How to use AirDrop on iPhone, iPad and Mac
AirDrop is the perfect way to quickly share files between iPhones, iPads and Mac, utilising a combination of Bluetooth LE and point-to-point Wi-Fi to provide a service that’s both fast and secure. While most people only use AirDrop to send the occasional photo, you can send much more, from Apple Maps locations to contacts, notes and even app-specific files.
Here, we explain how to make the most of AirDrop whether you’re on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
How to turn on (and off) AirDrop on an iPhone or iPad
AirDrop has two options when it comes to connectivity – you can limit AirDrop functionality to your contacts, or allow anyone nearby to share files with you. Admittedly, the latter is easier, as for Contacts to work you’ll both have to be logged in to iCloud and be in each other’s contacts, but choosing Everyone means random people on the bus could send you prank AirDrops – be it a funny meme or something more sinister.
The good news is that AirDrop is easy to turn on and off, and changing the connectivity option is a breeze too.
How to share files via AirDrop on iPhone or iPad
While most people tend to use AirDrop when sharing photos or videos from the Photos app, you can actually share files from any iOS app that features the Share sheet. This includes app-specific files, allowing you to share a Pixelmator file to another iPhone or iPad with Pixelmator installed and have that file accessible in the app, although standard photos and videos will be transferred to the Photos app by default.
Your file should then be sent – if you’re sharing files between your own devices, you don’t have to accept anything, but if you’re receiving files from someone else you’ll have to accept the file before the transfer is initiated.
How to disable AirDrop
If you want to do more than simply turn off AirDrop – for example, on your child’s device – then you can use Apple’s built-in Restrictions to completely disable AirDrop functionality.
If you want to unrestrict the tech at any point in future, simply repeat the above steps to re-enable AirDrop.
How to turn on (and off) AirDrop on Mac
AirDrop isn’t specific to iPhones and iPads – you can also use the tech to send files to nearby Mac users, negating the need to hook the device up via Lightning cable and access them via iTunes as you would have a few years ago. It’s a feature you’ll need to enable if you’ve never used it before:
If you want to adjust sharing settings or completely disable AirDrop on your Mac, simply follow the above steps and select No One from the AirDrop dropdown menu.
How to share files via AirDrop on Mac
Unlike with the iPhone and iPad, there are multiple ways to use AirDrop on your Mac, and we’ll take you through each right here.
Drag-and-drop
The easiest way to share files on Mac using AirDrop is to use the simple drag-and-drop method.
Your files should then be transferred wirelessly, with a blue indicator ring showing the progress of the transfer. It’ll be near-instant if it’s just a photo or two, but it’ll take longer sharing larger 4K videos.
Context menu
If dragging-and-dropping isn’t for you, it’s just as easy to share files via AirDrop using the good ol’ right-click.
Share sheet
If that wasn’t enough, you can also use the built-in Share sheet to share files from Finder along with other Mac apps like Safari.
You’re now an AirDrop Pro! Go forth and wirelessly share files with the world… or your friends, whatever’s easier. For more Mac tips, take a look athow to screen record on Mac.
Author: Lewis Painter, Contributor
Lewis Painter was once a Tech Advisor Senior Staff Writer. He covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware.
