How to Fix AirDrop Not Working on Mac Issue?

by john smith manager

For Apple devices, AirDrop is a great platform for sharing and receiving files instantly. With AirDrop, you can share your documents, photos, videos, etc. with the nearby Apple devices.

If you’re having the problem with your Mac’s AirDrop, then are here is how to fix it.

Make sure that you’re using AirDrop compatible devices.

If you’ve one compatible device but the other one is not, then this will creates the problem while transferring files. So, before doing anything check that the devices you’re using are compatible or not. Here are the details of the Mac that are compatible.

• MacBook and MacBook Pro introduced in 2008, excluding 17-inch MacBook Pro and white MacBook.

• iMac and Mac Pro launched in 2009.

• MacBook Air and Mini launched in 2010.

• Plus all models of iMac.

Now, check that the Mac you are using is well suited. If the devices are already compatible and still AirDrop is not working, then here are some general and straightforward ways to fix your AirDrop.

• Alter AirDrop settings.

• Turn Off and On Connectivity features.

• Update macOS version.

• Reboot your Mac.

• Reset networks settings.

Alter AirDrop settings

AirDrop has three settings level: No One, Contacts, and Everyone. Setting ‘Everyone’ is the best option as it allows connecting with everyone and exchanging files with them without restrictions.

1. Open ‘Finder’ on your Mac.

2. On the AirDrop window, click on ‘AirDrop’ from the sidebar.

3. Now, set your AirDrop settings to ‘Everyone.’

This will enable your Mac to connect with everyone and also allow everyone to send you data. Now, check for the problem you’re facing with AirDrop it will be gone.

Turn Off and On Connectivity features

If altering AirDrop settings can’t help, then maybe the problem is with your Mac connectivity features. If you’ve any other option to turn off and on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi entirely, then you can use that.

1. From the Dock or Spotlight, open the ‘System Preferences.’

2. Now, click on ‘Network.’

3. Go to the ‘Wi-Fi’ section.

4. Turn Wi-Fi Off and then after a moment On it again.

5. Now, go to ‘Bluetooth’ section.

6. Turn Bluetooth Off and then after a moment On it again.

‘Airplane Mode’ will also help you to perform this action. After doing this go and use your AirDrop.

Update macOS version

Sometime updating is beneficial and sometimes not. If you haven’t updated your Mac from a long time, then maybe it will be the reason for your not working AirDrop. Here are the steps for updating the macOS version.

1. From the Dock or Spotlight, open the ‘System Preferences.’

2. Go to the ‘Software Update’ section.

3. Click on the ‘Update Now’ button of an update, if it is available.

4. Wait your Mac is updating this will take time to complete.

Once your Mac is updated to the latest version of macOS, this will make your Mac faster and also fixes many problems including your AirDrop issue.

Reboot your Mac

To hard reset your Mac, follow the below simple steps:

1. Click the ‘Power’ button.

2. And select ‘Restart’ on the dialog box.

1. Click on the ‘Apple’ key.

2. Then click on ‘Restart.’

Once it completes, check that the AirDrop is working or not. It will start working, and now you can share and receive files on your Mac. If it still does not work, then you can check your network settings and reset it to make your AirDrop start working.

Peter Rose is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup

Source: Mac