Mid-2010 MacBook Pro & AirDrop???

Question

Mid-2010 MacBook Pro & AirDrop???

OK - So I've been trying to figure out how to "AirDrop" a file from my MacBook Pro (Mid-2010) to my iPad Air 2. After reading several tutorials, most not even referring to date of manufacture as a criteria - only that the MBP must be running Yosemite and the iPad iOS 8.3, the Apple support page says my MBP must have been manufactured 2012 or after to work with AirDrop and iOS devices.

I'm puzzled as to "why"... I have read some various bits about the implementation of Bluetooth in our "older" MBP models. It just boggles my mind that there isn't some relatively simple solution to file transfer (other than iCloud (for when one doesn't have internet connection/WiFi available).

If AirDrop somehow cannot enable me to share files with my iPad - is there another option? A workaround? A 3rd Party solution? Sigh...

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3), 1TB HD, 8GB Ram

Posted on Apr 30, 2015 11:01 AM

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Answer 1

jazger

Level 1

8 points

Sep 19, 2017 9:34 AM in response to DavieHM

That is exactly the message I get on my MacBook Pro mid 2010. I am running Sierra. I have an iPhone 7-Plus and a iPad Mini. The Mini and iPhone can exchange information, but the MacBook Pro does not see either device and the phone and pad do not see the MacBook Pro. I was on the phone with a "Genius" for two hours yesterday. He insists that they should all be able to communicate, and says I need to delete everything from my computer and then reinstall Sierra and put back in my info to see if this will work. YIKES!

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Answer 2

DavieHM

Level 1

13 points

Aug 7, 2017 6:44 PM in response to babowa

I have the same problem.

Infact, I have Wi Fi, bluetooth but still my MacBook Pro Mid 2010 doesn't show my iPhone 6 iOS 10 and iPad 2012 iOS 10 all connected on the same Wi Fi

The airdrop is seen on the left side, and on the right I can't find other airdrop commands and my devices. Look at the picture attached

any suggestions?

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Answer 3

babowa

Level 9

78,568 points

Apr 30, 2015 11:07 AM in response to Michael Battenfield

Airdrop creates its own ad hoc network and WiFi must be enabled. I believe the model/year limitations have to do with hardware and, unless Airdrop shows in the left column of a Finder window, your machine does not support it.

My workaround (not as slick/elegant, but it works): send myself an email with the file as a .pdf or .jpeg. Open in iPad.

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