AirDrop is a built-in feature on Mac computers designed to simple exchange files via Wi-Fi network. Here you don't need to register with cloud services, create or connect to new networks. By default, older Macs do not support AirDrop, although file sharing using this technology is possible even over Ethernet.
AirDrop has greatly simplified the data transfer process. In OS X file manager Finder has a special AirDrop item. It is enough to go to this section in two Apple computers and they will automatically find each other. Then all that remains is to transfer the document or folder to the computer icon. The user of the second Mac will confirm the operation and the file will be at his disposal.
Thus, files are exchanged between computers without connecting to the same network. However, by default, AirDrop is the preserve of only the latest models. The list is limited only to computers with certain Wi-Fi modules. In fact, the basis of Apple technology is the wireless PAN interface, which allows you to organize “peer-to-peer” connections. Therefore, a couple of lines of code removes all restrictions.
How to Activate AirDrop on Old Macs
Step 1: Open the Terminal application from the Utilities folder and paste the following line.
defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser BrowseAllInterfaces 1
This command makes AirDrop work on any network interface. The only difference is that both computers must be on the same network to transfer files. The technology will work even when one Mac is connected via Ethernet and the second via Wi-Fi. The same is true for Ethernet to Ethernet and Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi connections.
Step 2: Confirm execution of this command by clicking the Enter button.
Step 3: Copy the command to restart Finder into Terminal.
killall Finder
Step 4: Press Enter.
Let's say you have two Macs - one with AirDrop support and the other without it. If you want to take advantage of this file sharing technology, then it's time to follow the four steps above. You can always cancel the action by going through these steps again with the number “0” instead of “1” in the first paragraph.
The only reason Apple has limited the PAN interface is to encrypt the information. Any files transferred via AirDrop with standard settings are reliably protected from interception. The described technique provides technology flexibility at the expense of data security. If you transfer documents at home, there will be no problems. If you often use public access points, we recommend restoring AirDrop settings default.
The problem of transferring files from one computer to another arises with enviable consistency. Previously, we used floppy disks for this, then the era of CDs came, which replaced flash drives. But more and more often we exchange files between computers via the network. A special tool called AirDrop has been created for Mac computers, making it much easier to transfer documents and other files from one computer to another. But how to effectively use AirDrop is not entirely clear.
Target: Transfer a file from one Mac computer to another using AirDrop.
Facilities: At least two Macs connected to one Wi-Fi networks.
Short description: AirDrop allows you to transfer files from one Mac to another. This service can also be used on mobile devices running iOS. To use AirDrop, open Finder. On the left panel you will see an inscription called “AirDrop”. If you click on it, the main part of the Finder will display icons of all devices connected to this Wi-Fi network to which you can send the file.
The procedure for transferring files is as follows:
- Select the files you want to transfer to another computer.
- Drag them to the AirDrop inscription.
- Click on the device you are going to send files to. Confirm your decision to send.
- A message will appear on the receiving device in which you must choose whether to open the files immediately or save them. The files are saved to the "Downloads" folder.
Warnings:
- AirDrop only works on Mac versions OS X Lion and higher.
- If AirDrop is not automatically supported on your computer, you can use it through the terminal.
Detailed instructions for using AirDrop available at.
AirDrop is one of the most rarely used functions by owners of Apple technology. At the same time, it is completely undeserved, because AirDrop allows you to most quickly and conveniently transfer various data from a Mac to an iPhone or iPad, bypassing iTunes. Also familiar with AirDrop only superficially? This instruction will tell you about all the features of the function.
Step 1: Enable AirDrop on Mac. To do this, select the Finder menu bar item " Transition» → AirDrop and turn it on Wi-Fi connection or Bluetooth. If one of the communication types is already enabled, then the AirDrop function is also active
Note: Only these Mac models support AirDrop:
- MacBook Pro late 2008 or newer
- MacBook Air late 2010 or newer
- MacBook late 2008 or newer
- iMac early 2009 or newer
- Mac mini mid-2010 or newer
- Early 2009 Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme or mid 2010 Mac Pro
Step 2: Enable AirDrop on iPhone or iPad. To do this, open Command centre and click on the item AirDrop. Here you can specify from whom you want to receive files - only from contacts, or from everyone
Note: To transfer files from Mac to iPhone or iPad successfully, the display mobile device must be in an active state. Otherwise, communication between devices may be lost.
Step 3. On Mac, select the file you want to send to iPhone or iPad via AirDrop
Step 5. In the window that opens, select the recipient
Step 6: On iPhone or iPad, accept the file being sent and specify the app where it will be saved
Like this in a simple way you can transfer various files from your Mac to your iPhone or iPad directly over the air. If you need to reset multiple files, it is most convenient to select the Finder menu bar item " Transition» → AirDrop and drag necessary files to the target device icon. In this case, you will save yourself from having to constantly access the context menu.
I'm sure many people have encountered this problem.
Almost always, when buying a new iOS device or changing Mac, I started having strange problems with AirDrop. Over time, they were somehow solved in some incomprehensible way (AirDrop just started working), but only now I was able to accurately determine the cause of the difficulties that arose. As it turned out, the problem is solved quite easily. But the solution is implicit.
It's worth noting that there are several on the Apple website detailed instructions regarding the function in question, but in none of them did I find the solution discussed below. Before moving on to it, I recommend that you study the official instructions:
Naturally, I did everything described in the instructions above, plus I enabled/disabled AirDrop on all devices, logged out/logged in account iCloud, changed AirDrop settings (“for everyone”, “only for contacts”), rebooted devices... Almost everything works - Handoff, Continuity, laptop is fresh - MacBook 12", software is updated to the latest everywhere final versions(I don’t experiment with betas), but AirDrop is dead. I'm trying to transfer screenshots from iPhone 6s Plus to MacBook, but neither the computer nor the smartphone can see each other. Miracles, and that's all.
