Airdrop from mac to iPad

Question

Level 1

9 points

Airdrop from mac to iPad

I'm trying to send files from my macbook pro (running Sierra) to my new iPad pro. I should note that I have no issues sending files the other way round.

What happens is I drag the file (a jpg or a pdf) to my iPad AirDrop icon, release, and the icon displays the text "sent". I then hear a beep from my iPad (I'm sure it's the iPad and not the mac), seeming to confirm that I have received something. But I don't know how to access it. There is no preview, no accept/decline option, and no app notifies me of anything. The default apps don't have the files I sent, and I have no idea if it has been saved or where it went.

I must be making some really stupid mistake. Thank you for any help you may provide.

iPad Pro, iOS 10.0.1, 12.9''

Posted on Oct 18, 2016 12:21 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 14, 2017 11:49 AM in response to emilio89

My iPad seems to be hidden from my Macbook pro. Opening an airdrop window on the mac, I can't see the iPad as an option.

However, I can see the mac from the iPad (most of the time — but sometimes not).

So, I found a workaround. If I send something from the iPad first, its name mysteriously appears in the Mac's airdrop window, or even in the airdrop share window. It's slightly grayed out, but it works.

I should not have to send a file from iPad -> to mac to send something from Mac -> iPad.

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

275,804 points

Oct 18, 2016 1:29 PM in response to emilio89

Unfortunately, all you told us was that you are sending "files". You did not tell us exactly what type of content you are sending (e.g., photos, locations).

The iPad is not a file-oriented device. So many types of "files" you might try to send from the Mac may not have a place to be received on the iPad.

How to use AirDrop with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

UPDATE - I now see you referenced jpg and pdf in your second paragraph. JPG files should end up in Camera Roll in your iPad's Photos app. PDFs may end up in iBooks.

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Answer 3

emilio89 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 18, 2016 1:36 PM in response to sberman

Thank you for answering - indeed, I checked all those apps... the files are not there.

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Answer 4

emilio89 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 18, 2016 2:45 PM in response to emilio89

Solved, I hadn't paired the two devices (I assumed AirDrop had done that for me) -.-

I guess I was puzzled by the fact that AirDrop worked when sending from iPad to mac but not the other way round, and that made me overlook basic bluetooth settings.

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Answer 5

sberman

Level 10

275,804 points

Oct 19, 2016 3:20 AM in response to emilio89

Glad it's working.

For the future, AirDrop does not turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for you - in either direction - regardless of which device is the sender and which is the receiver.

Enjoy your Apple gear.

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