How to Secure AirDrop on macOS

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open Control Center settings

   Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu and navigate to the Control Center tab in the sidebar.

2. 15 sec

   Access AirDrop settings

   Scroll down the list of Control Center modules until you reach the AirDrop section. Verify that the Allow me to be discovered by option is visible.

3. 20 sec

   Restrict discovery settings

   Click the dropdown menu next to AirDrop. Select Contacts Only instead of Everyone to ensure only recognized users can send you files.

   Note: Selecting 'No One' completely disables incoming requests if you do not use AirDrop regularly.
4. 10 sec

   Check Finder integration

   Open a Finder window and click AirDrop in the sidebar. Confirm that the status message at the bottom of the window displays 'Allow me to be discovered by: Contacts Only'.

   Note: Command + Shift + R
5. 30 sec

   Disable automatic downloads

   macOS does not automatically save files from unknown sources, but always ensure that you manually decline any unexpected prompts. If an AirDrop notification appears from an unrecognized user, click Decline immediately to prevent the file from reaching your Downloads folder.

   Note: AirDrop requests are encrypted, but declining keeps your file system clean.