AirDrop not showing up on a Mac: why a device is missing

AirDrop and files Published 4 November 2026

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When a device does not appear in your Mac’s AirDrop window, Apple’s guide gives the rule: a recipient shows up only if they are nearby, have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and can accept files from your device. Missing devices almost always fail one of those three tests, and the third one is the most often missed.

The three tests

Nearby. Apple says within 30 feet (10 meters). Test with the devices side by side.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on. Both devices need both radios on. Check Control Center on the Mac and on the phone.
Allowed to accept from you. The other device must be set to Contacts Only or Everyone. If it is set to Contacts Only and you are not in their contacts, you do not appear. Ask them to switch to Everyone for a moment, or to Everyone for 10 Minutes on an iPhone or iPad.

Check your own Mac

Open Finder and click AirDrop in the sidebar to see who is nearby. Apple says you can also click the AirDrop icon in Control Center on a Mac to set who can see you, and that both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

Contacts Only works both ways

If you set your Mac to Contacts Only and want to receive from a friend, that friend has to be in your contacts. On macOS 26.2 or later, someone who is not in your contacts can use an AirDrop code instead. See AirDrop codes on Mac.

Which devices count

Apple’s guide only mentions iPhones, iPads and Macs, so check that the other device is one of those and that it can use AirDrop.

Still missing

Restart both devices and try again, as Apple suggests. If a single device never appears while others do, the fault is on that device. If nothing ever appears, follow the full order in AirDrop not working on a Mac. The sender side is covered in how to AirDrop from a Mac.

If you only need to hand over one file, NotchStar’s File Shelf can hold it in the notch while you send it another way.

Keep reading.

AirDrop not working on a Mac: what to check, in order: 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 settings on a Mac: Contacts Only and 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.
How to AirDrop from a Mac to another device: 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.
A shelf and an AirDrop zone in the notch: 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.

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