Why is AirDrop Mac to Mac not working?
Why is AirDrop Mac to Mac not working?
I have been trying to use AirDrop to share files between my two Macs, but it’s just not working. Both devices are relatively new and have the latest updates installed. I’ve checked that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both Macs, and they are physically very close to each other. However, no matter what I try, it seems like the Macs just won’t recognize each other. The AirDrop window on one Mac doesn’t show the other Mac at all, and vice versa. I’ve even tried restarting both devices, toggling the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on, and making sure that both devices are discoverable to everyone, but nothing has worked so far. AirDrop used to work perfectly between these devices, so I’m really baffled by why it’s giving me trouble now. It’s incredibly frustrating because AirDrop is supposed to be a quick and easy way to transfer files, and I depend on it quite a bit for my daily tasks. Could there be something I’m overlooking, or is this a common issue that others face as well?
7 Answers
I’ve found that proximity is key to AirDrop functioning properly. Even if both Macs are in the same room, try bringing them within a few feet of each other, as physical obstructions and even some electromagnetic interference can hinder the connection. You may also want to disable any unnecessary devices or accessories connected via Bluetooth during the transfer process to reduce potential interference.
Check both Macs’ network settings and ensure they’re on the same Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, network conflicts may prevent AirDrop from working. Also, make sure that both devices’ system preferences have the ‘Allow me to be discovered by’ setting set to ‘Everyone’ or ‘Contacts Only,’ depending on who you’re sharing with.
To rectify the problem, follow these steps: 1. Perform Simple Checks: – Ensure both devices have visibility settings for AirDrop. – Confirm both are within the same Wi-Fi network range. 2. Adjust Handoff Settings: – Go to System Preferences > General on both devices, and ensure Handoff is enabled. 3. Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: – Disconnect and reconnect both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both Macs. 4. Explore Compatibility: – Ensure both devices support AirDrop function for the specific macOS versions in use.
When I encountered the same issue, I realized it was a simple case of firewall settings blocking the connection. Check your firewall settings under ‘Security & Privacy’ in System Preferences. Ensure that ‘Block all incoming connections’ is not selected. Another trick that worked for me was signing out of iCloud on both Macs and then signing back in.
Firstly, ensure that the macOS versions on both Macs are up-to-date. Sometimes, updates include patches that fix connectivity issues. If the problem persists, you might want to reset your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules by turning them off and back on. You can do this from the menu bar or System Preferences. Additionally, check that both Macs are awake and not in sleep mode.
Here’s a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting: 1. Verification of Basic Settings: – Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. – Make sure both Macs are discoverable. 2. System Preferences: – Navigate to System Preferences > General > Reset and select Reset Network Settings on both Macs. – Check that AirDrop is turned on within Finder. 3. Updates and Restarts: – Update macOS to the latest version. – Restart both Macs. 4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC: – Sometimes, resetting the NVRAM or PRAM and the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve connectivity issues. Attempt these steps systematically to isolate and resolve the issue effectively.