Apple doesn’t stipulate this requirement for later versions of macOS, but we’ve had better results when we open the AirDrop window before starting a transfer. Open AirDrop in FinderĪccording to Apple, if your Mac runs OS X Mavericks or earlier, you have to open Finder and click on AirDrop in the sidebar to transfer files. If you’re not running the latest version of macOS, open the App Store, search for “macOS,” and then download it for free. AirDrop is temperamental at the best of times, so if your Mac is running an outdated version of macOS, and you’re trying to send files to your brand-new iPhone 11, that might be the problem.įirst, back up your Mac with Time Machine, and then head to System Preferences > Software Update and install all available updates. You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again: you should keep your device up to date if you want to minimize software issues. This is because, on a Mac, you have access to the Terminal, more settings you can adjust, and the ability to delete files from system folders. There are more tricks to getting AirDrop working on a Mac than there are for an iOS device.

Mac Pro (early 2009 with AirPort Extreme or newer)ĪirDrop is compatible with iOS devices that:ĭespite this extensive compatibility, the older your device, the more likely you are to have issues with AirDrop.

Can My Mac or iOS Device Use AirDrop?ĪirDrop is compatible with the following Mac computers: If you want to use AirDrop between an iPhone or iPad, and a Mac, be sure to check out both sections for relevant tips. We’ve split these tips between Mac and iOS devices, as you can use different methods on each platform. For now, we’re stuck trying to get AirDrop to work the old-fashioned way. It will be a while before the majority of people have such a chip in their device, though. The U1 is designed to improve device discoverability and eliminate the issues that have plagued AirDrop for years. This is one of the reasons Apple introduced the new U1 chip with ultra-wideband technology for the iPhone 11. Visibility issues are the most common problem people have with AirDrop-sometimes, the recipient doesn’t show up, no matter how hard you try. AirDrop is excellent when it works, but if you have older hardware, you’re more likely to experience issues. It expanded to iOS devices with the rollout of iOS 7 in 2013.

The feature was first introduced on Macs in 2008. The devices initially connect over Bluetooth, with Wi-Fi doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to file transfers. What Is AirDrop?ĪirDrop is Apple’s proprietary method of sending files or data locally between two devices. Here’s how to troubleshoot common AirDrop problems. And getting devices to “see” each other can sometimes be a challenge.

Like all wireless tech, though, AirDrop can be temperamental. AirDrop lets you send files, photos, and other data between iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Download airdrop for mac