Can I use AirDrop to send files to/from Mac OSX and iPhone iOS 8.4?

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Can I use AirDrop to send files to/from Mac OSX and iPhone iOS 8.4?

I have been unable to transfer files to/from the subject devices using AirDrpo. I have read several troubleshooting articles and believe I am following all the steps correctly, but the devices won't see each other. Am I trying to do something that is not possible? If not, what can I do to connect these devices.

My objective is to transfer files, primarily photos, to proximate devices, without using email or any other internet service. I am severely bandwidth limited. Is there a better method?

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Aug 23, 2015 5:05 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 23, 2015 5:10 PM in response to footslogger1

What exact model of MacBook Pro do you have?

Use AirDrop to send files from your Mac to another nearby Mac or iOS device - Apple Support

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.

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Answer 2

footslogger1 Author

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Aug 23, 2015 8:10 PM in response to Phil0124

Following is the info on my MacBook. It looks like the "late 2011 build" may be my problem.

Any way around this?

Will future OS updates likely enable AirDrop on my MacBook?

Any suggestions for easy non-internet alternatives for file transfer?

Thanks for your help!

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)

Model Name: MacBook Pro

Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,1

Processor Name: Intel Core i7

Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz

Number of Processors: 1

Total Number of Cores: 2

L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

L3 Cache: 4 MB

Memory: 4 GB

Boot ROM Version: MBP81.0047.B2A

SMC Version (system): 1.68f99

Hardware UUID: 899EEF49-90F8-5C23-8A9C-EE3A414EBE31

Sudden Motion Sensor:

State: Enabled

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Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,768 points

Aug 23, 2015 8:17 PM in response to footslogger1

Any way around this?

Will future OS updates likely enable AirDrop on my MacBook?

No, it is a hardware limitation. AirDrop between iOS and OS X requires a BlueTooth 4 module which wasn't available when your Mac was built.

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Answer 4

footslogger1 Author

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Aug 23, 2015 8:56 PM in response to Barney-15E

Thanks for the great information (but bad news)!

Now I can quit beating my head against the wall.

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