AirDrop usually stops working because Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is disabled, the receiving device is not discoverable, Personal Hotspot is active, the devices are too far apart, or a firewall is blocking incoming connections. Start by turning on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes, and keep the devices nearby. If you are transferring between your Mac and iPhone, make sure both devices are signed in to an Apple Account when using Contacts Only.
Quick Answer
To fix AirDrop not working on a Mac:
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- Turn off Personal Hotspot on an iPhone or iPad.
- Set AirDrop receiving to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Keep the devices within about 30 feet (10 meters).
- Unlock the receiving device and keep its screen awake.
- Temporarily check whether the Mac firewall is blocking AirDrop.
- Restart both devices and try again.
- If using Contacts Only, verify that both people are signed in to an Apple Account and have the correct contact information saved.
Check the Basics First
Before changing settings, confirm that the devices support AirDrop and are close enough to communicate. AirDrop uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to create a direct wireless connection. The devices do not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on.
AirDrop can transfer files between compatible Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, and iPads. The sending and receiving devices should also be awake and unlocked.
Keep the devices nearby
Place the Mac and the iPhone, iPad, or other Mac within approximately 30 feet (10 meters) of each other. Walls, metal objects, and wireless interference can reduce the connection range.
For the first attempt, place the devices on the same desk and avoid transferring while one device is inside a bag or behind another object.
Unlock the receiving device
Unlock the receiving Mac, iPhone, or iPad before sending a file. On an iPhone or iPad, leave the screen on while testing. A locked device may not appear as an AirDrop destination or may not show the incoming transfer prompt promptly.
Turn On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
AirDrop requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You do not need to connect to a Wi-Fi network, but turning off Wi-Fi in Control Center can prevent AirDrop from working.
On a Mac
- Click Control Center in the menu bar.
- Click Wi-Fi and make sure it is turned on.
- Click Bluetooth and make sure it is turned on.
You can also open the settings directly:
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Click Wi-Fi in the sidebar and turn Wi-Fi on.
- Click Bluetooth in the sidebar and turn Bluetooth on.
If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is already on, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This can refresh the wireless connection without changing your files or other settings.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Open Control Center.
- Tap the Wi-Fi button to turn Wi-Fi on.
- Tap the Bluetooth button to turn Bluetooth on.
Do not use Airplane Mode while testing AirDrop. If Airplane Mode is enabled, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth may be unavailable.
Change AirDrop Discoverability
The receiving device may be working correctly but hidden from the sender. Change the AirDrop setting temporarily so the device is easier to find.
Set AirDrop on a Mac
- Open Control Center from the menu bar.
- Click AirDrop.
- Choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.
You can also change the setting in System Settings:
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Click General in the sidebar.
- Click AirDrop & Handoff.
- Next to AirDrop, choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.
The Everyone for 10 Minutes option automatically changes back after 10 minutes. This is normal and helps limit unwanted transfer requests.
Set AirDrop on an iPhone or iPad
- Open Control Center.
- Touch and hold the group of network controls in the upper-left corner.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.
If AirDrop is set to Receiving Off, the device cannot receive files. If it is set to Contacts Only, the sender must meet Apple’s contact and account requirements.
Check Apple Account and Contacts Only Requirements
Contacts Only is more restrictive than Everyone for 10 Minutes. When Contacts Only is selected, the sender’s contact information must be recognized correctly on the receiving device.
For AirDrop between a Mac and an iPhone, iPad, or another Mac:
- Both people should be signed in to an Apple Account.
- The sender’s Apple Account email address or phone number should be saved in the recipient’s Contacts.
- The recipient’s Apple Account email address or phone number should be saved in the sender’s Contacts when the transfer must work in both directions.
- Contact information should be entered accurately, including the complete email address or phone number.
To quickly determine whether Contacts Only is the problem, set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes on the receiving device and try again. If the transfer works, review the contact details before switching back to Contacts Only.
You can check the account on a Mac by opening System Settings and selecting your name in the sidebar. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap your name at the top.
Turn Off Personal Hotspot
Personal Hotspot can interfere with AirDrop, particularly when an iPhone is sharing its cellular connection.
On the iPhone or iPad providing the hotspot:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Personal Hotspot.
- Turn off Allow Others to Join.
If Personal Hotspot is not visible in the main Settings list, tap Cellular first, then tap Personal Hotspot.
After turning it off, wait a few seconds and try AirDrop again. You can turn Personal Hotspot back on after the transfer is complete.
Check the Mac Firewall
The Mac firewall controls incoming network connections. A firewall configuration that blocks incoming connections can interfere with AirDrop.
Check firewall settings
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Click Network in the sidebar.
- Click Firewall.
- If the firewall is on, click Options.
Look for settings that may block incoming connections, especially:
- Block all incoming connections
- A setting that prevents apps from receiving incoming connections
- Security software that filters network traffic
If Block all incoming connections is enabled, turn it off temporarily and test AirDrop again.
Warning: Changing firewall settings changes how your Mac handles incoming network connections. Use this only as a troubleshooting test, and restore your previous setting after testing.
