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If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest way to transfer files between two Apple devices, AirDrop is your best bet. Here’s how to turn on and use AirDrop on your Mac to send photos, documents, websites, and more to other Apple devices.
How to Send Files From Your Mac Using AirDrop
AirDrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to create a wireless peer-to-peer connection that allows users to share files between two Apple devices. AirDrop’s range is around 30 feet (or 10 meters).
One of thebenefits of sharing files via AirDropis that it doesn’t matter if you have that person as a contact or not. Also, every file you transfer is fully encrypted.
To start sending files via AirDrop on your Mac, click theControl Centericon in the top-right corner of the menu bar, then clickAirDropand toggle it on. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will automatically turn on when you do this.
Your recipient should have AirDrop enabled on their Apple device as well. Note that if they’re not in your contacts, they should set AirDrop toEveryonesetting after toggling it on. Alternatively, you can go toFinder > AirDrop > Allow me to be discovered by > Everyone.
Afterward,Control + Clickon the file you want to send and selectShare > AirDrop. In apps like Preview, click theShareicon (box with an arrow) to selectAirDrop.
Lastly, click on your target recipient to send the file to them via AirDrop. Your recipient must choose theAcceptbutton on their device to receive the file successfully.
Besides using theShare > AirDropmethod shown above, you’re able to also drag and drop your files in Finder to send them via AirDrop.
Go toFinder > AirDropto see the people or devices available for you to AirDrop files to. Open a secondFinderwindow and navigate to the file you want to transfer. Now drag and drop it onto the contact in the AirDrop window.
How to Receive Files on Your Mac Using AirDrop
Receiving files via AirDrop on your Mac is pretty straightforward. As long asAirDropis enabled and set toEveryone, you’ll receive a notification on your Mac when a nearby Apple device user sends the file to you. ClickAcceptand choose your preferred file destination to receive the file.
Some commonprivacy concerns with AirDropinclude receiving files on your Apple device without knowing it. But as shown in the steps above, you’ll always get the chance to accept or decline before the file transfer starts.
Overall, AirDrop is the fastest way to share files between two Apple devices when both the sender and receiver are in the same space, such as an office or café.
However, it’s not flawless. If you’re facing issues while sending or receiving files, there are solutions to quicklyfix AirDrop on your Apple device. And if distance is a problem, don’t worry; there are otherways to transfer files between your Apple devices.
