How to AirDrop from a Mac to another device
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
- Open the item you want to send, for example a photo, a PDF or a webpage.
- Click the Share button in the toolbar.
- Click AirDrop.
- 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
- Click the Finder icon in the Dock to open a window.
- Click AirDrop in the sidebar.
- 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 explains Contacts Only and Everyone. If nothing appears at all, work through why AirDrop is not working.
Limits to know
Apple describes AirDrop as best for a small number of files. For a very large folder, see AirDrop a large file. Once the transfer finishes, where the files go 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. The steps above work with no app at all.
