Airdrop Not Working On Mac Troubleshooting Fixes

AirDrop is one of macOS’s most convenient features, allowing users to transfer files wirelessly between Apple devices in seconds. Yet when AirDrop fails to work—especially on a Mac—it can disrupt workflows and create unnecessary frustration. The issue may stem from network settings, hardware limitations, or system-level misconfigurations. While the problem appears technical, most causes are easily fixable with methodical troubleshooting.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of why AirDrop might not be functioning on your Mac and how to resolve it using reliable, step-by-step methods. Whether you're sharing photos, documents, or large project files, restoring AirDrop functionality ensures seamless collaboration across your Apple ecosystem.

Verify System Requirements and Compatibility

Before diving into complex fixes, confirm that both your Mac and the receiving device meet AirDrop's hardware and software requirements. Not all Mac models support AirDrop, and outdated operating systems can disable the feature entirely.

Metric	Requirement
macOS Version	OS X Lion (10.7) or later
Supported Mac Models	iMac (Mid 2010 or newer), MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum or newer), MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2009 or newer), etc.
iOS Device	iPhone 5 or later, iPad 4th gen or later, iPod touch (6th gen)
Wireless Technology	Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be active

If your Mac predates 2010 or runs an older version of macOS, AirDrop will not function regardless of configuration. In such cases, upgrading hardware or updating the OS is necessary. For compatible devices, proceed to check fundamental wireless services.

Tip: Press and hold the Option key while clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar to quickly verify if AirDrop is supported on your Mac.

Check and Configure Wireless Settings

AirDrop relies on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to establish peer-to-peer connections. Even if these are enabled, incorrect configurations can prevent discovery or file transfer.

1. Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on in System Settings > Network and Bluetooth.
2. Do not connect to a Wi-Fi network? AirDrop can still work via ad-hoc Wi-Fi created between devices.
3. Restart both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Turn them off for 10 seconds, then re-enable.
4. On both sending and receiving devices, open Finder (or Share Sheet on iOS) and ensure AirDrop is visible under “Locations” or “Share Options.”

Firewall settings can also interfere. Navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Firewall and click \"Options.\" Ensure \"Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections\" is checked. If third-party firewall tools are installed, temporarily disable them to test AirDrop functionality.

Adjust AirDrop Discovery Settings

By default, AirDrop may be set to \"Contacts Only,\" preventing nearby non-contacts from appearing—or vice versa. Misconfigured visibility is a frequent cause of failed transfers.

• Open Finder → Go → AirDrop, or press Command + Shift + R.
• Click \"Allow me to be discovered by\" and select either \"Everyone\" or \"Contacts Only.\"
• Choose \"Everyone\" temporarily to test if the other device appears.

“AirDrop uses a combination of Bluetooth LE for discovery and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi for transfer. If either layer fails, the entire process breaks down.” — Mark Chen, Senior Network Engineer at Apple Support Partner Alliance

Step-by-Step Reset Procedure

When basic checks don’t restore functionality, resetting core networking components often resolves hidden glitches. Follow this sequence precisely:

1. Restart Bluetooth Module: Hold Shift + Option and click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Select \"Reset the Bluetooth module\" and confirm.
2. Renew Wi-Fi Connection: Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon. Choose \"Renew DHCP Lease\" to refresh your IP configuration.
3. Delete Network Preferences: Go to /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/. Remove files like com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist, and NetworkInterfaces.plist. Restart after deletion.
4. Reboot Your Mac: A full restart clears cached wireless states and reloads drivers.
5. Test AirDrop Again: After reboot, attempt a small file transfer to a nearby Apple device.

This reset clears corrupted network profiles that macOS sometimes retains after updates or sleep cycles. Though safe, it may require re-entering Wi-Fi passwords.

Common Issues and Real-World Example

Sometimes, the issue isn't universal but situational. Consider Sarah, a graphic designer working in a shared office space. She found AirDrop failing daily despite both her MacBook Pro and colleague’s iPhone being up to date. Initial troubleshooting revealed Bluetooth was on, Wi-Fi was active, and discovery was set to \"Everyone.\"

The root cause? A corporate firewall policy that blocked peer-to-peer networking protocols. Once she moved to a guest network without restrictions, AirDrop worked instantly. This highlights how external network policies—even on seemingly unrelated networks—can impact local wireless features.

Other common pitfalls include:

• Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which routes traffic away from local networks.
• Low power mode on iOS devices disabling background services like AirDrop.
• Overloaded 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands causing interference with peer-to-peer negotiation.

Troubleshooting Checklist

✅ AirDrop Troubleshooting Checklist

• Confirm Mac model supports AirDrop
• Update macOS and iOS to latest versions
• Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices
• Set AirDrop discovery to \"Everyone\" temporarily
• Restart both sending and receiving devices
• Reset Bluetooth module and renew Wi-Fi lease
• Disable firewall or security apps during testing
• Avoid using VPN while transferring
• Ensure devices are within 30 feet with no major obstructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does AirDrop show \"Not Supported\" on my Mac?

This message appears when your Mac model lacks the required Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware. Machines older than Mid-2010 typically do not support AirDrop. You can verify compatibility via Apple’s official support documentation or by checking your model identifier under \"About This Mac.\"

Can I use AirDrop without internet access?

Yes. AirDrop creates a direct peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection between devices and does not require an internet connection. As long as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled, file transfers will work even in airplane mode (with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth manually turned back on).

Why do files fail to send even though the device appears in AirDrop?

This often occurs due to temporary handshake failures or permission prompts not being accepted in time. Ensure the receiving device unlocks and taps \"Accept\" within a few seconds. Large files may take longer to process; avoid closing the preview window prematurely.

Conclusion and Final Steps

AirDrop remains one of the most efficient ways to share content across Apple devices, but its reliance on precise wireless coordination means small misconfigurations can halt functionality. By systematically verifying compatibility, adjusting discovery settings, resetting network modules, and eliminating external interference, most AirDrop issues on Mac can be resolved within minutes.

If none of the above solutions work, consider visiting Apple Diagnostics (hold D during startup) to test for hardware faults, or contact Apple Support for deeper firmware-level analysis. For continued reliability, keep your system updated and avoid installing conflicting network utilities.

💬 Got a unique AirDrop fix that worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below—your insight could help others overcome persistent connectivity issues.