Learn how to share files using AirDrop between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, how to accept AirDrops, and how to access AirDropped files on your device.
AirDrop is a great feature for sending links, images, photos, videos and large files available on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It is very safe to transfer data using AirDrop because the devices sending and receiving data create a firewall around the connection to ensure that the files sent are encrypted. There’s also no limit to the file size you can send using AirDrop.
What you need to share files with AirDrop
To send or receive files using AirDrop, you need to make sure that both you and the person you’re sending the file to have AirDrop enabled and are nearby. You also need to enable WiFi and Bluetooth to enable the connection between your devices.
Next, check if the recipient has set their AirDrop to receive from Contacts Only in the AirDrop settings. Contacts Only means that only their contacts can see their device.
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That means you need to have their phone number in your contact list for them to receive files from you. Also, ask them to change the AirDrop setting to Everyone so they can accept AirDrops from you.
How to AirDrop from iPhone to iPad
- On your iPhone, select the files you want to transfer to your iPad.
- After selecting the file, tap the share icon located at the bottom left corner of the screen to open the share menu.
- Select the iPad device to which you want to transfer files from the share menu.
- Confirm you want to receive the file by selecting the accept option on your iPad.
- After you click accept, the files will be sent to your iPad and they will show up immediately.
How to AirDrop Files from iPhone to Mac
- Select any image or file in any iPhone app that you want to send to your Mac.
- Click the file.
- Click the share button to open the share menu.
- From the share menu, select AirDrop.
- Nearby AirDrop enabled devices will appear on the left side of the sharing menu. If there are more, a number will appear on the AirDrop icon.
- Select the people you want to AirDrop the file with from the file sharing options.
- You may need to accept or decline files on the receiving Mac device, depending on your security settings.
How to AirDrop from Mac to iPhone
You can send items from Mac to iPhone from the Finder, the desktop, or from within apps like Safari or Maps.
- If you’re sending items from the desktop: Select any item you want to send from your Mac, open the share menu, choose AirDrop, and then choose the iPhone device you want to send the item to.
- If you’re sending items from the Finder: Click AirDrop in the Finder sidebar, select the item you want to send from your Mac, and then drag it to the iPhone device you want to send it to.
- If you’re sending items from an app: Click the share button in the app’s toolbar, open AirDrop, and then select the iPhone device to which you want to send the item.
- How to accept AirDrop
To accept AirDrops, you need to first set your AirDrop to Contacts Only or Everyone. Your AirDrop name will then be visible to nearby people in your contact list or to all nearby Apple devices.
When someone shares something with you using AirDrop, you’ll see a preview alert on your device. You need to click accept or decline to receive the file or refuse to transfer. This is important because it prevents nearby strangers from sending unwanted AirDrops directly to your device without your permission – a phenomenon known as network flickering.
It is safer to only accept transfers from people in your contact list. You can also set your AirDrop to Off Receive to prevent your device from receiving any AirDrop requests.
If you send an item to yourself, you won’t see a prompt to accept or decline the item. It will automatically be sent to your device. Just make sure you’re signed in to both devices with the same Apple ID.
Where do AirDrop files go?
When you accept AirDrop, it will appear in the same app from which it was sent. For example, photos appear in the Photos app and web pages open in Safari. The app link opens the App Store, where you can download or purchase the app.
Any files you receive via AirDrop on your Mac device are automatically saved to the Downloads folder. If you AirDrop a file from an app that isn’t on your iPad, you’ll be asked which app to open it with.
