Mac Tips

[Hassle-Free] AirDrop from iPhone to Mac Not Working with Top 16 Solutions

by Sophie Green   Updated on 2023-04-18 / Update for  Mac OS

AirDrop is a useful feature available on Apple products because it enables users to locate nearby Macs and iOS devices and safely transfer files to and from those devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The only issue is that it does not always provide the desired results. This article provides some troubleshooting techniques that you may try if your current experience is about AirDrop from iPhone to Mac not working or AirDrop from Mac to iPhone not working.

Way 1: Check AirDrop Requirements for Apple Devices

You must first confirm that AirDrop is indeed supported by your device. Apple's specifications may change at times, however at the time of writing, you can utilize AirDrop with the:

  • iOS 7 or later on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
  • Any Mac made after 2011 that runs OS X Yosemite or later (with the exception of the 2012 Mac Pro).

Ensure that you know how to utilize AirDrop after you have determined that your device is ready. You could discover that your devices don't display in the AirDrop sharing window, that you can't transmit files to devices, or that you can't locate certain files after receiving them from someone else.

As a result, if AirDrop is still not functioning properly on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, try the workarounds listed below.

Way 2: Check the Internet Connection

If you are still having difficulties getting AirDrop to function properly, you could try turning off both radios entirely and then turning them back on again.

Toggle Bluetooth on your Mac as follows:

Step 1: In the menu bar, tap on the Bluetooth status icon. After that click on "Turn Bluetooth Off" or "Turn Bluetooth On" option.

Step 2: If the status menu for Bluetooth is not visible, click on Apple menu >> System Preferences >> Bluetooth >> Show Bluetooth in menu bar. Then repeat the Step 1.

Step 3: You can also ask Siri to turn off Bluetooth. Just say "Turn Bluetooth off." Siri will do your job.

mac bluetooth

Switch Wi-Fi on a Mac:

Step 1: Using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on a macOS device, click the Control Center icon located in the upper right corner of the menu bar.

Step 2: Next, click through to the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi panes, and then toggle the switches located next to each of those panes.

connection on mac

Turn iPhone Wi-Fi off and on:

Step 1: Firstly, go to the settings section on your device.

Step 2: Tap Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Simply toggling Wi-Fi off requires a touch on the button located next to it, and toggling it back on requires a second press.

turn wifi off and on

Turn iPhone Bluetooth off and on:

Again navigate to settings of Apple iOS device.

Turn on the Bluetooth.

You can turn Bluetooth off by tapping the switch next to it, and you can turn it back on by tapping it again.

turn bluetooth off and on

Way 3: Reboot Your iPhone and Mac

First, before we get into particular issues, we'll go through a solution that will fix the problem of your AirDrop not working between iPhone and Mac as well as any other issue. Perform a device reboot. This may include a hard restart on an iPhone or a complete system reset on a Mac. However, regardless of the device, rebooting in this manner may often resolve to aggravate problems with AirDrop, so you should always attempt this first.

Way 4: Turn off AirDrop Restrictions

AirDrop may be configured to not receive data at all, to receive data just from contacts, or to receive information from everybody. These are the three options. If you want to be able to share material, you will need to choose between the latter two choices. Which option you select will rely on how open you want your device to be to other people.

1. You can access the General section of the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by opening the app.

2. Now choose the AirDrop option.

3. Tap the Contacts Only button to enable AirDrop. This is the most secure option since it restricts access to your device so that only those individuals who you already know will be able to use AirDrop to transfer information to it and see it. You have to save either their email address or their phone number in the contacts section of your smartphone.

Way 5: Allow AirDrop to Everyone from iPhone and Mac

If you need to send or receive data from a new person besides the contact, or you just cannot discover the device you want, change your settings to perform the transfer.

1. Tap the Everyone option to make it so that anybody may see your smartphone and transmit data to it via AirDrop. Be aware that selecting this option opens the door for strangers to possibly send you items.

2. To reveal your device once again, press the Receiving Off button. Because of this change, it will no longer be possible to use AirDrop to transfer files from your device to others. On that device, you will be unable to receive data sent through AirDrop from other users.

airdrop on mac airdrop on iphone

Way 6: One-Click to Repair All iOS/MacOS Devices with Free Tool

There are occasions when your Mac or iPhone may have issues, and you will be unable to fix the problem of the AirDrop not working from iPhone to Mac problem. The following is an ideal answer.

This free program can correct small or significant system difficulties with only one click, and there will be no loss of data. This free program may be used in a hassle-free manner and provides a variety of capabilities that can fix a variety of issues that may arise with iOS. You may fix this problem by using the Tenorshare ReiBoot, which will be shown to you in the following instructions.

The question now is how to use Tenorshare ReiBoot when AirDrop from iPhone to Mac not working.

  • Firstly, install the Tenorshare ReiBoot program on your PC. Start the software, then click the Start button.

    launch reiboot
  • Pick the Standard Repair option.

    fix now
  • Utilize the lightning connector to establish a connection between your iPhone and the PC and choose the standard repair type. The software will prompt you to download the appropriate firmware package for your iPhone model at the appropriate time.

    download firmware
  • After the firmware package has been downloaded, choose Start Standard Repair from the menu in order to begin the process. The software will begin fixing the iOS problems on your iPhone, which may include glitches and bugs that are particularly persistent. After the problem has been fixed, the system will automatically restart itself.

    start standard repair
    repairing
    repair successfully
    At the very end, the application will inform you by displaying the Done screen for you to look at.

