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How to Use Airdrop on Mac: The Essential Guide You’ve Been Waiting For

In the past, transferring files from one device to another was a hassle. You used to need a cable, and if you didn’t have or couldn’t find one, you were out of luck. Today, if you have an Apple device, you can use AirDrop.

But if you’ve never used the program before, it can seem a bit complicated to understand.

If you’re wondering how to use AirDrop on Mac, keep reading for a guide that’ll teach you everything you need to know.

What Is AirDrop?

Apple first released AirDrop in 2011. At its conception, users could only transfer files from Mac to Mac, and from iOS to iOS. This meant that if you wanted to move something from your Mac to your iPhone, you were unable to do so. Now, this is no longer an issue.

AirDrop requires the receiving device to be nearby. If you want to send a file to someone miles away, you’ll have to rely on email or another method. To work, it also needs both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Most users use AirDrop to transfer files quickly. If you’re with your friends taking pictures, you can share the photos with them in a matter of seconds by using AirDrop. You can also use it to share a URL. If you’re reading an interesting article on your Mac and want to view it on your phone, AirDrop can help you transfer it over.

Which Devices Can Use AirDrop?

Most Apple devices can use AirDrop without any issues. However, if your device is older, it may be unable to.

If you have a MacBook Pro, it needs to be from 2008 or later. MacBook Airs need to be from 2010 or later. Any iPhone that you’re using today should be able to use AirDrop without a problem.

If your device should be able to run AirDrop but is having difficulties, make sure that you are using the program the right way. To learn more about how to use AirDrop, check out this guide: https://setapp.com/how-to/use-airdrop-on-mac.

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How to Enable AirDrop on Your Mac

It’s easy to use AirDrop on Mac, but you’ll first need to make sure that you’ve enabled the program.

To enable it, press Command + Space. This opens Spotlight on your Mac, which lets you search for applications, files, and do a number of other tasks. Type “AirDrop”, then click and launch the application.

If you don’t have your Bluetooth or Wi-Fi turned on, the app may ask you to do so. Once they’re on AirDrop is ready for you to use.

You’ll then be able to select who can see your Mac when using AirDrop. Choose “Allow me to be discovered by everyone”. You can then choose any device in your Bluetooth range.

How to Enable AirDrop on Your iPhone

If you want to transfer files from your Mac to your iPhone, you’ll also need to ensure that you’ve enabled AirDrop on your phone.

Head to your iPhone settings, then go to General > AirDrop. Once you get there, you’ll notice three different options. These are privacy options, which control who you can send and receive files from.

If you select Receiving Off, you’ll be unable to receive photos or files from anyone. This includes people in your contacts. If you select Contacts Only, only names and numbers that appear in your iCloud Contacts will be able to transfer files to you. Selecting Everyone lets anyone send files to you.

Choose the option that you feel most comfortable with. After you do, your iPhone is all set!

Send Files From Your Mac to Other Devices

Now that everything is all set up, you might be wondering how to send files using AirDrop.

The easiest way to send files from your Mac is by using a drag and drop method. To do this, open AirDrop on your computer by using Spotlight or find the application in the Finder sidebar.

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Once it launches, you’ll then see a list of all of the AirDrop users in your proximity that you can send your files to. Find your file on your computer, then drag it onto their name and picture. The file will then send in a matter of seconds.

For an alternative method, you can also go to your file and right-click. Choose Share, then AirDrop. Just like with the drag and drop method, you’ll then select who you want to send the file to.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, you might think you’re using AirDrop correctly, but your files won’t send. What gives?

Make sure that the device you’re trying to send can support AirDrop. You should also make sure that it has the latest software update. If it doesn’t, it might not be able to support AirDrop. If the device runs on iOS, make sure that it has at least iOS 7 or later.

Another problem can be that the two devices are too far apart from one another. Try moving closer and see if that solves the problem.

You should also check the AirDrop privacy settings of both devices. If one of them is Contacts Only, make sure that you are in the Contacts. If it is Receiving Off, you’ll need to switch it on in order to use it.

How to Use AirDrop on Mac? Follow This Guide!

Using AirDrop lets you transfer files such as photos and documents like never before. If you’re curious as to how to use AirDrop on Mac, following this guide can be a good place to start.

Do you have any other tips on how to use AirDrop on Mac? Let us know!

If you enjoyed reading this article, don’t forget to check out some of our other posts for more tech-related articles.

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