footslogger1
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: 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

Close
footslogger1

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

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Aug 23, 2015 5:10 PM in response to footslogger1
    Level 7 (27,899 points)
    iPhone
    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.

  • by footslogger1,

    footslogger1 footslogger1 Aug 23, 2015 8:10 PM in response to Phil0124
    Level 1 (0 points)
    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

  • by Barney-15E,

    Barney-15E Barney-15E Aug 23, 2015 8:17 PM in response to footslogger1
    Level 9 (50,793 points)
    Mac OS X
    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.

  • by footslogger1,

    footslogger1 footslogger1 Aug 23, 2015 8:56 PM in response to Barney-15E
    Level 1 (0 points)
    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.