How to Share Files Between Two Macs

The easiest way to share files between two Macs on the same network is to turn on File Sharing on the Mac that contains the files, choose which folders and users can access them, and connect from the other Mac through Finder. You can also use AirDrop for a quick, temporary transfer without setting up a shared folder.

Quick Answer

To transfer files over a network between two Macs:

1. On the Mac containing the files, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Sharing.
2. Turn on File Sharing.
3. Click the Info button next to File Sharing and add the folders you want to share.
4. Choose which users can access each folder and whether they can read or make changes.
5. On the other Mac, open Finder, select Go > Network, and double-click the Mac offering the shared folder.
6. Connect as a registered user, guest, or with another allowed account.
7. Open the shared folder and copy files as needed.

Both Macs should be connected to the same local network, such as the same Wi-Fi network or Ethernet network.

Before You Start

File Sharing works best when both Macs are connected to the same private network. Confirm the following:

• Both Macs are turned on and awake.
• Both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or wired network.
• You know the username and password for an account allowed to access the shared folder.
• The Mac hosting the files will remain awake while the other Mac connects.
• You have enough free space on the destination Mac for the files you plan to copy.

If you only need to send a few files and both Macs are nearby, AirDrop may be faster and simpler. If you regularly access the same folders, Mac File Sharing is more convenient.

Turn On File Sharing on the Mac With the Files

The Mac that stores the files is the host Mac. You must enable File Sharing on this Mac before the other Mac can connect.

1. On the host Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings.
2. Select General in the sidebar.
3. Click Sharing.
4. Turn on File Sharing.

The File Sharing settings show the network address that other devices can use to connect. It may look similar to:

smb://Mac-Name.local

The exact name and address will differ for each Mac. You can use either the Mac’s name in Finder or this SMB address when connecting.

What SMB Means

SMB, or Server Message Block, is a network protocol used to access shared files and folders. macOS uses SMB for Mac File Sharing and for connecting to many Windows and network storage devices.

You do not need to understand SMB to use File Sharing. However, knowing the term can help when Finder asks you to connect to a server or when you need to enter an address manually.

Choose the Folders to Share

Turning on File Sharing does not necessarily share every file on the Mac. You select the specific folders that other users can access.

1. In System Settings > General > Sharing, click the Info button next to File Sharing.
2. Under Shared Folders, click the Add button.
3. Select the folder you want to share.
4. Click Add.

The shared folder now appears in the Shared Folders list.

For security and organization, share only the folders that are necessary. For example, you might share a folder named Mac Transfer on the Desktop rather than your entire home folder.

Remove a Shared Folder

To stop sharing a folder:

1. Open System Settings > General > Sharing.
2. Click the Info button next to File Sharing.
3. Select the folder under Shared Folders.
4. Click the Remove button.

Removing a folder from the Shared Folders list does not delete the folder or its contents. It only stops other users from accessing it through File Sharing.

Choose Which Users Can Access the Folder

After adding a shared folder, set its user permissions. Permissions control who can open the folder and what they can do with its contents.

1. In the File Sharing settings, select the shared folder.
2. Review the Users list.
3. Click the Add button to add a user or group.
4. Select the user or group you want to authorize.
5. Choose an access level from the menu next to that user.

Common access levels include:

• Read & Write: The user can open, copy, move, rename, and delete files in the shared folder, subject to other file permissions.
• Read Only: The user can open and copy files but cannot change the shared contents.
• Write Only (Drop Box): The user can place files in the folder but cannot normally view its contents. This is useful when someone needs to submit files to you.
• No Access: The user cannot access the folder.

For a simple transfer from one Mac to another, Read & Write may be convenient when you need to copy files in both directions. If you are only sending files from the host Mac, choose Read Only to reduce the risk of accidental changes.

Important Permission Limitation

Folder access does not always override the permissions assigned to individual files. A file may still be inaccessible or uneditable if its own permissions restrict access. If you can open a shared folder but cannot copy or change a particular file, check that file’s permissions on the host Mac.

Also remember that Read & Write access allows the other user to delete files in the shared folder. Use Read Only when you do not want shared files modified.