Way 7: Move Devices Closer

You may give a simple workaround a shot in the event that the AirDrop feature on the device you wish to use for the transfer does not work properly after you have enabled it for Everyone. Move your two devices in closer proximity if they are just slightly out of range. If they are currently somewhat far apart.

Way 8: Airdrop Small Files in Batches without Videos

The error message "AirDrop multiple photos failed" could appear if you try to transmit a large number of photos all at once using the AirDrop app and you can even experience an AirDrop from iPhone to Mac not working problem. You may want to send the files in smaller batches to ensure that the transfer goes as smoothly as possible. Transferring all of the photographs at once is not necessary; rather, breaking it up into many separate transfers. You could have more success with a lower number.

Way 9: Turn off Your Personal Hotspot

AirDrop won't function if your iPhone is acting as a Personal Hotspot and giving another device access to the internet. The Personal Hotspot must be turned off as the sole remedy. Once you've exchanged files via AirDrop, you may always switch the internet connection back on for the device that was using the hotspot.

Apple removed the on/off option from Settings -> Personal Hotspot in iOS 13.1 and later. The rationale for this alteration is that your hotspot is always prepared to provide your other gadgets. As a result, if there isn't a Wi-Fi internet service, authorized devices may immediately connect to your local quick hotspot.

Access the Control Center to block connections to your iPhone or iPad hotspot:

If the Personal Hotspot button is green on the following screen, long-press the Bluetooth button to set your hotspot as not findable.

Way 10: Turn off Do Not Disturb Mode on Both Devices

Because your smartphone is set to Do Not Disturb or another Focus mode, it is possible that AirDrop transfer requests will not be received by your device and even experience the problem of AirDrop from Mac to iPhone not working.

On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may turn it off by opening Control Center and tapping the moon symbol or the Focus icon.

do not disturb

Way 11: Check Downloads Folder on Mac

If AirDrop has sent a document to your device but you're unable to locate it, check the Downloads folder on your device.

1. When using an iPhone, use the Files app and go to either On My iPhone or iCloud Drive to find a folder labeled Downloads.

2. You can generally locate the Downloads folder on a Macbook by creating a new Finder window and using the shortcut key combination of Option + Cmd + L.

3. It's also possible to discover it in your Dock, just close to the Trash can.

Way 12: Unblock Incoming Connections on Mac

It's possible that the macOS firewall limitations are to blame if AirDrop and your Mac are always at odds with one other and if the AirDrop not working from iPhone to Mac. The default behavior of the option is to prevent communication from being sent to unknown computers; sometimes, this will also prevent AirDrop links from being made.

  • Go to System Preferences. It may be accessed by selecting the Apple symbol from the dock.
  • Choose the "Firewall" option after selecting "Security & Privacy."

    firewall option on mac
  • If the firewall is active, you may modify its settings by clicking the padlock that is located below.
  • Select the Firewall Options menu item.
  • Remove the checkmark from the box that says Block all incoming connections, and then click the OK button.

    unblock all incoming connections

Way 13: Reset Network Settings

It's possible that resetting your whole network will help you fix the problem. Nevertheless, following these instructions will reset any previously stored Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth devices, other setups for third-party tools, and network data to their original state.

1. Head To settings.

2. Tap General and then Reset.

3. Tap the option of Reset Network Settings. Type the passcode for the device, and then confirm it.

reset network settings

Way 14: Hard Reset iPhone and Mac

If none of the aforementioned solutions worked to fix problems with AirDrop on an iOS device and you still see the problem of AirDrop from iPhone to Mac not working, you may try doing a hard reset. The procedure is going to be different for every single kind of gadget.

In most cases, it proceeds in this manner:

Step 1: Tap to Settings > General and then Transfer or Reset [Device]

Step 2: Select the Erase All Content and Settings option after that.

Step 3: If prompted, enter your passcode or the password for your Apple ID.

Step 4: Attend the completion of the process on your device: It may take a few minutes, depending on the device you're using, to fully delete all of your data.

erase iphone

Way 15: Ask Apple Support for Help

If none of the actions outlined above have resolved your AirDrop issue, the problem may be related to a piece of hardware using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If you are unsure about what to do, the best course of action is to get in touch with Apple Support or visit the Genius Bar at your closest Apple store.

Way 16: Use iCloud to Transfer Data from iPhone to Mac

You may have more success transferring files via a technique other than AirDrop until that technology becomes more practical. Apple's iCloud Drive is one of the better alternatives to AirDrop that's currently available. After the files have been successfully uploaded to iCloud from one device, you may access them on any other device.

Since managing files using iCloud Drive requires you to upload and download files rather than instantly transfer them, the process is not as efficient as managing files with AirDrop. However, if AirDrop isn't functioning properly, it's often the next best alternative.

Conclusion

If you find that Airdrop is not functioning properly on your Mac or that you are experiencing other issues such as AirDrop from iPhone to Mac not working, you can try some of the quick fixes that have been mentioned above, or you can try the solution that is both the quickest and the most certain, which is to use Tenorshare ReiBoot to fix any problems that you are experiencing with your device.