Unable to transfer from iPhone to iMac using AirDrop after installing latest security updates

Question

Unable to transfer from iPhone to iMac using AirDrop after installing latest security updates

Has anyone had this problem after installing the latest security updates on iPhone 15 Plus and recent iMac 24 Inch? I am now unable to transfer photos or video from iPhone to iMac using AirDrop. The iMac is requesting an Airdrop passcode (6 digits) from the iPhone. The iPhone does not recognise the passcode. Until the latest updates (IOS26.6.1 and Tahoe 26.6.2) were installed I was able to use Airdrop without the need for a passcode. I have checked some potential issues (such as setting to everyone for 10 minutes on AirDrop, network settings), but still unable to transfer anything. Any other ideas? Is it a software issue?

iMac (M4, 2024)

Posted on Aug 19, 2026 10:09 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

nearlythappymac299 Author

Level 1

18 points

Aug 20, 2026 4:08 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

The iPhone passcode did not work but I have solved the problem. There was a dormant VPN on the iPhone which I have deleted. This must have been picked up with the latest security updates. The transfers are now working perfectly.

Reply

Answer 2

Aug 19, 2026 2:20 PM in response to nearlythappymac299

I’ve used AirDrop today without any problems or requests for a passcode. Have you tried your iPhone passcode?

Reply

Answer 3

Aug 20, 2026 7:12 AM in response to nearlythappymac299

nearlythappymac299 wrote:

The iPhone passcode did not work but I have solved the problem. There was a dormant VPN on the iPhone which I have deleted. This must have been picked up with the latest security updates. The transfers are now working perfectly.

VPNs are never “picked up”. They must be intentionally installed. It’s possible that you installed it some time ago and forgot. And, as Apple discourages use of VPN except in specific circumstances a security update would never have installed on.

VPN: What you need to know - Apple Community

Reply