If AirDrop works with the more restrictive firewall setting disabled, the firewall configuration or third-party security software is likely involved. Turn the setting back on if you do not need to leave it disabled, then review any installed antivirus, VPN, network-filtering, or security software.
Do not remove security software or permanently disable the firewall unless you understand the security consequences.
Restart AirDrop by Restarting Both Devices
A restart can clear a temporary Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirDrop process problem.
Restart the Mac
- Save your work.
- Close apps if necessary.
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose Restart.
- Confirm if macOS asks you to restart.
Restart an iPhone or iPad
Save or finish any work in progress, then use the device’s normal power-off and restart controls. After both devices restart, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unlock the receiving device, and set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes for another test.
Warning: Restarting closes open apps. Save documents and finish any important transfers first.
Try a Different Way to Send the File
The problem may be limited to one app rather than AirDrop itself. Test with a small file or photo.
Send from Finder on a Mac
- Open Finder.
- Locate the file.
- Control-click the file.
- Choose Share.
- Choose AirDrop.
- Select the receiving device.
If the AirDrop option is unavailable, make sure the file is selected and that the Mac has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
Send a photo or document from an iPhone
- Open the app containing the item.
- Tap the Share button.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Select the Mac or other device.
If one file fails, try a different small file. A very large transfer, an item still syncing to cloud storage, or a file being used by another app can make the transfer appear stuck.
Troubleshooting AirDrop Problems
The Mac cannot find the iPhone
If your Mac cannot find an iPhone in AirDrop:
- Unlock the iPhone and keep the screen awake.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- Turn off Personal Hotspot.
- Set the iPhone’s AirDrop option to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Move the devices close together.
- Restart both devices if the iPhone still does not appear.
Also check that the iPhone is not connected to a VPN or network-management setup that may interfere with local device discovery. If the iPhone appears only after changing from Contacts Only, check the Apple Account and Contacts information.
The iPhone can find the Mac, but the transfer fails
Check the Mac’s firewall and AirDrop discoverability settings. Make sure the Mac is unlocked and has enough free storage for the incoming file.
If the Mac displays a prompt, accept it and wait for the transfer to finish. Do not close Finder or the source app until the transfer completes.
AirDrop says “Waiting” or stays stuck
Cancel the transfer and try again after:
- Turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on
- Unlocking both devices
- Turning off Personal Hotspot
- Moving the devices closer together
- Restarting both devices
- Testing with a smaller file
If the transfer repeatedly stops at the same point, verify that the receiving device has available storage.
AirDrop works with Everyone but not Contacts Only
This usually indicates a contact-recognition problem. Confirm that both devices are signed in to an Apple Account and that the relevant Apple Account email addresses or phone numbers are saved correctly in Contacts.
Use Everyone for 10 Minutes only as a temporary test or when appropriate. Return to your preferred discoverability setting afterward.
AirDrop does not appear in the Share menu
First select a file or item that can be shared. Then click the Share button or Control-click the item and choose Share. If AirDrop remains unavailable, check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the Mac’s AirDrop settings.
You can also restart the app that you are using and test from Finder with a small file.
AirDrop is blocked on a work or school Mac
An organization may manage AirDrop through device-management policies. If AirDrop settings are missing, unavailable, or automatically reset, contact the organization’s IT department. Do not attempt to bypass management controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AirDrop require Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi must be turned on for AirDrop, even when the Mac or iPhone is not connected to a Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth must also be turned on.
Do both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?
No. AirDrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to establish a direct connection between compatible Apple devices. Both devices still need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
Why can’t my Mac find my iPhone with AirDrop?
The iPhone may be locked, set to Receiving Off or Contacts Only, too far away, or using Personal Hotspot. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unlock the iPhone, turn off Personal Hotspot, and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Do I need an Apple Account to use AirDrop?
An Apple Account is important when using Contacts Only, because AirDrop needs to recognize the sender through contact information. Setting AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes can help determine whether account or contact matching is the problem.
Can a firewall block AirDrop?
Yes. A restrictive firewall setting or third-party network-security software can interfere with incoming connections. Check System Settings > Network > Firewall and test with restrictive incoming-connection blocking disabled. Restore your previous security setting after testing.
Why does AirDrop work once and then stop?
AirDrop may automatically change from Everyone for 10 Minutes to its previous setting after 10 minutes. The devices may also have gone to sleep, moved out of range, or had Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interrupted. Unlock the devices and check the AirDrop setting again.
Where does an AirDrop file go on a Mac?
The location depends on the type of item and the app handling it. Files commonly appear in the Downloads folder, while photos and other media may open in or be saved by a relevant app. Use Finder to check Downloads if you cannot locate a received file.
Final Thoughts
When AirDrop is not working on a Mac, start with the wireless connection and discoverability settings rather than changing advanced options. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unlock both devices, disable Personal Hotspot, set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes, and keep the devices nearby. If that does not help, check the Mac firewall, Apple Account and contact requirements, available storage, and whether a restart resolves the problem.