AirDrop Errors — Not Discovering Devices, Transfer Failures, and Troubleshooting

Fix AirDrop errors including devices not appearing, transfer failures, 'AirDrop could not save the file', and troubleshooting discovery between Mac, iPhone, and iPad. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: AirDrop uses both Bluetooth LE for discovery and peer-to-peer WiFi for data transfer. Both devices must have WiFi and Bluetooth enabled (they do not need to be on the same WiFi network). AirDrop discovery modes: No One, Contacts Only, Everyone (for 10 minutes on iOS 17+). Macs older than 2012 may not support AirDrop to iOS devices (requires Bluetooth LE). Firewall Stealth Mode can block AirDrop discovery. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: AirDrop set to 'Contacts Only' but the other person is not in your contacts. Bluetooth or WiFi disabled on either device. Personal Hotspot enabled (disables peer-to-peer WiFi needed for AirDrop). Firewall blocking incoming connections or Stealth Mode enabled. Devices too far apart — AirDrop works best within 30 feet (9 meters). Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Set AirDrop to 'Everyone': Finder > AirDrop > set to 'Everyone' (or System Settings > General > AirDrop). Ensure both WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices. Disable Personal Hotspot on the sending and receiving devices. Bring devices within 30 feet of each other with no obstructions. Disable firewall Stealth Mode: System Settings > Network > Firewall > Options > disable Stealth Mode. If still failing: restart Bluetooth (toggle off/on) and restart WiFi on both devices. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Mac Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.