Quick answer
The most common cause is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth turned off on one of the devices, incorrectly set visibility, or the devices not being saved as contacts with each other. First check those settings and distance, then restart the devices and reset network settings.
How to recognize the problem
- The other device does not appear in the AirDrop list at all
- The device is visible, but sending gets stuck on "Waiting"
- The transfer starts but then stops with an error message
- The file arrives in one direction but not the other.
- AirDrop works intermittently, then stops for no clear reason
Most common causes
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is turned off
AirDrop uses both interfaces for discovery and transfer. If either is turned off on the Mac or iPhone, the devices will not see each other.
Incorrect visibility
If receiving is set to contacts only, and the devices are not connected via contacts, the sender will not see the recipient.
No saved contact
If receiving is set to `Contacts Only`, the recipient must have the sender in their contacts. To send in both directions, save the contact with the Apple ID address or phone number on both sides.
Restrictions and operating mode
Screen Time restrictions, VPN or firewall can block local communication between devices.
Temporary software hang
The sharing process on the Mac or iPhone sometimes gets stuck and requires a restart or toggling AirDrop off and on again.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices
On the Mac, open
Control Centerin the menu bar and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. On the iPhone, do the same inControl Center. AirDrop does not work over cellular data, so both devices must have Wi-Fi turned on; they do not need to be connected to the same network. - 2
Set visibility on the recipient
On the iPhone, open
Settings > General > AirDropand chooseContacts OnlyorEveryone for 10 Minutes. On the Mac, openFinder, thenAirDropin the sidebar, and at the bottom of the window choose the appropriate option (Contacts Onlyor the option for everyone). If you chooseContacts Only, check that the devices are connected via contacts. - 3
Check that you are in range and without obstacles
Keep the devices less than a few meters apart, with no walls or metal surfaces between them. Remove cases and covers that may interfere with the antenna, and turn off Personal Hotspot on the iPhone while transferring.
- 4
Open the AirDrop window and refresh the list
On the Mac, in
Finder, clickAirDropin the sidebar and wait a few seconds for the list to refresh. If the iPhone does not appear, close the window and open it again. On the iPhone, open theSharemenu on the file and check if the Mac is visible in the list. - 5
Restart both devices
Restart the Mac via
Apple menu > Restart, and turn the iPhone off and on again. After the restart, check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on, then open AirDrop. This resolves most stuck states. - 6
Turn off VPN and check firewall
If you use a VPN, temporarily turn it off. On the Mac, check
System Settings > Network > Firewalland whether any security tool that blocks the local network is enabled. After testing, re-enable the protections you turned off. - 7
Check Screen Time and restrictions
On the iPhone, open
Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictionsand check if sharing is restricted. On the Mac, do the same inSystem Settings > Screen Time. Turn off restrictions briefly and try again. - 8
Reset network settings on the iPhone
If nothing helps, on the iPhone open
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This erases saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so enter them again afterwards; if you do not know them, write them down first. On the Mac, resetting network settings is usually not necessary.
If it still does not work after everything
Try sending a small file, such as a photo, instead of a large video, because large transfers fail more often. Check that macOS and iOS are updated to the latest version, because Apple occasionally changes how AirDrop works. If the problem is only between two Macs or two iPhones, check the contact with the Apple ID address and re-save it if necessary. As a temporary alternative, use iCloud Drive or a shared folder in the Files app, or send the file via Mail if it is smaller. In companies with a guest Wi-Fi network, check whether the network allows communication between clients, because many business networks block it.
How to prevent it
- Keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on on both devices when using AirDrop
- Save the other person's Apple ID address or phone number in contacts
- Update macOS and iOS regularly
- Turn off VPN and Personal Hotspot during transfer
When to call a professional
If you have tried all the steps and AirDrop still does not work with any device, or if it is a business network with strict rules, it is better to contact IT support than to change network settings on your own.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why does my iPhone not appear in the AirDrop list on my Mac?
Most often Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is turned off on one of the devices, or visibility is set to `Contacts Only` without a saved contact. Check both settings and restart the devices.
Does AirDrop use cellular data?
No. AirDrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for a direct connection between devices, so cellular data is not needed. However, Wi-Fi must be turned on.
Can I send files from Mac to iPhone without a Wi-Fi network?
You can, if both devices are in range and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. They do not need to be connected to the same network.