I can AirDrop from my iPad to my iMac but can’t AirDrop from my iMac to my iPad. iMac screen indicates - “Declined” when I try! I can also AirDrop from my iPad to a second iPad and AirDrop from the other iPad to my own iPad. OS on all devices are up to date.
Problem seems to be with my iMac??
Can anyone help resolve this problem for me?
iMac 27″, macOS 14.4
Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.
NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files
NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.
Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.
NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files
NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.
If you're getting a Declined notification on your iMac that means you're not accepting it on the iPad or are ignoring the opportunity to accept the AirDrop on the iPad.
Since you can AirDrop from the iPad to the iMac means you're both on the same Apple ID, etc. Have you done a reboot on the iPad since this started?
Thanks for your response. I am fully familiar with the option of Decline/Accept however nothing at all showed on the receiving iPad when I tried to send - certainly no Option. Have done reboot again with no effect.
Hi Old Toad - Again my thanks for your help. I got tied up with work so only managed to get back to the issue this afternoon. After booting in safe mode and following your instructions I was then able to send from my iPad to my iMac without difficulty however I still cannot send from iMac to iPad. When I try to do so the AirDrop screen on the iMac shows my iPad however there is an "X" immediately on the AirDrop and after a short period it shows "Declined". As I have mentioned the iPad is able to send and receive normally to and from other devices.
Your further thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Do you have any further ideas about what I can now do? Situation remains as I have described with still not being able to receive on iPad but can send from iPad to iMac.
AirDrop not working on iMac
