Cannot trasnfer files from Samsung s23 to Macbook Air M4 via bluetooth (Tahoe 26.0)

I can successfully send the files from Macbook to Samsung, but not the other way around. Bluetooth sharing is on. When I send a file from the phone, nothing happens on the mac. Devices are paired.

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 22, 2025 4:29 PM

Similar questions

Can Bluetooth file transfer any file from my Pixel Phone to my iMac This is so annoying. I can Bluetooth transfer files from the iMac to the Pixel using Bluetooth file exchange work perfectly. However, I can not Bluetooth transfer any Pixel 7 files to the iMac. The iMac and Pixel are paired with no issue. However, the Pixel 7 will not stay connected; it shows paired but not connected. When I connect the Pixel 7, it stays connected for a few seconds and then disconnects. I have done all the suggested steps, including resetting Bluetooth, pairing and unpairing, deleting preference files, etc. I am using the current Android 16. I recall, I think that this use to work. Is there a fix, or has anyone else had this problem? Thanks
534 6
Unable to Receive Files through Bluetooth Hello Maxperts, I am facing a weird issue with the MacBook Pro. I can send files to my Samsung Android device through Bluetooth from my Mac, but I can not receive any files. I have tried every possible solution that I could find on the Internet but to no avail. Would any of you please help me to resolve this issue? For your convenience, I have attached the error message and settings images below this post. The Error I receive: Bluetooth is connect with Cell Phone: Bluetooth Sharing is also On. Your prompt help would be highly appreciated.
404 5
using bluetooth for sharing accross devices I have noticed that sharing files via bluetooth from 1 apple device to another seems to cause issues. Actually apple (2009/2017) to android(2015!) or visa versa no issues. Now and then it seems to work with apple. My new(er) macbook pro (2017) is unable to connect with my older macbook pro(2009). Well even Microsoft devices are able to communicate between eachother (some even running on Windows 2000!) with a windows 10/11. It means to me that I cannot transfer between the devices in the way I CHOOSE to do which the device should be able to do. I don't want to use cloud because It's to much of a hasstle (unless you want to pay apple) Its rather strange to me that apple puts so much in between devices. Note I also use I-phone an SE1 and an SE3 with the same problems. Seems as the all talk a different language and have no clue what the other is saying whilst coming from the same country (apple) I suppose (I hope) its me who isn't that educated. Otherwise I have to come to the conclusion that apple deliberately doesn't match their Operation Systems. Would fit in capitalistic thinking but causes me a headache. Who has an answer?
216 2

1 reply

simsim112 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 24, 2025 4:03 AM in response to simsim112

So turns out you need to restart the mac and then it works. If you change the settings in Bluetooth Sharing, e.g. switching from "Accept and Save" to "Ask What to Do", you need to restart it again, because it will stop working..

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Cannot trasnfer files from Samsung s23 to Macbook Air M4 via bluetooth (Tahoe 26.0)

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up