Airdrop from my devices to my MacBook Air

Question

Level 1

9 points

Airdrop from my devices to my MacBook Air

On all my devices, using Airdrop to send files to my MacBook, sending gets stuck in "waiting" and therefore fails. Sending is only possible if you set the MacBook's Airdrop to "Everyone".

The MacBook, with Airdrop set to "Contacts Only", shows my other devices (iPhones & iPads) and sends them files regularly.

Instead, when I try to send files to the MacBook from other devices with Airdrop, the sending remains stuck in "waiting" and therefore fails.

If on the MacBook I set the Airdrop for "Everyone", then on the other devices the MacBook appears duplicated under "Other People" and by choosing this option the file is sent.

This only happens when transferring files to the MacBook, with any of my devices.

This issue arose after the MacBook (which was irremediably blocked) was reset in the Apple Store and the operating system was reinstalled.

All my devices are updated to the latest software version and are registered with the same AppleID.

My phone number is not in the blocked calls list on my iPhone.

I removed the MacBook from my devices list, and then reinserted it, but the issue persists.

MacBook Air

M2, 2022

Memory 24 GB

MacOS Version 14.0

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iOS Version 17.03

iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen)

iPadOS Version 17.03

Can you help me?

Thank you

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 11:49 AM

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Answer 1

Claudio_C. Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 23, 2023 12:12 PM in response to Claudio_C.

Hi Chris,

I travel often, which is why I'm only replying now.

I did the checks recommended without detecting any anomalies.

Of course the problem described above remains. I believe it is related to a MacBook Contacts synchronization flaw.

Applications like Notes and Reminders on my MacBook sync regularly with iCloud.

My personal Contacts card on my MacBook doesn't sync, but the others do. If I change my card in Contacts on the MacBook nothing changes on iCloud and on the other devices.

This explains why Airdrop doesn't work as it should.

When I went to check the iCloud website, in addition to what was already mentioned, I found numerous duplicate contact groups. I deleted the duplicate groups but, after a while, they were recreated by the system. Days later I deleted them again, but still to no avail.

I think I will have to go to an Apple center to resolve this anomaly.

Thank you for your kind support.

Reply

Answer 2

Chris_V89

Community Specialist

Oct 12, 2023 11:14 AM in response to Claudio_C.

Hey there Claudio_C,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities.

For steps that can help with troubleshooting issues with not being able to AirDrop to your Mac when Contacts Only is enabled, check out the steps below from the following resource: Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support

If you can't see the other device in AirDrop

Make sure that both devices are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

Choose Go > AirDrop from the menu bar in the Finder, then check the ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting in the AirDrop window. iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch have a similar setting. If set to receive from Contacts Only, both devices must be signed in to iCloud, and the email address or phone number associated with the sender's Apple ID must be in the Contacts app of the receiving device.

Install the latest software updates for your Mac and other devices.

Make sure that incoming connections aren't blocked in firewall settings:

* macOS Ventura or later: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings. Click Network in the sidebar, then click Firewall on the right. Click the Options button, then make sure that “Block all incoming connections” is turned off.

Based on the steps above, let's ensure that your phone number is associated with your contact card in the Contacts app on your Mac, and then test the issue again.

Keep us updated on what you find.

Take care!

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Airdrop from my devices to my MacBook Air

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