Connect From the Other Mac Through Finder

The second Mac is the client Mac. It connects to the host Mac through Finder.

1. On the client Mac, open Finder.
2. In the Finder sidebar, select Network under Locations.
3. Wait for nearby computers to appear.
4. Double-click the name of the host Mac.
5. Click Connect As.
6. Choose one of the available options:
   – Registered User to sign in with an account authorized on the host Mac.
   – Guest if guest access is enabled and appropriate for your situation.
7. Enter the requested username and password.
8. Select the shared folder.
9. Click OK or Connect, depending on the dialog shown.

The shared folder should open in Finder. You can now copy files between Macs by dragging them or using standard copy-and-paste commands.

Use a Specific SMB Address

If the host Mac does not appear under Network, connect directly using its SMB address.

1. On the client Mac, open Finder.
2. Choose Go > Connect to Server.
3. Enter the host Mac’s SMB address, such as:

text
smb://Mac-Name.local

4. Click Connect.
5. Sign in with an authorized account.
6. Select the shared folder.

You can also enter an IP address if you know it:

smb://192.168.1.25

The address must match the host Mac’s current network address. IP addresses assigned by a home network can change, so the Mac’s name is often more convenient.

Save the Connection for Later

In the Connect to Server window, click the Add button next to the server address to save it to your favorite servers. The saved address can make future connections faster, but it does not bypass the required username, password, or permissions.

Copy Files Between the Macs

Once the shared folder is open:

1. Select the files or folders on the client Mac.
2. Press Command-C, or choose Edit > Copy.
3. Open the shared folder.
4. Press Command-V, or choose Edit > Paste.

You can also drag files between an ordinary Finder folder and the shared folder.

Keep the following limitations in mind:

• Large transfers can take time, especially over Wi-Fi.
• Do not put a Mac to sleep during an important transfer.
• Avoid editing the same document on both Macs at the same time.
• Some applications create temporary files or lock documents while they are open.
• A file may fail to copy if the destination lacks enough free storage.
• Files with unusual permissions may not be editable after copying.

For the most reliable results, copy files rather than moving them until you confirm the transfer completed successfully. A move operation can remove the original from its source location.

Connect to the Mac From the Finder Sidebar

After a successful connection, the host Mac may appear in Finder under Locations. In that case, you can reconnect by selecting its name and choosing Connect As.

If the Mac does not appear automatically, use Go > Connect to Server and enter the SMB address manually. Network discovery can be affected by Wi-Fi isolation, firewall settings, sleep, or changes to the Mac’s network connection.

Use AirDrop for a Quick Transfer

AirDrop is often the simplest alternative when you need to send a few files between nearby Macs. It does not require you to create a shared folder or configure user permissions.

Send Files With AirDrop

1. On both Macs, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
2. Keep the Macs nearby.
3. On the sending Mac, select a file in Finder.
4. Click the Share button, or Control-click the file and choose Share.
5. Select AirDrop.
6. Choose the receiving Mac.
7. On the receiving Mac, accept the transfer when prompted.

The recipient can usually choose where to save the file. Files may be saved in the Downloads folder, depending on the item and the receiving Mac’s settings.

Change AirDrop Visibility

If the other Mac does not appear:

1. Open Control Center from the menu bar.
2. Click AirDrop.
3. Choose an appropriate visibility setting, such as Contacts Only or Everyone.

After the transfer, you can return the setting to a more restrictive option. AirDrop is convenient for one-time transfers, but File Sharing is better for repeated access to a shared folder or for transferring many files over a local network.

Use a USB Drive or External Storage

An external drive is useful when the Macs are not on the same network or when you want to avoid network permissions.

1. Connect the drive to the Mac containing the files.
2. Copy the files to the drive in Finder.
3. Eject the drive by clicking the Eject button next to it in Finder.
4. Connect the drive to the other Mac.
5. Copy the files to their destination.

Check the Drive Format

A drive formatted as APFS or Mac OS Extended works well with Macs, but may not be writable by other operating systems without additional software. exFAT is commonly used when the drive must work with both macOS and Windows.

