# How to AirDrop a large file or folder from a Mac > AirDrop works best for a small number of files. Here is how to send a big file or folder from a Mac, and what to use when it keeps failing. Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-large-files-mac/ Last updated: 2026-11-04 Published 2026-11-04. You can AirDrop a large file the same way as a small one: Share button, then AirDrop, then the recipient. Apple states that AirDrop is best for a small number of files, and for many files between your Mac and other Apple devices it points to iCloud. Its page gives no file size limit, so a big file is allowed but may be slow or fragile. ## Make the transfer more likely to finish 1. **Keep the devices close.** Apple says within 30 feet (10 meters). Put them next to each other for a large transfer. 2. **Check `Wi-Fi` and Bluetooth are on at both ends.** Apple lists both as requirements. 3. **Send one big item at a time.** A single large file is easier to retry than a batch. 4. **Compress a folder first.** In Finder, Control click a folder and look for Compress. A single archive travels as one item, so it is easier to retry. Apple's storage guide lists compressing files as a way to save space. ## If it keeps failing Stuck transfers are covered in [AirDrop stuck on Waiting](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-stuck-on-waiting-mac/). If the same file fails every time, switch method rather than retrying again and again: - **iCloud.** Apple points to iCloud for syncing many files. - **An external drive.** Apple's storage guide mentions moving files to an external drive. It also works for sending a copy to someone in person. - **A different cable or route** such as a shared link from a cloud service you already use. ## Check space on the receiver The other device needs room for the file. If its storage is nearly full, the transfer can fail even when everything else is fine. On a Mac, see [how to check disk space](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/check-disk-space-on-mac/). ## What this page cannot tell you There is no published maximum size and no speed figure from Apple, so this page does not give one. Your result depends on the devices and the distance. ## Moving big files around your Mac first When you gather large files from several folders before sending, NotchStar's [File Shelf](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/) can hold them in the notch as references, and you then drop them on the AirDrop zone. It uses the same macOS AirDrop picker, so the limits above still apply. For the basic steps, see [how to AirDrop from a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/how-to-airdrop-from-mac/). ## Keep reading. - [AirDrop stuck waiting on a Mac: what to try](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-stuck-on-waiting-mac/): If an AirDrop transfer on your Mac just waits, check that the receiver accepted, the distance, WiFi and Bluetooth and their setting, then restart. - [How to AirDrop from a Mac to another device](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/how-to-airdrop-from-mac/): Send a file from your Mac with AirDrop in two ways: the Share button in an app, or the AirDrop window in Finder. Steps, requirements and the 30 foot range. - [AirDrop not working on a Mac: what to check, in order](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-not-working-on-mac/): A short ordered checklist for AirDrop failing on a Mac: WiFi, Bluetooth, distance, the visibility setting, then a restart. Based on Apple's own guidance. - [A shelf and an AirDrop zone in the notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/): Park files in the notch while you work, then drag them out or AirDrop them. Drag a file toward the notch and the shelf opens by itself. ## More in AirDrop and files. - [How to AirDrop from a Mac to another device](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/how-to-airdrop-from-mac/): Send a file from your Mac with AirDrop in two ways: the Share button in an app, or the AirDrop window in Finder. Steps, requirements and the 30 foot range. - [AirDrop not working on a Mac: what to check, in order](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-not-working-on-mac/): A short ordered checklist for AirDrop failing on a Mac: WiFi, Bluetooth, distance, the visibility setting, then a restart. Based on Apple's own guidance. - [AirDrop stuck waiting on a Mac: what to try](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-stuck-on-waiting-mac/): If an AirDrop transfer on your Mac just waits, check that the receiver accepted, the distance, WiFi and Bluetooth and their setting, then restart. - [Is there an AirDrop history on a Mac? Where to look](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-history-on-mac/): macOS has no AirDrop history list that Apple documents. Find what you sent or received, including AirDropped photos, in Downloads, the receiving app and Finder. - [AirDrop settings on a Mac: Contacts Only and Everyone](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-settings-contacts-only-everyone/): How to choose who can AirDrop to your Mac: open Control Center, click AirDrop, pick Contacts Only or Everyone. Plus Everyone for 10 Minutes on iPhone. - [Where do AirDrop files go on a Mac?](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/where-do-airdrop-files-go-on-mac/): Files you receive by AirDrop go to the app they came from or to your Downloads folder. How to find a received file when you cannot see it.