Turn AirDrop on
Both devices need Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth on, and should be within about 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.
On your Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, then click AirDrop. It’s on when the icon is blue. To choose who can send to you, click and hold the AirDrop icon, or click the arrow next to it, then choose Contacts Only or Everyone.
On your iPhone, open Control Center, touch and hold the group of controls at the top left, tap the AirDrop icon and choose Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
With the Share button
Open the file, click the Share button in the toolbar, then click AirDrop. Select your iPhone in the list.
From the Finder
Click the Finder icon in the Dock, then click AirDrop in the sidebar. Drag the file onto your iPhone.
On the iPhone
Tap Accept on the AirDrop notification. If both devices are signed in to the same Apple Account, the file is accepted and saved automatically. Most items open in the app they came from, and some go to the Files app.
If it doesn’t show up
Check that Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth are on for both devices, that they’re close together, and that the iPhone is set to Everyone or Contacts Only. If it’s Contacts Only, you need to be in their contacts, with your Apple Account email address or phone number on your card. Restarting either device and trying again can help.
With macOS 26.2 and later, someone who isn’t in your contacts needs an AirDrop code to send to you. Click Continue, and share the code you’re shown with them.
From the notch, with Tilora
With Tilora, drag the file to the top of the screen. The notch opens into the Shelf, Transform, iCloud Drive and AirDrop. Let go on AirDrop, and choose where it goes. You don’t need to open a Finder window first.
More about the file shelf. Tilora is $9.99 once, for three Macs, and free for 7 days. It needs macOS 14 or later.
Questions
Do I need to be signed in to the same Apple Account?
No. With another person’s device, they accept the file when the notification appears. With your own devices signed in to the same Apple Account, it’s accepted for you.
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone?
No. Apple says both devices must be an iPhone, iPad or Mac.