Airdrop not working -- just get broken blue circles

Question

Level 1

10 points

Airdrop not working -- just get broken blue circles

Hello - There must be a simple solution but I cannot seem to figure it out.

On my two Macbook Pro machines, I can open Airdrop, but all I get is the broken blue lines (with a pie-shape missing). Bluetooth is turned on, wi fi is turned on... so why is it not giving me a full circle icon for my computer?

I have tried dragging a file onto the broken blue lines but it doesn't work.

OSX is Sierra. MacBooks are a 2010 Macbook Air and a 2016 Macbook Pro.

Thanks for your help!

Airport Extreme-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.7.5), Netgear DG834 router

Posted on Apr 17, 2017 2:58 AM

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Answer 1

ckuan

Level 10

120,914 points

Apr 17, 2017 3:02 AM in response to claralynn

AirDrop system requirements

To send items to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or to receive items from those devices, you need a 2012 or later Mac model with OS X Yosemite or later, excluding the Mac Pro (Mid 2012).

To send items to another Mac, you need:

MacBook Pro (Late 2008) or later, excluding the MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008)
MacBook Air (Late 2010) or later
MacBook (Late 2008) or later, excluding the white MacBook (Late 2008)
iMac (Early 2009) or later
Mac Mini (Mid 2010) or later
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)

Learn how to identify your model of MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro.

And here

If you don't see the recipient in the AirDrop window or sheet, read the tips for sending items.

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Answer 2

ckuan

Level 10

120,914 points

Jun 18, 2017 4:37 PM in response to gadusi

Technologies and features are alway improving and getting better all the time. This is called innovation.

If you want to keep up then yes you have to upgrade otherwise your computer is still working as usual.

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Answer 3

ckuan

Level 10

120,914 points

Apr 17, 2017 3:07 AM in response to ckuan

Follow the instructions in this Apple support doc:

Use AirDrop to send content from your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 4

gadusi

Level 1

4 points

Jun 18, 2017 4:29 PM in response to ckuan

Oh so... Apple really didn't build the most awesome and amazing technology just a moment before this feature was released. Is this a strong arm method to get folks to upgrade?

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