The user will then have the option to Accept or Decline the file on their device. AirDrop is a feature in iOS and macOS that lets physically close Mac and iOS devices share files wirelessly with one another with a minimum of fuss. The name basically means to send or ‘drop’ files over the air from one device to another. From an iPhone, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both turned on. Next, open the Control Center panel, then push and hold the wireless connection icon until it expands into a rectangle.

You don’t even need the latest iPhone 16 or M3 MacBook Pro to use AirDrop. It works with any iOS device running iOS 7 or newer and any Mac running OS X Yosemite or newer. The only “requirement” is that both devices are within 30 feet of each other and have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. So far as I can tell, there isn’t a limit to the size of the file you AirDrop.

On a Mac using the Finder

When you tap on the receiver, they will be notified and they have the option to accept or reject the file. With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and more to a nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can use AirDrop to send files to your own devices, or to share files with others. Next, a window alert with a preview of the content you’re sharing will pop up on the recipient’s phone.

• For faster sharing, enable AirDrop in Control Center.
• If they’re not in your Contacts, you’ll see just their name without an image.
• When Contacts Only is ticked, only your contacts will be able to see your device appear.
• In the Control Center, long-press on the communications widget, and a screen with options will come up.
• With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and more to a nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

What is Apple AirDrop and how do I use it?

If you AirDrop something to yourself, like a photo from your iPhone to your Mac, you won’t see an option to Accept or Decline—it’ll automatically get sent to your device. Setting AirDrop to “everyone” was useful in certain circumstances, such as if you are at a professional convention and you want to quickly exchange work-related files with someone you just met. But as NBC showed, this setting can be abused by perverts.

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Once you’re there, you’ll be presented with the same discovery options as on iPhone (Off, Contacts Only and Everyone) along the bottom of the window. If you AirDrop something to yourself, like a photo from your iPhone to your Mac (see below), you won’t see an option to Accept or Decline – it’ll be automatically sent to your device. Just make sure that both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID. To do this, head to Settings, General, then AirDrop, where you’ll see all discovery options. On an iPhone, you can also access this page via the control centre.

How to Use AirDrop to Quickly Send Photos and Files Across iPhone, Mac and iPad

Transfers are encrypted for security, and the recipient can accept or decline each transfer as it arrives. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. That means you don’t need to be connected to your router or even the internet in order to have an AirDrop connection. You do have to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, however. It forex crm solutions and brokerage software uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit the files via a proprietary, close-range wireless communication process. Those can be text, image, or other types of files, such as playlists and locations.

The first is making sure the recipient device is nearby and within Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range, meaning it’ll need to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. When you convert satoshi to usd select AirDrop, you’ll see the names of nearby iPhone users pop up on your screen. If they’re in your contacts, you’ll also see their picture. Select the person or people with whom you want to share.

Use AirDrop on iPhone to send items to nearby Apple devices

To use AirDrop to securely share app and website passwords with someone using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, see Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop on iPhone. Check out the video below to see a step-by-step tutorial on setting up and using AirDrop. Axel is TechRadar’s UK-based Phones Editor, tesla k10 hashrate the best cloud mining sites reporting on everything from the latest Apple developments to newest AI breakthroughs as part of the site’s Mobile Computing vertical. Andrea Smith is an award-winning technology broadcast journalist, reporter, and producer.

Some people get a kick out of sending memes — or more unwelcome, lewd content — to complete strangers with AirDrop. Thankfully, Apple gives you a few different options for limiting how easily you can be reached with the feature. Your Mac must be running at least OS X Yosemite or later, and your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch must be updated to iOS 8 or later. I do hope, though, that you’re not still running iOS 8! One more thing; both the sending and receiving device must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

AirDrop is a fast and easy way to share photos, files and links between your iPhone, iPad and Mac. Ever since switching from an Android phone to an iPhone two years ago, AirDrop has quickly become one of my favorite features within the Apple ecosystem. Your recipient/s will see a notification on their screen with the option to accept the content or decline it. When the person accepts, the content starts transferring.

You can also choose the specific contact details you want to share — and importantly, what information you don’t want to share. To use NameDrop, both devices must be using iOS 17.1 or later, or watchOS 10.1 or later. SimplyMac.com is your go-to resource for everything tech – including Apple products, PC, Android, Xbox, Playstation, and more. We provide easy-to-follow tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and expert tips to help you make the most of your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. Our goal is to simplify tech for everyone, offering insightful content and practical advice to enhance your digital life.

Since AirDrop works using both Bluetooth and WiFi, make sure they are both turned on. If WiFi and Bluetooth in the communication widget are on, the icons will both be blue. If the person you’re sharing content with is in your Contacts, you’ll see an image with their name. If they’re not in your Contacts, you’ll just see their name without an image. Apple AirDrop will then transfer the file over the Wi-Fi connection.

Check that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Verify that your Mac’s AirDrop settings allow it to be discovered by your devices. If using an older Mac, check if it supports AirDrop. Models from 2012 or later typically have this feature. For faster sharing, enable AirDrop in Control Center.