Is it compatible?
If you’re using a Mac to send
a file to another Mac from 2012 or
earlier, it may not appear in the list of
available devices. Click Go > AirDrop
and click “Don’t see what you’re looking
for?”, then “Search for an Older Mac”.Open AirDrop
Click Go > AirDrop in the Finder
menu bar. Available recipients will show
up here. Now, drag and drop a file onto
the recipient’s icon so that it becomes
surrounded by a grey box. Release the
mouse button to send the file.Unblock comms
The receiving Mac might have
incoming communications blocked.
Head to System Preferences > Security
& Privacy > Firewall. If the firewall is
on, click Firewall Options and uncheck
“Block all incoming connections”.Share from within
file
Alternatively, open the file and click on
the Share button (it’s a square with an
arrow pointing upwards, as in iOS), then
click AirDrop. Click the name of the
recipient in order to send it.Adjust iOS settings
On an iPhone, open Control
Centre then firmly press and hold the
networking card in the top left. This will
expand, showing how AirDrop is set up,
if you’re using Personal Hotspot and
more, letting you quickly fix problems.Use context menu
Finally, you can use the context
menu. In this instance, Ctrl–click the
file you want to send, then click Share
> AirDrop. This is most convenient
when you want to send several files
that are all located in the same folder.
CONTROL WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Prevent unwanted files being sent to you
Even if you’ve set AirDrop to receive files from anyone, you can still decline
individual files. By default, if you receive a file from anyone other than yourself,
a box appears giving you options to either accept or decline it (files sent from
your devices are automatically accepted). Only set AirDrop’s receiving status to
Everyone when you need to — for example, if the sender isn’t in your contacts.
Otherwise, set it to Receiving Off or Contacts Only in order to prevent people from
sending you unwanted files.HOW TO Troubleshoot AirDrop problems
HOW TO Send a file from a Mac
How to do anything on your Mac, iPhone & iPad
Image rights: Apple. maclife.com DEC 2019 97