Air Drop changed the way it receives incoming files

Question

Level 1

8 points

Air Drop changed the way it receives incoming files

MacBook Pro 2017 model. Using Mojave 10.14.6

About a month ago, my MacBook began receiving Air Drop files (photos) from my Apple I Phone and accepting them without requiring an "Allow" from me. However, all of the new photos are being sent to "Downloads". Previously if I sent a photo from my phone to the Mac, I would get a message that there was an Air Drop request and it asked if I wanted to accept it. If I said yes, the photo was then sent to the Photos program - not Downloads. I get a beep now if sending a photo from my phone and I can open the photo in downloads, but I can't transfer it to Photos.. I did not change any settings on either device. I can receive a photo(s) from other Apple devices and I do get the message that a photo is being sent via Air Drop and it does ask if I wish to accept it and it also asks if I want to open it in Photos of Downloads. So how do I get my MacBook to go back to asking me if I want to accept an air drop message and where to open it?

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.13

Posted on May 4, 2020 11:29 AM

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Answer 1

chris_g1

Community Specialist

May 5, 2020 8:34 AM in response to Keatschgo

Hello Keatschgo,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities

I understand from your post that when you AirDrop something from your own iPhone to your MacBook you are no longer receiving the option to accept it. This is expected behavior when you are signed into both devices using the same Apple ID. This article will provide you with information about AirDrop you may find useful:

How to use AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

"If you AirDrop something to yourself, like a photo from your iPhone to your Mac, you won't see an option to Accept or Decline — it'll automatically get sent to your device. Just make sure that both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID."

Best Regards.

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Answer 2

Keatschgo Author

Level 1

8 points

May 5, 2020 11:27 AM in response to Keatschgo

O.K. some good news.

I was finally able to move pictures from Downloads to Photos but I had to make a new album to move them into. They would not simply transfer to photos. That's a plus overall. At least I can get them into the photos...

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Answer 3

Keatschgo Author

Level 1

8 points

May 5, 2020 10:57 AM in response to Barney-15E

The phone is the same phone I've been using for years. No changes. Did not automatically download photos to "Downloads" in the past. This just started happening a few weeks ago.

I tried to "Import" the photos from Downloads to Photos but no success there...

I'm going to compare my wife's phone and I Pad to my phone to verify we have the same settings. Her deviced can send a photo and I get an Air Drop message asking to accept or decline and where to place them after they are on my Mac Book Pro.

I'm thinking that an IOS up grade woth my phone changed something. That was about the same time as the problem started. Hmmm? Maybe this is it.

If so, I'll post to let everyone know.

Thanks for the replies.

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