AirDrop is great when it works and baffling when it does not: the other device simply never appears. The reasons are usually a short list, and Apple spells them out. Here is the list, with a few notes on how to check each one.
The four things Apple says to check
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be on, on both devices. Both the sender and receiver need them, and both need to be an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Apple says the recipients you see are those nearby with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on who can accept files.
- The receiver’s AirDrop setting must allow you. The recipient needs to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only. On devices that support it, Apple lists a temporary Everyone for 10 Minutes option.
- Stay close. Devices must be within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.
- Restart and try again. If it still fails, restart your device and retry.
How to change who can send to your Mac
Open Finder and click AirDrop in the sidebar. Near the bottom of the window there is a setting for who can discover you, with Contacts Only or Everyone. If a friend who is not in your contacts needs to send you something, choose Everyone, and switch it back after.
Where do received files go?
Apple says items sent from an app usually save in that app (a photo goes to Photos). On a Mac, some items are saved to Downloads. If you send between your own devices signed in to the same Apple Account, items are accepted automatically. Apple also notes that if you opened AirDrop in the Finder, the accept or decline prompt appears there instead of in Notification Center, so you might miss it.
An AirDrop code?
Apple says that if a notification says you need an AirDrop code to receive something, choose Get AirDrop Code and share it with the sender.
When AirDrop is the wrong tool
Apple says AirDrop is best for a small selection of files. For lots of files, sync them with iCloud instead. Our guide to backing up with Time Machine is better for whole-Mac copies.
Frequently asked questions
Why does AirDrop not show my iPhone?
Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both, the receiving setting and the distance.
Does AirDrop work between Mac and Android?
Apple’s troubleshooting page says both devices should be an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Sources
Last checked November 3, 2026. Apple changes its instructions between updates, so if a menu looks different on your Mac, check the linked Apple page.
