Unable to AirDrop photos from iPhone to MacBook Pro

Question

Unable to AirDrop photos from iPhone to MacBook Pro

Until about a month ago, I was able to drop photos from my iphone to my Mac Pro. Both are using the same wifi and both have bluetooth on. I keep getting ‘Failed’ when I try to send. When I look at my System Preferences on my Mac it shows iPhone as ‘not connected’ . When I tap connect it shows connected for a second and defaults back to not connected. Yet my iphone shows my Mac as a device.

can anyone help troubleshoot this for me please.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Jan 28, 2025 5:43 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 29, 2025 10:05 AM in response to Richard.Taylor

Thought I would provide an update… I set both the Mac and iPhone airdrop to ‘everyone’ and it worked. 👏

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Answer 2

Jan 28, 2025 11:55 AM in response to darlenefromns

I have mine set to "everyone," but with your Mac showing in the iPhone's Share menu, the connection doesn't seem to be the problem.

The received picture file arrives in the Downloads folder-- is that where you're looking?

If you haven't already, I think you should do a forced re-start of your phone:

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

And then try a restart of the Mac.

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Answer 3

Jan 28, 2025 8:12 AM in response to darlenefromns

I'm not sure what's going on, but you should let us know what macOS you're using, and what iPhone model you have and what iOS it's running.

Have you restarted both devices?

Have you seen this?

Use AirDrop to send items to nearby Apple devices - Apple Support

When I use AirDrop on the same network, I see my Mac listed in the Share menu, like this:

Is that what you see? (Well, with your computer, not mine…)

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Answer 4

Jan 28, 2025 9:08 AM in response to Richard.Taylor

Thanks Richard.

I’m using MacOS Monterey 12.7.6 and iphone 12 Pro Max. The first image is

what I see on my Mac, it’s not showing blue but when I tap it, It shows yellow and contacts only …..and the second is my iphone

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Answer 5

Jan 28, 2025 12:14 PM in response to darlenefromns

Thanks so much for your help! Yes, the photos have always gone to my Mac’s downloads. I have restarted both several times but will try a forced re-start. Failing that, I will meet with someone at the Halifax Apple Store. I really appreciate your support!

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Unable to AirDrop photos from iPhone to MacBook Pro

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