AirDrop lets you send files wirelessly to nearby Apple devices
AirDrop is a feature built into macOS that lets you send files, photos, links, and other content to another Mac, iPhone, or iPad without using email or a cloud service. The devices find each other over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and the transfer happens directly between them. You turn it on in System Settings, and then it works in the background whenever you're near someone else's Apple device.
The catch is that both devices have to have AirDrop turned on, and both have to be on the same Wi-Fi network (or close enough for Bluetooth to reach). Once it's on, you can drag a file to the AirDrop icon in Finder, or right-click a file and choose AirDrop from the menu.
Key Takeaways
- AirDrop is turned on through System Settings under General, then AirDrop, where you choose who can send you files.
- Your Mac needs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on to use AirDrop, even if you're not connected to the internet.
- You can set AirDrop to receive from everyone, from contacts only, or from nobody — and you can change this anytime.
- To send a file, find it in Finder, click the Share button, and select the person's name from the AirDrop list.
How to turn AirDrop on in System Settings
Open System Settings (the gear icon in your dock or Applications folder). Click General in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click AirDrop. You'll see three options: Allow me to receive AirDrop from (with a dropdown menu), Contacts Only, or No One.
Choose Contacts Only if you want to receive files only from people in your Contacts app. Choose Everyone if you're in a room with people you trust and want to make it straightforward for them to send you something. Choose No One to turn AirDrop off completely. Your choice stays in place until you change it again, so you can leave it on Contacts Only most of the time and only switch to Everyone when you need it.
What you need for AirDrop to work
Both your Mac and the other person's device need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. You don't have to be connected to the internet, and you don't have to be on the same Wi-Fi network — but you do have to be within about 30 feet of each other. The devices use Bluetooth to find each other and Wi-Fi to transfer the file.
Check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on by clicking the Wi-Fi icon and the Bluetooth icon in the top-right corner of your screen. If either one is off, click it to turn it on. You'll see a checkmark next to the name once it's active.
How to send a file using AirDrop
Open Finder and find the file you want to send. Click the Share button (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing out of it) in the toolbar, or right-click the file and select Share. A menu will pop up with AirDrop at the top. You'll see the names of nearby people who have AirDrop turned on.
Click the person's name, and the file will start sending. On their device, they'll see a notification asking whether to accept or decline. Once they accept, the file appears in their Downloads folder (or Photos app if it's a photo). The whole process usually takes a few seconds.
Why AirDrop might not show nearby people
If you don't see anyone's name in the AirDrop menu, check that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on and that you're within 30 feet of each other. Also check that the other person has AirDrop set to Contacts Only or Everyone — if they have it set to No One, you won't see them.
If you're trying to send to someone in your Contacts and you have AirDrop set to Contacts Only, make sure their contact card has their email address or phone number on it. AirDrop uses that information to match you up. If you're still not seeing them, try turning Bluetooth off and back on on both devices, or moving closer together.
The privacy side of AirDrop
When you set AirDrop to Everyone, your Mac becomes visible to any nearby Apple device. This is fine in a room full of people you know, but in a coffee shop or airport, strangers can see your computer's name and send you files. You can't stop them from trying, but you can decline the transfer.
If you're worried about this, keep AirDrop set to Contacts Only or No One when you're in public. You can turn it on whenever you need it and turn it back off just as easily. There's no downside to switching it on and off — it doesn't use battery or slow down your Mac when it's off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone?
No. AirDrop only works between Apple devices — Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. If you need to send a file to an Android phone, use email, a cloud service like Google Drive, or a messaging app instead.
Does AirDrop work over the internet?
No. AirDrop only works when devices are near each other using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can't AirDrop to someone across the country. For long-distance file sharing, use email, cloud storage, or a file-sharing service.
What happens if I decline an AirDrop?
Nothing. The file doesn't transfer, and the other person gets a notification that you declined. You can decline as many times as you want. If someone keeps sending you unwanted files, you can set AirDrop to Contacts Only or No One.
Does AirDrop use my internet connection?
No. AirDrop transfers files directly between devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It doesn't go through your internet provider or use your data plan, even if you're on a cellular connection.
Can I AirDrop to multiple people at once?
No. You send to one person at a time. If you want to send the same file to several people, you have to repeat the process for each one, or use email or a cloud service instead.