In the Finder on the Mac, the easiest approach may be to select AirDrop in a Finder window’s sidebar and then drag files to the icon representing the destination device (below left). (If you’re out in public and random people keep trying to send you files, which would be weird, choose Contacts Only instead.) On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > AirDrop and select Everyone.Īpple has integrated AirDrop into the standard sharing mechanism in macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, so sharing via AirDrop works the same as sharing via most other apps.

On the Mac, choose Go > AirDrop and, near the bottom of the Finder window that appears, choose Everyone from the pop-up menu. Next, make sure other devices can discover you. If you use wired Ethernet on your Mac, enable Wi-Fi as well, but put the Wi-Fi service beneath the Ethernet service in System Preferences > Network (click the down-pointing arrow under the list and choose Set Service Order). But what if you want to move a file between two of your Macs, from your iPhone to your Mac, or to your friend who’s across the table? For transfers within immediate proximity, Apple provides AirDrop, a quick and easy way to move data between devices.įirst off, AirDrop requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so make sure both are enabled. When the desired person or device isn’t nearby, it’s easiest to use Messages or Mail. Click Firewall Options, then make sure that “Block all incoming connections” is deselected.It’s common to want to share files, photos, and other data between your devices-or with friends and family. Click the Firewall tab, then click the lock and enter your administrator password when prompted.

Earlier versions of macOS: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Security & Privacy.

Click the Options button, then make sure that “Block all incoming connections” is turned off. Click Network in the sidebar, then click Firewall on the right.

macOS Ventura or later: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings.

Make sure that incoming connections aren't blocked in firewall settings: Install the latest software updates for your Mac and other devices. If set to receive from Contacts Only, both devices must be signed in to iCloud, and the email address or phone number associated with the sender's Apple ID must be in the Contacts app of the receiving device.

iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch have a similar setting. Make sure that both devices are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.Ĭhoose Go > AirDrop from the menu bar in the Finder, then check the ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting in the AirDrop window.

Share files using airdrop