Wi-fi and Airdrop, confusing for ethernet only users

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Level 2

187 points

Wi-fi and Airdrop, confusing for ethernet only users

I don't know what update this happened with (I am on latest security update 14.4) but, since I run my mini via ethernet, I have wi-fi off. But have to turn it on for Airdrop — infrequently.

I see now that the wi-fi icon in the finder, apparently, when in wired network mode, changes only to Airdrop on. Does not show my network, guest, neighbors. No wi-fi options.

o it seems now those on ethernet can leave it on with BT and Airdrop is more convenient.

or, is this just a UI flub by the developers because, in Settings, wi-fi just shows as on! Confusing…

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Posted on Mar 23, 2024 9:43 AM

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Answer 1

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Ataraxy01 Author

Level 2

187 points

Mar 25, 2024 7:40 AM in response to Barney-15E

I think I see what has happened, there is a separate Airdrop icon. I don't remember that from earlier versions. How much earlier, I have no idea.

While I do not have many things in that menu area (thinking of other peoples screens I have seen), I do have a few extra icons from Apple and third party apps like Stage Manager, back up service, Time Machine, Users, back up battery charge, clip board manager, BT, etc. etc. and, I just missed the wi-fi icon in the clutter!

However…

So, wi-fi was off. I turned on Airdrop (for image upload) and wi-fi came on (unseen by me, clutter). But when you turn Airdrop off, wi-fi stays on! That is how it works. A little, unexpected to see an only on triggered by Airdrop being turned on but not an Airdrop triggered off.

So if you run an ethernet only situation, but use Airdrop on occasion, when done dropping, you have to turn wi-fi off separately from turning Airdrop on. Turning Airdrop off will not turn wi-fi off.

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Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,846 points

Mar 24, 2024 4:14 PM in response to Ataraxy01

I can't figure out what you are seeing. The Wi-Fi icon looks the same regardless of whether you use Wi-Fi or Ethernet. There is a separate Airdrop menu, but it doesn't look like the Wi-Fi menu.

You can have Wi-Fi enabled but not connect to any network.

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