Before reformatting a drive, back up its contents. Reformatting erases the drive. In Disk Utility, selecting Erase deletes existing data from the selected volume or device.

Security and Privacy Considerations

File Sharing exposes selected folders to other devices on the local network. To keep your files protected:

• Share only the folders you need.
• Prefer specific user accounts over broad access.
• Use Read Only when the other Mac does not need to modify files.
• Avoid enabling guest access unless you understand who can connect.
• Use a strong password for authorized user accounts.
• Turn off File Sharing when you no longer need it.
• Avoid sharing sensitive folders on public or untrusted networks.
• Keep macOS and security updates installed.

To disable File Sharing, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Sharing and turn off File Sharing. This stops network access through that service; it does not delete any shared folders or files.

Troubleshooting Mac File Sharing

The Other Mac Does Not Appear in Finder

Make sure both Macs are on the same network. Then check that:

• File Sharing is turned on on the host Mac.
• The host Mac is awake.
• Both Macs are using Wi-Fi or Ethernet on the same local network.
• A guest network or network-isolation feature is not preventing device-to-device communication.
• The host Mac’s name has not changed.

Try Finder > Go > Connect to Server and enter the host Mac’s SMB address manually.

The Login Fails

Confirm that you selected Registered User and entered the username and password for an account on the host Mac. The client Mac’s login credentials may not work unless the same account exists and is authorized on the host Mac.

Check the shared folder’s Users list and add the correct account if necessary.

You Can Open the Folder but Cannot Copy Files

The account may have Read Only access, or the file itself may have restrictive permissions. On the host Mac, select the file or folder, choose File > Get Info, and review the Sharing & Permissions section.

Do not change permissions broadly unless necessary. Granting more access than required can allow unwanted edits or deletions.

The Transfer Is Very Slow

Wi-Fi speed and signal quality strongly affect network transfers. Move the Macs closer to the Wi-Fi router, use Ethernet if available, or transfer the files with an external drive. Many small files can also take longer than one large file because each item requires additional file-system operations.

The Connection Drops

Prevent the host Mac from sleeping during the transfer, keep both Macs connected to power when practical, and avoid switching between Wi-Fi networks. If a large transfer repeatedly fails, copy smaller groups of files or use an external drive.

A Shared Folder No Longer Appears

The host Mac may have gone to sleep, changed networks, or had File Sharing turned off. Reopen System Settings > General > Sharing on the host Mac and verify that File Sharing remains enabled and the folder is still listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share files between Macs without an internet connection?

Yes. File Sharing works over a local network and does not require internet access. Both Macs must still be connected to the same local network. AirDrop also works between nearby compatible devices without requiring an internet connection, although Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled.

Do both Macs need the same Apple Account?

No. File Sharing uses the user accounts and permissions configured on the host Mac. AirDrop may use contact settings, but the Macs do not generally need to use the same Apple Account.

Is File Sharing safer than AirDrop?

They serve different purposes. File Sharing provides ongoing access to selected folders and can be restricted to specific accounts. AirDrop is convenient for one-time transfers but should still use an appropriate visibility setting, especially in public places.

Can I share the entire Mac?

You can share a large folder, but sharing only the folders required for the transfer is safer and easier to manage. Sharing an entire home folder or system-related location can expose more data than intended and may create permission problems.

Why can I see the Mac but not the shared folder?

The folder may not be included under Shared Folders, or your account may not have permission to access it. On the host Mac, verify both the shared-folder list and the user’s access level.

Can I transfer files between Macs with a cable?

A standard charging cable does not automatically create a file-sharing connection. Depending on the Mac models and ports, you may use an external drive, a suitable network connection, or another supported transfer method. For most users, File Sharing, AirDrop, or an external drive is simpler.

Final Thoughts

For regular transfers, turn on File Sharing on one Mac, add a specific shared folder, and connect through Finder using an authorized account. Use Read Only access when possible, and disable File Sharing when the transfer is finished. For a few nearby files, AirDrop is usually quicker; for computers on different networks, an external drive or cloud storage may be more practical.