AirDrop Does Not Work on Mac
AirDrop allows you to easily transfer files, photos and videos between any Apple device. Many users have trouble using AirDrop on their MacBooks for the first time.
AirDrop can sometimes not work, even if it was previously installed on your Mac.
1. Verify Device Compatibility
AirDrop can only be used by sending and receiving devices that are 2012 or later, with OS X Yosemite, or later, on Mac.
You must also ensure that the AirDrop compatible device you use to transfer files via AirDrop is used.
If you want to AirDrop Mac to iPhone then the receiving device (iPhone), must be an iPhone 5 or older, running iOS 7 and later versions of iOS software.AirDrop from Mac or iPad to iPad or iPod is possible only if the iPad has an iPad 4 or higher and the iPod must be at least 5th generation.
2. Make sure both Bluetooth and WiFi are turned ON
AirDrop uses Bluetooth for local devices and WiFi to transfer data between two Apple devices. Make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled on both the sending and receiving devices.
Open Finder on your Mac. Click on the AirDrop tab. Click on the Turn ON Wi-Fi or Bluetooth button in the right-pane.
Both Bluetooth and WiFi must be enabled on your device.
3. AirDrop is available to everyone
AirDrop offers the ability to share data with both “Contacts only”, and “Everyone”. Sometimes, however, choosing “Contacts only”, can lead to problems.
Open Finder on your Mac. Click on AirDrop tab. Click on Allow me to Be Discovered by in the right-pane and choose Everyone from the drop-down menu.
AirDrop can be a problem if you have trouble sending files via AirDrop. Make sure that Allow Everyone is turned on on the device you are transferring files.
4. Sign in to iCloud from both devices
AirDrop will allow you to use the “Contacts Only Mode” mode. To do this, both the sending and receiving devices must be signed into iCloud.
You must also have the Telephone Number and Email ID associated with iCloud Accounts in your Contacts List on both devices.
5. Turn OFF Do Not Disturb Mode
AirDrop will not work if Don’t Disturb Mode has been enabled on your device. You should ensure that your device is not set to DND Mode.Click the Notifications Icon in the top-right corner. Move the toggle next to Do Not disturb to the OFF position.
Also, ensure that your device is not in Do Not Disturb mode when you transfer files.
6. Check the Firewall Settings
Sometimes the problem can be caused by Incoming Communications being blocked by the Firewall Settings.Click on the Apple Icon at the top-menu bar to confirm and then select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
Click on Security & Privacy Icon from the System Preferences screen. Next, switch to Firewall tab by clicking on Firewall Options button.
Next, uncheck Block all incoming connections.
To save the setting, click on OK
7. Stop Mac Going to Sleep
AirDrop may fail if your Mac goes into sleep during file transfer. Follow these steps to stop your Mac going to sleep when it is off.Click on Apple Icon > System Preferences> Energy Saver > choose Prevent the computer from going to sleep when the screen is off.