Applies To: iMac, iMac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro
AirDrop is a built-AirDrop is a feature on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch that allows users to share files between two AirDrop-supported devices. With AirDrop, you can send various types of files, such as photos, videos, contacts, and websites, from one device to another nearby. However, many users have encountered issues, including AirDrop not working on Mac, which can be frustrating. Fortunately, this article provides solutions to resolve the problem, covering both macOS Sierra and OS X El Capitan.
When sending photos, videos, contacts, and more from iPhone to Mac or vice versa, consider using Qiling MobiMover Free, a free method that allows file transfer between iPhone/iPad and computer (Mac or PC) or between iOS devices.
Photos: Camera Roll, Photo Library, Photo Stream, Photo Videos
Videos: Movies, TV shows, Music Videos
Audios: Music, Ringtones, Voice Memos, Audiobooks, Playlists
Others: Contacts, Notes, Messages, Voice Mails, Books, and Safari Bookmarks
Compared to AirDrop, MobiMover allows you to transfer more types of files between iPhone and Mac, and also supports data transfer between iPhone and Windows PC, which AirDrop does not. If you're experiencing issues with AirDrop on your Mac or transferring files from iPhone to Mac, you can try using MobiMover Free instead. To send photos from iPhone to Mac without using AirDrop, follow these steps.
Notes: MobiMover supports PC running Windows 7 and later or Mac running macOS 10.12 and later, including macOS 10.12 (Sierra), 10.13 (High Sierra), Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), 10.9 (Mavericks) and 10.11 (El Capitan).
Step 1: Click the button below to download and install Qiling MobiMover Free on your Mac.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable, then open Qiling MobiMover and select the "Phone to Mac" option. Click "Next" to proceed.
Step 2. To transfer photos from iPhone to Mac, check the desired category/categories on your iPhone and select all the photos you want to copy. You can copy multiple file types together, including photos, and customize the export path for the photos if desired.
Step 3. To transfer photos or other files from your iPhone to Mac, click the "Transfer" button on MobiMover to start the process without using iTunes. This is a reliable way to export files and create a backup, helping to avoid unexpected data loss.
To use AirDrop, go to Finder, click on Go, then select AirDrop, and turn on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to enable AirDrop, as both connections are necessary for its functionality. If AirDrop is not working on your Mac, also check that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on.
After turning on AirDrop, set the option "Allow me to be discovered by" to either "Contacts Only" or "Everyone". If you want to share files between your Mac and a new device, choose "Everyone" to make your device discoverable.
If you've turned on Block all incoming communications in Firewall on your Mac, you'll be unable to use AirDrop to share files, which could be why AirDrop isn't working on your Mac Sierra or Mac El Capitan. To troubleshoot, check if this option is enabled and disable it if necessary.
Step 1: Click Apple Menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Step 2: Go to Firewall and tap Firewall Options.
Step 3: Make sure the checkbox next to Block all incoming communications is not selected.