# 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. Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/tips/how-to-airdrop-from-mac/ Last updated: 2026-11-04 Published 2026-11-04. To AirDrop from a Mac, open the file, click the Share button in the toolbar, choose AirDrop, then pick the person or device. You can also open a Finder window, click AirDrop in the sidebar and drag the file onto the recipient. Both devices need `Wi-Fi` and Bluetooth on and must be within 30 feet (10 meters). ## Send from an app 1. Open the item you want to send, for example a photo, a PDF or a webpage. 2. Click the Share button in the toolbar. 3. Click AirDrop. 4. Select the recipient. The recipient sees a notification and taps or clicks Accept. If both devices are signed in to the same Apple Account, Apple says the item is accepted and saved automatically. ## Send from Finder 1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock to open a window. 2. Click AirDrop in the sidebar. 3. Drag one or more files onto the recipient's icon. When the receiving device is a Mac and you sent from its Finder AirDrop window, Apple notes the accept or decline prompt appears in that window instead of Notification Center. ## If the recipient does not appear A device shows up only if it is nearby, has `Wi-Fi` and Bluetooth on, and is set to accept files from you. Ask the other person to check their AirDrop setting. Our page on [AirDrop settings](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-settings-contacts-only-everyone/) explains Contacts Only and Everyone. If nothing appears at all, work through [why AirDrop is not working](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-not-working-on-mac/). ## Limits to know Apple describes AirDrop as best for a small number of files. For a very large folder, see [AirDrop a large file](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-large-files-mac/). Once the transfer finishes, [where the files go](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/where-do-airdrop-files-go-on-mac/) depends on the kind of item. ## A faster way to start If you already have files selected and a window in the way, NotchStar's shelf has an AirDrop zone in the notch. Drag a file toward the notch, drop it on the AirDrop zone and the standard macOS AirDrop picker opens with the file attached. Details are on the [File Shelf page](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/). The steps above work with no app at all. ## Quick answers. ### Do I need the internet to AirDrop? Apple's guide lists WiFi and Bluetooth as the requirements. It adds that a transfer already under way can continue over the internet if you move out of range. ## Keep reading. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [AirDrop not showing up on a Mac: why a device is missing](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/airdrop-not-showing-up-on-mac/): If a device or contact does not appear in your Mac's AirDrop window, check Contacts Only and Everyone, WiFi and Bluetooth, and distance.