User profile for user: arno7d__joe
arno7d__joe Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

iPhone 15 AirDrop to Mac fails after update

AirDrop not working from iPhone 15 to Mac (one-way issue after latest update)


Hello everyone,


I’m using an iPhone 15 and a Mac with M4 chip. Both devices are updated to the latest available iOS and macOS versions.


I’m facing an AirDrop issue where:


I can send files from my Mac to my iPhone without any problem


But when I try to send files from my iPhone to my Mac, my Mac does not appear / is not recognised in AirDrop


Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on on both devices, AirDrop visibility is set correctly, and both devices are unlocked and nearby.


I started noticing this issue only after the latest iPhone 15 update. Before this update, AirDrop was working normally in both directions.


I wanted to check:


Is anyone else facing this one-way AirDrop issue after the recent update?


Is this a known bug, or is there any confirmed fix?


Any help or shared experiences would be appreciated.


Thank you.

iPhone 15, iOS 26

Posted on Jan 14, 2026 10:41 AM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
303,926 points

Posted on Jan 14, 2026 11:07 AM

I believe you have encountered a bug. Several similar reports have been noted elsewhere within the Apple Support Communities affecting Mac, iPad and iPhone. The issue, while not widespread, appears to affect a small but significant number of Users.


I am one of the Users experiencing difficulties with AirDrop subsequent to updating to iOS/iPadOS 26.2...


I have one iPad (iPad #1 using AppleID #1) that is unable to AirDrop to one other iPad (iPad #2 using AppleID #2). However iPad #1 can still receive AirDrop from iPad #2 without issue - and similarly can freely AirDrop between iPad #1 and iPhone #1 (using AppleID #1) and iPhone #2 (using AppleID #2). iPad #2 has no such issues with unidirectional AirDrop between these users or associated devices. All devices are using the same WiFi network.


  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) >>> iPad #2 (AppleID #2) ❌
  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) <<< iPad #2 (AppleID #2) ✅


  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) >>> iPhone #1 (AppleID #1) ✅
  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) <<< iPhone #1 (AppleID #1) ✅



You and anyone else that encounters difficulties with AirDrop subsequent to updating to 26.2 would be best advised to submit a Bug Report via Apple's Product Feedback portal:

Feedback - Apple


When submitting your Bug Report, please ensure that you include details of your device model and installed OS version of within the body-text of your report along with details of the problem.  Do not rely upon the pick-list alone - as this often does not include the most recent OS versions.


Every Bug Report counts. Unless sufficient reports are submitted (with adequate detail), Apple may not assign resources to investigate and correct the issue.


In addition [i.e., not as a substitute] to submitting a Bug Report, you might also consider seeking assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page; you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
303,926 points

Jan 14, 2026 11:07 AM in response to arno7d__joe

I believe you have encountered a bug. Several similar reports have been noted elsewhere within the Apple Support Communities affecting Mac, iPad and iPhone. The issue, while not widespread, appears to affect a small but significant number of Users.


I am one of the Users experiencing difficulties with AirDrop subsequent to updating to iOS/iPadOS 26.2...


I have one iPad (iPad #1 using AppleID #1) that is unable to AirDrop to one other iPad (iPad #2 using AppleID #2). However iPad #1 can still receive AirDrop from iPad #2 without issue - and similarly can freely AirDrop between iPad #1 and iPhone #1 (using AppleID #1) and iPhone #2 (using AppleID #2). iPad #2 has no such issues with unidirectional AirDrop between these users or associated devices. All devices are using the same WiFi network.


  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) >>> iPad #2 (AppleID #2) ❌
  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) <<< iPad #2 (AppleID #2) ✅


  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) >>> iPhone #1 (AppleID #1) ✅
  • iPad #1 (AppleID #1) <<< iPhone #1 (AppleID #1) ✅



You and anyone else that encounters difficulties with AirDrop subsequent to updating to 26.2 would be best advised to submit a Bug Report via Apple's Product Feedback portal:

Feedback - Apple


When submitting your Bug Report, please ensure that you include details of your device model and installed OS version of within the body-text of your report along with details of the problem.  Do not rely upon the pick-list alone - as this often does not include the most recent OS versions.


Every Bug Report counts. Unless sufficient reports are submitted (with adequate detail), Apple may not assign resources to investigate and correct the issue.


In addition [i.e., not as a substitute] to submitting a Bug Report, you might also consider seeking assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page; you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

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iPhone 15 AirDrop to Mac fails after update

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