Airdrop in Macbook Pro not recognising any local devices - even though they recognise each other

Hi jameswmorgan,

Welcome to the Support Communities! Your post doesn't mention what devices you are trying to use with AirDrop. The resource below explains what devices are compatible and the settings/requirements for using AirDrop.

Mac Basics: AirDrop lets you send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203106

System Requirements

To see if your Mac works with AirDrop, make sure you’re in the Finder by clicking the desktop (the background area of your screen), or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, check to see if AirDrop is listed as an option in the Go menu. If you don't see AirDrop listed, your Mac doesn't support this feature.

In order to transfer files between a Mac and and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

• your iOS device needs to include a lightning connector
• your iOS device needs iOS 7 or later installed
• your Mac needs to be a 2012 or later model with OS X Yosemite installed
• Your Mac and iOS device both need bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. You do not have to be connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.

To transfer files between two Mac computers, you need the Mac models listed below with Wi-Fi turned on and OS X Lion or later installed.

• MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
• MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
• MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
• iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
• Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)

*The MacBook Pro (17-Inch Late 2008) and the white MacBook (Late 2008) do not support AirDrop.

For help identifying your Mac, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu. You can refer to the Apple Support website to find out if your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch includes a lightning connector.

Don't see who you're looking for?

When you select AirDrop, OS X looks for other Mac computers and devices that are nearby that also use AirDrop. If you don't see someone in the AirDrop window, here are some things to check.

Preventing senders

You can prevent people you don't know from sending you files, or you can allow everyone. If you don't see a recipient in the AirDrop window, they might only accept files from people who in their Contacts list. Ask them to add you in their Contacts app, or have them select the option "Allow me to be discovered by: Everyone" in the AirDrop window.

Sending files to and from an older Mac

If a Mac you're using with AirDrop was manufactured before 2012, you can send and receive files with other Mac computers.

1. On the sending Mac, click "Don't see who you're looking for" in the AirDrop window.
2. Select the option to "Search for an Older Mac."
3. On the receiving Mac, open a new Finder window and click AirDrop in the sidebar.

Tips for sending files

• Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your Mac and your iOS device. Although you don't have to connect to a specific network, Wi-Fi needs to be on to send and receive files using AirDrop.
• Move your devices closer together. AirDrop is designed to work within a range of approximately 30 feet (9 meters). If you need to send a file to someone farther away, consider using File Sharing, iCloud, or email instead.
• If you're using a firewall on your Mac, you won't be able to receive AirDrop files if you have enabled "Block all incoming connections" in the Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences.
• Make sure your devices meet system requirements for AirDrop.

I hope this information helps ....

- Judy