I've got Airdrop visible and running on two computers, a new iMac and a 2009 model MacBook (2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo). Both are running Lion, and both have Airdrop visible in the Finder columns on the left. The MacBook is connected via WiFi to the iMac and the connection is always strong. But when I start Airdrop I can't see the icon for the other computer. Any idea what is wrong?
G4 Dual Processor
Both have wi-fi turned on, right? No Ethernet. It is one wireless card talking to another wireless card, not using the network as such. And they should be within 15-25 feet of each other, depending on whether floors or walls are in between.
Both have wi-fi turned on, right? No Ethernet. It is one wireless card talking to another wireless card, not using the network as such. And they should be within 15-25 feet of each other, depending on whether floors or walls are in between.
I'm doing all that.
One thing I noticed, though, is that in Apple's list of AirDrop compatible computers it has the footnote: "The MacBook Pro (17-Inch Late 2008) and the white MacBook (Late 2008) do not support AirDrop." I'm using a white MacBook but I think it is a 2009 model.
And my Finder window does show AirDrop. I seem to recall reading that if AirDrop appears in the Finder window then the computer is AirDrop compatible, but that may not be the case.
If Airdrop is showing int he sidebar, then it is supported. In order to see the other computer, you have to turn on Airport on both and highlight Airdrop in the sidebar on both computers - that will activate it. It creates its own ad hoc network. It'll work up to about 30 - 40 ft or so. If you see the icon of the other computer, you can then drag a file to it.
When I turn AirDrop on for each of my computers I get the AirDrop window with an icon of my computer at the bottom and the message "Other people in AirDrop can see you Mac as (name of the computer) when their computer is nearby", but the other computer's icon just doesn't show up. The computers are right next to eachother. The iMac can't see the MacBook and vice versa.
Now the MacBook is connected to the iMac via a WiFi network. That shouldn't interfere with anything, should it? (I thought that the AirDrop uses this WiFi connection)
WiFi has to be on but Airdrop creates its own ad hoc network. If you have Airdrop activated (highlighted) on both machines, then I have to say I have no idea why it wouldn't work. And since this is a brand new feature, there are no support articles I know of; I'd call Apple or make an appointment at the nearest Genius Bar to have them figure it out.
Thanks for your replies. I tried the fix from this post (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3259889?answerId=15923568022#15923568022; I see your name there too) and I was able to get the MacBook to see the iMac, but not the other way around, I could AirDrop a file from the MacBook to the iMac and then suddenly the iMac could see the MacBook. But the MacBook icon disappeared from the iMac shortly after the file was accepted for transfer.
So maybe I'll stick to flashdrives!
I thought that the AirDrop uses this WiFi connection.
It only uses the two Airport wireless cards in the two computers, meaning that even if you turned off your router it would still work.
I have EXACTLY the same problem as you 😢
I hope a solution is forthcoming...
P
100% exact same thing here.... If anyone has found a solution in the meantime, please share!
Th.
Try going to http://support.apple.com/specs/ to double check the serial # if it's for sure the 2009 model.
I'm sure it is. Otherwise, it wouldn't appear in the Finder, and you wouldn't be able to transfer files. It is exactly the same problem as described by rlplant:
"I was able to get the MacBook to see the iMac, but not the other way around, I could AirDrop a file from the MacBook to the iMac and then suddenly the iMac could see the MacBook. But the MacBook icon disappeared from the iMac shortly after the file was accepted for transfer."
I am having the same problem my iMac can see my Macbook but my Macbook can not see my iMac until the iMac transfers. When the iMac starts a transfer the Macbook see's it for the duration of the transfer.... odd
Try this fix:
Open Terminal and type:
defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser BrowseAllInterfaces 1
Hit Return, then go back to your Desktop and hold down the Option key as you Control-click (or right-click) on the Finder icon in the Dock. Select Relaunch from the contextual menu; relaunching the Finder activates the code you entered above. When the Finder finishes its restart, you should see an AirDrop entry in the Finder sidebar that wasn’t there before. (You can reverse the process by using the same command with 0 instead of 1, and relaunching the Finder again.)
Adapted from this hack:
http://www.macworld.com/article/1162407/airdrop_any_mac.html
As far as I know, your hack is for older Macs who do not have Airdrop...... the OP's machines have Airdrop, there was a different problem. I'd be very careful recommending a terminal hack in that case.
These are the computers that are compatible with Airdrop:
So your MB should work, restart both, ensure that wireless is switched on for both and have another look. (Do either of the machines have their firewalls on?)
FYI, I have a late 09 13" MBP (2.53Ghz) and a 2011 iMac. and Airdrop works, but a flash drive is much faster (with large files)
AirDrop doesn't show both computers??
