AirDrop is a functionality developed by Apple that offers the possibility of sending photos, files and other data between different devices, such as iPhone, iPad or Mac, all locally via Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity (the latter option is ideal when it comes to heavy file transfers).
It is, in fact, a functionality originally introduced for the first time on Mac in 2008, although it was not expanded to the rest of iOS devices until the arrival of the seventh version of this device, which was officially implemented in 2013. .
If you have already tried it, it is very likely that you already know that it is a functionality as useful as it is excellent when it works. But sometimes it can end up giving you some problems , especially when trying to use different devices, especially those with older hardware.
In addition, it is also usually due to visibility problems , which are even considered one of the most common incidents among users who try to use AirDrop. This means that sometimes the recipient just doesn’t show up, and no matter how hard we try to detect it, it won’t do any good.
To solve this, Apple decided to introduce the U1 chip with ultra-wideband technology in the iPhone 11, as it has been specially designed to improve the detection capacity of the device, thereby eliminating the problems that have arisen for years every time it was tried to use. AirDrop. However, what can we do when it comes to solving problems that arise with AirDrop ?
Finding out if your Mac, iPhone, or iPad supports AirDrop
First of all, it is essential to make sure that AirDrop is compatible with my device . To do this, it is enough to inquire about whether our device is among some of the following:
- Mac Mini (mid 2020 onwards)
- iMac (early 2009 onwards)
- Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme or newer)
- Macbook (late 2008 onwards)
- Macbook Air (late 2010 onwards)
- Macbook Pro (late 2008 onwards)
- iPhone or iPad with iOS 7 or later
- Have a Lightning port
Since AirDrop troubleshooting can be a bit complex, this time we’ll explain how to solve some common Mac problems.
Troubleshooting AirDrop on Mac
Update macOS
It is advisable to always keep our Mac properly updated, which will positively help to minimize many of the software problems that may arise over time.
Of course, before updating macOS , it is always advisable to carry out a backup of our Mac with the help, for example, of Time Machine. Then, we must go to the Apple icon that we will find in the upper left part of the screen, and finally click on System Preferences and Software Update .
Basically the only thing we would have to do is install all the available updates . Of course, if you are not running the latest version of macOS, it will be necessary to open the App Store, search for “macOS” and download the latest version compatible with your Mac.
Opening AirDrop from Finder
According to the recommendations offered by Apple, in case of running Mac with OS X Mavericks (or earlier), it is necessary to open Finder to, from this application, click on AirDrop , which we will find in the left sidebar of the screen.
Configuring the visibility of our Mac for “Everyone”
When there are problems when sending files on a Mac, it is best to adjust the visibility of our device and select All in the drop-down menu, but it is only advisable to do so in a timely manner (for example, until we complete the sending or receiving from the file).
However, in case of selecting the Contacts Only option, we must ensure that the contact details of the other device are in the Contacts application. Although it is true that Apple does not identify what information in particular, it is possible that the email address is sufficient (which should be linked to an Apple ID account).
It is essential that both devices connect to the same WiFi network
Although it is true that Apple expressly states that it is not necessary that both devices do not have to share the same WiFi network (that is, be connected to the same network), it is advisable.
In fact, from my own experience I can tell you that it is an option that greatly facilitates the transfer of files, especially when the devices share the same network.
Find an older Mac
If you are using an old Mac, it is very likely that you have already noticed that when you try to activate AirDrop, the option Find an older Mac is available. In case our Mac was manufactured before 2012, it could be a useful method.
But, first, we must make sure that the previous Mac is visible, and that the AirDrop window (within Finder) is open and ready to receive files.
