The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Use AirDrop on Mac

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
macOS Sonoma

Step by step

  1. 30 sec

    Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

    Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar or press Control + Command + Space. Verify both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles are blue and active. AirDrop requires both radios to function properly.

    Note: AirDrop works even without internet connection, but Wi-Fi must remain enabled for the local network transfer.
  2. 30 sec

    Open AirDrop in Finder

    Launch Finder and click AirDrop in the sidebar. If AirDrop doesn't appear, press Command + Shift + R or go to Go > AirDrop from the menu bar. Your Mac will begin scanning for nearby compatible devices.

    Note: Command + Shift + R
  3. 30 sec

    Configure AirDrop visibility settings

    At the bottom of the AirDrop window, click the dropdown menu that shows your current discovery setting. Select 'Everyone' to receive files from any nearby Apple device, or 'Contacts Only' to limit transfers to people in your contacts.

    Note: Choose 'Contacts Only' for better security in public spaces, but ensure the sender's Apple ID is saved in your contacts.
  4. 1 min

    Send files to another device

    Drag any file or folder directly onto a person's icon in the AirDrop window. Alternatively, right-click any file in Finder, select Share, then choose AirDrop and pick the recipient. The receiving device will show an acceptance prompt.

    Note: You can select multiple files using Command + click before dragging them to send everything in one transfer.
  5. 1 min

    Accept incoming transfers

    When someone sends you a file, a notification appears showing the sender's name and file preview. Click Accept to save the file to your Downloads folder, or click Decline to reject the transfer. Photos automatically save to the Photos app instead.

    Note: Preview files before accepting by clicking the preview thumbnail in the notification.
  6. 1 min

    Monitor transfer progress

    Active transfers display a progress circle around the recipient's icon in AirDrop. Large files show a progress bar in the notification. Completed transfers briefly show a checkmark before the notification disappears.

    Note: Cancel ongoing transfers by pressing the X button on the progress notification.