What is the problem?
The problem turned out to be Bluetooth. In particular, you need to create a Bluetooth pair between your laptop and smartphone. In theory, it should be created automatically. At least, I remember that this happened at the dawn of iOS 8. You just had to agree to create a pair during the process of setting up new functions and that’s it.
The catch is that when you change an iPhone to a new one, information about devices connected to the predecessor via Bluetooth is not transferred via backup copy. You need to manually create Bluetooth pairs with the headsets, speakers, and laptop you are using.
So, when I moved from iPhone 5s to iPhone 6 Plus, I immediately had difficulty with the Instant Hotspot mode, which also requires a Bluetooth pair to work. Naturally, it was not preserved from the iPhone 5s and a new one had to be created. I remember that then I did everything purely by chance - on a whim I went to the Bluetooth menu on the MacBook, started searching for devices nearby, saw my iPhone - created a pair, everything worked.
This incident almost immediately flew out of my head and was remembered only now, after I was finally able to set up AirDrop on the new iPhone.
What to do if AirDrop between iPhone and Mac doesn't work?
So you've got new iPhone, we tried everything that Apple suggests in its instructions, but AirDrop still doesn’t work. What are we doing? Create a Bluetooth pair between MacBook and iPhone.
To do this, make sure that on the smartphone bluetooth module turned on, go to the laptop in “ System Settings→Bluetooth", find your iPhone in the list of devices and click on " Create a pair».
A window with a code will appear on the laptop screen and a similar code will be displayed on the iPhone with a proposal to create a pair - agree. After this, the MacBook will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices on the iPhone and vice versa:
When I did all the steps above, AirDrop between iPhone and MacBook worked. The devices find each other within a few seconds and exchange files without problems.
While preparing this material, I removed the iPhone-MacBook Bluetooth pair for the sake of experimentation, and AirDrop stopped working again. The gadgets did not find each other. I repeated all the steps described above - AirDrop worked. I hope my experience will help someone.
P.S. If you lost AirDrop after switching to El Capitan, the instructions described above should also help.
P.P.S. After you have completed all the operations, go to “ Finder → AirDrop" on a Mac, and on an iPhone, try sending something to your computer from the Photos app. In theory, both Mac and iPhone should see each other.
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I'm sure many people have encountered this problem.
Almost always, when buying a new iOS device or changing Mac, I started having strange problems with . Over time, they were somehow solved in some incomprehensible way (AirDrop just started working), but only now I was able to accurately determine the cause of the difficulties that arose. As it turned out, the problem is solved quite easily. But the solution is implicit.
It is worth noting that there are several detailed instructions on the Apple website regarding the function in question, but in none of them did I find the solution discussed below. Before moving on to it, I recommend that you study the official instructions:
- Share content using AirDrop from iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Use AirDrop to send content from your Mac
Naturally, I did everything described in the instructions above, plus enabled/disabled AirDrop on all devices, signed out/signed in to my iCloud account, changed the AirDrop settings (“for everyone”, “only for contacts”), rebooted the devices... Almost everything works - , the laptop is fresh - MacBook 12", the software is updated everywhere to the latest final versions (I don’t experiment with betas), but AirDrop is dead. I’m trying to transfer screenshots from the iPhone 6s Plus to the MacBook, but neither the computer nor the smartphone can see each other. Miracles, yes but only.
What is the problem?
The problem turned out to be Bluetooth. In particular, you need to create a Bluetooth pair between your laptop and smartphone. In theory, it should be created automatically. At least, I remember that this happened at the dawn of life. You just had to agree to create a pair during the process of setting up new functions and that’s it.
The catch is that when you change an iPhone to a new one, information about the devices connected to the predecessor via Bluetooth is not transferred through the backup copy. You need to manually create Bluetooth pairs with the headsets, speakers, and laptop you are using.
So, when I moved from to, I immediately had difficulty with the mode, which also requires a Bluetooth pair to work. Naturally, it was not preserved from the iPhone 5s and a new one had to be created. I remember that then I did everything purely by chance - on a whim I went to the Bluetooth menu on the MacBook, started searching for devices nearby, saw my iPhone - created a pair, everything worked.
This incident almost immediately flew out of my head and was remembered only now, after I was finally able to set up AirDrop on the new iPhone.
So you got a new iPhone, you've tried everything Apple suggests in its instructions, but AirDrop still doesn't work. What are we doing? Create a Bluetooth pair between MacBook and iPhone.
To do this, make sure that the Bluetooth module is turned on on the smartphone, go to “ System Settings → Bluetooth", find your iPhone in the list of devices and click on " Create a pair».
A window with a code will appear on the laptop screen and a similar code will be displayed on the iPhone with a proposal to create a pair - agree. After this, the MacBook will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices on the iPhone and vice versa:
When I did all the steps above, AirDrop between iPhone and MacBook worked. The devices find each other within a few seconds and exchange files without problems.
While preparing this material, I removed the iPhone-MacBook Bluetooth pair for the sake of experimentation, and AirDrop stopped working again. The gadgets did not find each other. I repeated all the steps described above - AirDrop worked. I hope my experience will help someone.
P.S. If your AirDrop “fell” after switching to , the instructions described above should also help.
P.P.S. After you have completed all the operations, go to “ Finder → AirDrop" on a Mac, and on an iPhone, try sending something to your computer from the Photos app. In theory, both Mac and iPhone should see each other.
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