Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Handoff and AirDrop not working in El Capitan

After upgrading to OS X 10.11 El Capitan, my Handoff and AirDrop stopped working between iOS 9.0.2 on iPhone 5S and my MacBook Pro Late 13. I've tried logging out of iCloud account on both devices numerous times, it didn't help.


For my friend with MacBook Air and iPhone 5S with same iOS version it works flawlessly.


Did anyone encounter similar issue, and if so, how did you solve it?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.0.2, plus iPhone 5S with iOS 9.0.2

Posted on Oct 1, 2015 6:18 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 1, 2015 10:56 AM

Hey there AlexWoodblock,


I understand that you are seeing some issues with AirDrop and some Continuity features like Handoff as well. I have a couple of suggestions for troubleshooting these issues, the first of which can be found here:

Tips for sending items

If you don't see the recipient in the AirDrop window or sheet:

  • Make sure that both devices have AirDrop turned on and are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other.
  • If you're sending to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
    • Your Mac needs to be a 2012 or newer model with OS X Yosemite or later.
    • The iOS device must have Personal Hotspot turned off in Settings > Cellular.
  • If you're sending to a Mac:
    • If the receiving Mac is using OS X Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion, it needs to have an AirDrop window open: choose Go > AirDrop from the menu bar in the Finder.
    • If the receiving Mac is a 2012 or older model, click “Don't see who you're looking for?” in the AirDrop window or sharing sheet of the sending Mac. Then click “Search for an Older Mac.”
    • Find out if the Mac has “Block all incoming connections” turned on in Security & Privacy preferences. A Mac won't receive items using AirDrop if this setting is turned on.
  • If AirDrop on the receiving device is set up to receive items from contacts only, make sure that both devices are signed in to iCloud. Also make sure that the email address or phone number assocated with your Apple ID is in the Contacts app of the receiving device.

Use AirDrop to send content from your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203106


Next, use these steps to troubleshoot your Continuity features:


Get help using Continuity with your iOS device or your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204678


Take care, and thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities.

316 replies

Apr 5, 2016 7:35 AM in response to jillusmart95

That would be nice. After outgoing Handoff worked on mine, I had an episode, where Mail and Contacts started crashing, contacts lost groups and entries (restored from iCloud after restart,) and oddly some preferences for other apps were lost. I restarted, had to log back into iCloud for some reason, and all Handoff function was lost after that.


My three other systems have no problems in this regard.

Apr 5, 2016 11:22 AM in response to JosueK

I'm afraid that is not a pure software matter :

When I'm at home my computer works with airdrop and handoff and my airport base connected to a router

In another location , same computer, same settings but different router and no airport

doesn't work. At my sister's no airport and a different router it works.

Three different locations, different routers, three different results


Airdrop works between computers only if they are in a very close range

With Maverick it was working from a longer distance, two rooms away

not now with ElCapitan.

My Firewall is on

Apr 20, 2016 3:18 AM in response to AlexWoodblock

This is what worked for me.


I was having Handoff issues in that Mac to Phone was working fine but Phone to Mac wasn't. So clearly, some form of oneway comms was being undertaken. Having tried all the previous solutions, well those listed on the first 4 pages anyway, I wondered if it was an issue with permissions. Following a quick First Aid & tweak of the permissions on my home folder all is well in the land of Apple.


  1. Run First Aid
  2. Within finder, select your home folder from the sidebar and either press command+I, select File, Get Info or right click and then select Get Info.
  3. Within Sharing & Permissions, select your Name (make sure your privilege is Read & Write) and in the settings wheel select Apply to enclosed items....


Immediately Handoff started working for me. It must be noted that at the high level my permissions were set to read & write but lower down in the hierarchy something may have been remiss. Additionally I didn't check Handoff between running First Aid on my HD and changing the permissions but neither will do any harm. Not saying that this is what's causing other peoples problems as everyones system/config is unique but worth a try if you're still having issues.


Cheers


Paul

Apr 22, 2016 9:09 AM in response to Namo_2554

Actually, all I did was go to date & time settings on the macbook pro and check the setting. I didn't even change anything. Next thing I know, now my iphone SE can see the macbook for air drop purposes.


To clarify my situation:

I could air drop from Macbook Pro to Iphone SE, but not from Iphone SE to Macbook Pro. The airdrop button on the iphone SE simply did not see the Macbook.


Now it sees it. Go figure.

Handoff and AirDrop not working in El Capitan

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.