Apple’s handy AirDrop tool makes transferring files between Mac computers and iOS devices simple. Without wires or an internet connection, AirDrop allows you to rapidly transfer various files, including photographs, videos, documents, and more. If you’re confused about how to Airdrop from iPhone to Mac, this blog will help you.
In this guide, we will lead you through utilizing AirDrop to transfer files from an iPhone to a Mac, along with a thorough explanation of how this technology operates.
What we cover
What is AirDrop Technology?
To create a safe and direct connection between devices for file transmission, AirDrop combines Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies. Your device establishes a brief peer-to-peer network with nearby devices when you enable AirDrop, enabling direct communication between them without needing an internet connection.
Bluetooth
Devices in the area can be found using Bluetooth technology. When you start an AirDrop transmission, your device uses Bluetooth to look for nearby devices that are also equipped with AirDrop.
Wi-Fi
After the devices recognize one another by Bluetooth, they create an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network, which is a high-speed Wi-Fi connection. Encryption is used to protect the privacy and security of the sent data on this network, which was built specifically for the purpose of file transfers.
AirDrop uses end-to-end encryption to safeguard your files while they are being transferred. This implies that the data is encrypted on your device, sent to the recipient device in an encrypted manner, and only then is it decoded.
Your files are protected throughout the transfer from being intercepted thanks to this degree of protection.
Device Discovery
AirDrop effectively discovers nearby devices by combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). When “Contacts Only” is selected as the visibility option, AirDrop uses your iCloud contacts to confirm the sender’s or recipient’s identity.
How to Airdrop from iPhone to Mac: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Enable AirDrop on Both Devices
- Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on and that your iPhone and Mac are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

- To access the Control Centre on your iPhone, swipe downward from the top-right corner of the screen.

- The “Network Settings” card may be found in the Control Center’s upper left corner. Press and hold it.

- This will launch the AirDrop enlarged menu. Depending on your preference, select “Contacts Only” or “Everyone”. While “Everyone” enables anyone nearby to send you files, “Contacts Only” restricts AirDrop to persons in your contacts.

Step 2: Prepare the File for Transfer on iPhone
- On your iPhone, find the file you wish to send. This could be any form of a suitable file, including a picture, a movie, a document, etc.
- To access the context menu, tap and hold the file.
- Choose “Share” from the menu options.
Step 3: Choose the Mac as the Destination
- Following the choice of “Share,” a menu of various sharing choices will show up. Under the AirDrop area, look for the Mac’s symbol.

- On the Mac, tap the icon. It will begin looking for neighboring Mac machines on your iPhone.

Step 4: Accept the File on the Mac
- Someone is attempting to send you a file over AirDrop, and a notification will show up on your Mac to let you know this.
- To start the file transfer, click the “Accept” option in the notification.
Step 5: Confirmation and File Location
- You’ll get a notification letting you know the transfer was successful on both your iPhone and Mac after it’s finished.
- Unless you select a different place while downloading the file, the received file on a Mac is typically saved in the “Downloads” folder.
Also Read: How to change time and clock font on iPhone
FAQs
How can I find out if my devices are AirDrop compatible?
In response, AirDrop is compatible with Macs running OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later and iOS devices running iOS 7 or later. Ensure iOS 7 or later is installed on your iPhone and OS X Yosemite or a later version is installed on your Mac to ensure compatibility.
Can I AirDrop files between various Apple IDs? is question two.
Yes, you can AirDrop data between devices that have multiple Apple IDs signed in. For transfers to be successful, AirDrop visibility must be set to “Everyone” on both devices. A recipient’s device may need to be set to allow transfers, so keep that in mind.
Why can’t my iPhone display the Mac I’m trying to AirDrop to?
Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on in both places and that AirDrop is set to “Everyone” on both devices if you’re having trouble seeing the Mac you’re trying to AirDrop to. Make sure that the Mac is not in sleep mode and that it is also awake.
Can I simultaneously AirDrop numerous files?
You can AirDrop numerous files at once; the answer is yes. Follow the same instructions to start the AirDrop procedure after choosing the files you wish to share. The selected files will be included in a notification that the recipient will receive, and they can decide whether or not to accept the transfer.
Is AirDrop safe?
Yes, AirDrop is secure in response. Your files will be protected while transferred using encryption. The files are encrypted on the sending device and sent in an encrypted format; only the receiving device can decrypt them.
AirDrop also allows you to decide who can see your device (Contacts Only or Everyone) to avoid unauthorized transfers.
The ability to seamlessly and securely transmit files between your iPhone and Mac devices is provided via AirDrop. You can instantly share various material types without cables or internet connectivity by turning on AirDrop, getting the file ready, choosing the destination Mac, and confirming the transfer.
Since your data are shared with privacy and encryption thanks to the technology underlying AirDrop, which uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for private and direct connection, it is a useful tool for Apple users looking for quick and secure file sharing.