How to change where AirDrop files are saved on macOS

Have you tried disabling the Dropbox backup of the Downloads folder? I found that to be the simplest solution.

Just like leroydouglas, I have never seen what you are describing. The destination of files sent via AirDrop has alway been the Downloads folder.

Try this: restart your mac in Safe Mode and send a file via AirDrop. Where does it go?

Restart normally again. Does the problem recur?

If it works correctly in Safe Mode but not when booting normally, there is a third party software causing this.

Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

I’m experiencing the exact same problem after upgrading to Sonoma 14.4. I’ve tried all the safe mode suggestions and even reinstalled the OS but airdrop persistently sends files to a private/TMP folder I never before knew existed.

I’m using Dropbox and AVG as the only third party software but I’ve used them long before this update of Sonoma.

Very annoying issue and with a bit of user sense, Apple would build in a feature allowing users to decide where airdrop files are dropped.

Unfortunately I like my download folder to be backed up on a dropbox. This should be an easy fix for Apple as it only happened recently with a new OS update. Like the lack of a forward delete key, the customer just has to live with it I suppose.

In fact I had the exact same problem and Apple has not been able to resolve it despite numerous phone calls and having escalated it to their more senior team.

All my incoming Airdrop files would go to this folder called Private/TMP which is if I understand well a system folder taking files that have nowhere to land.

HOWEVER my download folder was NOT in DropBox. it was in my iCloud folder.

BUT Torbinjo solution made me understand the issue: the moment your DOWNLOAD folder is in a Cloud, whether a Dropbox cloud or an Apple one, it CANNOT be found by Airdrop anymore.

So downloaded my entire folder and moved it to the place it should have never left: my HOME folder. And after a restart, the problem was gone! Pffeeewwww it took many months to fix this.

And thank you @Torbinjo for in a way help me solve it.

If you know the cause is Dropbox and you haven't yet been able to resolve, see the solution by Cindyvrella. It worked for me and you might want to consider testing it.

Torbinjo wrote:

Still I have my airdrop private/tmp issue though.

I see now you are not the OP— disregard. Start your own thread.

ref:

Why do you think AVG shouldn’t be there? I’ve been using it for virus protection for many years.

Torbinjo wrote:

Why do you think AVG shouldn’t be there? I’ve been using it for virus protection for many years.

Because it doesn’t do anything except make your Mac less secure.

Can you please expand on that? In which way does it make my Mac less secure and if that's the case, what should it be replaced with?

You do not any third party security/antivirus apps. Those apps just slow your system down and can cause program running issues.

Can anyone help with this issue - 4 hours on the phone w apple unsuccessful

good thought, thanks!!

Same computer, same issue how did you end up fixing it exactly???

did you ever find a solution?