If you are unable to send or receive files using AirDrop on your MacBook, below are the steps to fix the AirDrop not working Mac issue.
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AirDrop not working on Mac
AirDrop makes it easy to transfer files, photos, and videos between all supported Apple devices. However, many users still encounter various issues when trying to use AirDrop on their MacBooks for the first time.
Even if you have used AirDrop on your Mac before, sometimes it can stop working due to network issues, iCloud glitches and other issues.
1. Check device compatibility
To use AirDrop, both sending and receiving devices must be Mac versions 2012 or later running OS X Yosemite or a later version of macOS.
Also, the device you’re trying to AirDrop files to must be an AirDrop-compatible device.
If you’re trying to AirDrop Mac to iPhone, the receiving device (iPhone) must be an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 7 or later versions of the iOS software.
If you are trying to AirDrop Mac to iPad or iPod, iPad must be iPad 4 or later and iPod 5th generation or later.
2. Make sure both WiFi and Bluetooth are turned on
AirDrop uses Bluetooth to locate nearby devices and WiFi to transfer data between two Apple devices. Therefore, make sure that WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled on both the sending and receiving devices.
open that finder on your Mac and click the AirDrop tab in the left pane. In the right pane, click Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Button.
Make sure both WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled on your device.
3. Allow everyone to AirDrop
AirDrop offers the option to share data with “Contacts Only” and with “Everyone”. However, selecting the “Contacts Only” option can sometimes cause problems.
open that finder on your Mac and click AirDrop tab in the left pane. In the right pane, click let me discover by and select All in the drop down menu.
If you’re having trouble sending files via AirDrop, make sure allow all option is enabled on the device you are transferring files to.
4. Sign in to iCloud on both devices
If you want to use Contacts Only mode in AirDrop, you need to make sure that both the sending and receiving devices are signed in to iCloud.
Also, the email ID or phone number associated with iCloud accounts must be available in the contacts list on both devices.
5. Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
AirDrop doesn’t work if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled on your device. So make sure your device is not in DND mode.
Click on that notification icon located in the upper right corner and move the switch next to it Do not disturb into the exhibition.
Also, make sure the device you are transferring files to is not in Do Not Disturb mode.
6. Check the firewall settings
Sometimes the problem is due to incoming communication being blocked in the firewall settings on your device.
Click to confirm apple icon in the top menu bar and select system settings in the drop down menu.
On the System Settings screen, click security Symbol. Switch to on the next screen firewall tab and click Firewall Options Button.
On the next screen, uncheck the small box next to it Block all incoming connections.
Click on OK to save this setting
7. Prevent Mac from sleeping
AirDrop may fail if your Mac goes to sleep during the file transfer process. So, follow the steps below to prevent Mac from sleeping when the display is off.
Click on apple icon > system settings > energy saver > select Prevent the computer from automatically going to sleep when the display is off option on the next screen.
AirDrop option not available on Mac
If you cannot find AirDrop option on Mac, you can refer to this guide: AirDrop icon grayed out on iPhone and missing on Mac.
