can I airdrop with bluetooth but without wifi?

Question

can I airdrop with bluetooth but without wifi?

I want to exchange files between my macbook and iphone by bluetooth, when I'm not on wifi. Is that possible with airdrop or other apps?

Macbook air 11", Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Sep 28, 2017 7:26 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Diana.McCall

Level 7

21,239 points

Sep 29, 2017 7:13 AM in response to Gavin Reynolds

Hi. Yes, it is. You do not need to be on a WiFi network to use AirDrop. You need to turn WiFi on, but you don't need to connect to a network. AirDrop uses point-to-point WiFi to send the data. This is a direct wireless link between the two devices.

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Answer 2

Sep 29, 2017 7:59 AM in response to LACAllen

I think the problem is that Apple don't apparently state that a wifi connection is not required - my own incorrect assumption in reading the Apple instructions is that the requirement that wifi is switched on means that a connection is needed. But I understand now 🙂

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Answer 3

LACAllen

Level 8

43,399 points

Sep 29, 2017 7:48 AM in response to Gavin Reynolds

They do cover this, but not in as many words as Diana did.

Use AirDrop to send content from your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Sep 29, 2017 7:13 AM in response to Diana.McCall

Thanks - very helpful. I wish Apple could make that clear...

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