem, you’ve probably heard of AirDrop Apple’s fast, wireless file-sharing feature. It allows you to instantly send photos, videos, documents, and more between Apple devices without cables, email, or internet.

Whether you’re transferring vacation photos or work files, AirDrop makes it simple. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use AirDrop from iPhone to Mac, including setup, troubleshooting, and pro tips to make file sharing effortless.

What Is AirDrop?

AirDrop is a built-in Apple feature that lets you send files instantly between nearby Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct technology.

Here’s why it’s so convenient

• No need for USB cables or third-party apps.
• Transfers are fast, private, and secure.
• Works offline you don’t need internet access.

Essentially, AirDrop creates a peer-to-peer wireless connection between devices, encrypting every transfer for safety.

Requirements to Use AirDrop Between iPhone and Mac

Before you start transferring, make sure both your devices meet the requirements and have AirDrop enabled.

Compatibility

• iPhone: iPhone 5 or newer, running iOS 7 or later.
• Mac: 2012 model or newer, running macOS Yosemite or later.

Settings Checklist

• Both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
• Both devices must be within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other.
• Ensure Personal Hotspot is turned off (AirDrop won’t work with it on).
• Your Mac must be awake and unlocked to receive files.

Once you’ve confirmed these, you’re ready to share files effortlessly.

Step 1: Turn On AirDrop on Your Mac

You can turn on AirDrop on your Mac in a few easy steps:

Option 1: From Finder

• Open Finder on your Mac.
• In the sidebar, click AirDrop.
• You’ll see an AirDrop window showing nearby Apple devices.
• At the bottom of the window, click “Allow me to be discovered by” and choose:
  • Contacts Only – safer, only visible to your contacts.
  • Everyone – allows any nearby Apple device to send files.

Option 2: From Control Center (macOS Monterey and later)

• Click the Control Center icon (two toggles) in the menu bar.
• Click AirDrop.
• Set it to Contacts Only or Everyone.

Your Mac is now ready to receive files via AirDrop.

Step 2: Enable AirDrop on Your iPhone

Now, let’s set up AirDrop on your iPhone:

• Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
• Press and hold the Wi-Fi / Bluetooth section until more options appear.
• Tap AirDrop.
• Choose one of the following:
  • Receiving Off – disables AirDrop.
  • Contacts Only – allows only your contacts to send or receive.
  • Everyone for 10 Minutes – allows any nearby Apple device (temporary for security).

Select either Contacts Only or Everyone to make your iPhone discoverable by your Mac.

Step 3: Send Files from iPhone to Mac Using AirDrop

Once both devices are ready, sending files is simple.

To send photos, videos, or files:

• Open the Photos, Files, or any app that supports sharing.
• Tap the Share icon (a square with an upward arrow).
• Tap the AirDrop icon.
• Your nearby AirDrop-enabled devices will appear tap your Mac’s name.
• Wait for your Mac to accept the file transfer.

You’ll see a notification on your Mac asking you to Accept or Decline.
Click Accept, and the files will start transferring instantly.

Step 4: Find Received Files on Your Mac

Once the AirDrop transfer completes, your files are automatically saved on your Mac.

• Photos and Videos → saved in the Downloads folder.
• Documents and Files → also appear in Downloads unless opened directly.

To quickly locate them:

• Open Finder > Downloads
• Sort by Date Added to see the most recent AirDrop transfers at the top.

Step 5: Send Files from Mac to iPhone (Optional)

AirDrop also works the other way you can share files from your Mac to iPhone.

• Open Finder and select AirDrop in the sidebar.
• Drag and drop any file onto your iPhone’s icon in the AirDrop window.
• Tap Accept on your iPhone when prompted.

The file will appear in the appropriate app (Photos, Files, etc.) depending on its type.

Troubleshooting AirDrop Not Working Between iPhone and Mac

If AirDrop doesn’t appear or files fail to transfer, try these solutions:

Check Discoverability

• On your iPhone, set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
• On your Mac, make sure it’s set to Everyone in Finder.

Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Turn both off and back on for both devices. Sometimes, resetting the connection helps.

Keep Devices Awake and Unlocked

AirDrop won’t work if either device is asleep or locked.

Sign in with the Same Apple ID (Optional)

For smooth transfers, ensure both devices are using the same iCloud account (though it’s not required).

Check Firewall Settings on Mac

Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall Options and uncheck
“Block all incoming connections.”

After adjusting these, AirDrop should work perfectly.

Pro Tips for Using AirDrop Efficiently

Rename Your Devices:
Make your devices easy to identify. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About > Name. On your Mac, go to System Settings > General > About.

Use Contacts Only for Privacy:
To avoid random requests, keep AirDrop limited to your contacts when in public.

Transfer Multiple Files at Once:
You can AirDrop several photos or files simultaneously just select them all before tapping Share.

Use AirDrop for Large Files:
Unlike email or messaging apps, AirDrop has no file size limit perfect for large videos or projects.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to use AirDrop from iPhone to Mac can completely change how you share files. It’s fast, wireless, secure, and requires no internet connection. Once you’ve turned it on, you can send photos, videos, and documents in seconds making it perfect for both personal and professional use.

To recap

• Turn on AirDrop on both iPhone and Mac.
• Choose Contacts Only or Everyone for visibility.
• Use the Share icon on your iPhone to send files.
• Accept on your Mac, and you’re done!

With AirDrop, Apple has made cross-device sharing effortless and once you get used to it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Also Read: How to Fix a Slow Android Phone