What is an AirDrop code on a Mac (macOS 26.2 and later)
An AirDrop code is a short check that macOS 26.2 and later ask for when the person sending you something is not in your contacts. You choose to receive, share the code shown on your Mac with the sender, and they type it on their device. Apple’s guide describes the feature for iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2 and macOS 26.2 or later.
How it works, as Apple describes it
- A sender who is not in your contacts tries to AirDrop to you.
- You choose to receive the item and select Continue.
- Your Mac shows a code. Share it with the sender.
- The sender enters the code on their device.
If you are the sender and the receiver needs a code, the receiver can click or tap Get AirDrop Code and read it out to you.
How long it lasts
After one successful code, Apple says you can share with that person for 30 days without another code. To stop sooner, open the Contacts app, find the person in your Other Known list, and select Forget This Person. That ends the arrangement, and the next transfer needs a new code.
Why it matters for the Everyone setting
Before this feature, the way to receive from a stranger was to switch your Mac to Everyone. With a code, you can leave your Mac on Contacts Only and still take a file from someone new. Read AirDrop settings for the audience options.
If you are on an older macOS
The code requirement belongs to macOS 26.2 or later. Check your version in the Apple menu and System Settings. On an older version, you will not see code prompts, and the Contacts Only and Everyone rules work as before.
If the transfer fails at the code step
Check the usual requirements, which are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on and the devices within 30 feet (10 meters). If the sender never appears, see AirDrop not showing up.
Dragging files from several places into one drop zone is a separate problem. NotchStar’s File Shelf helps with that, and it opens the standard macOS picker for the actual send. For the basics, read how to AirDrop from a Mac.
