Frequently Asked Question
Using AirDrop
-So as long as both devices are on the same Wifi network and within Bluetooth range, it will work.
- AirDrop uses a combination of both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit files is approximately 30 feet (10 meters). However, maximum communication range will vary depending on obstacles (person, metal, wall, etc.) or electromagnetic environment. Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac have to be within about 30 feet of each other.
- Note some school iPads will lock AirDrop on or off
The School District iPads and computer Macs the names are m-Serial Number.
For Mac
to find the serial number by clicking the apple icon and select About this Mac.
Example:
For iPad and iPhones
- Launch the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap the General tab.
- Tap the word About at the top of the next screen.
- This will show you the Name of the iPad
You can turn on AirDrop on your Mac to easily share files between Mac computers and other Apple devices.
- You can turn on AirDrop on your Mac to exchange files between Apple devices via Bluetooth.
- If you have files that are too large for email, try AirDrop to quickly send and receive them.
- There's a good chance that AirDrop is already enabled on your Mac — all you have to do is check.
If you haven't taken advantage of AirDrop, you're missing out on one of Apple's best features.
You can use AirDrop to send photos, videos, and documents between different Macs, and between a Mac and iPhone or iPad. It's a great way to quickly send large files from one Apple device to another.
AirDrop works over Bluetooth, so both the sending and receiving device must have Bluetooth turned on. In addition, AirDrop only works over relatively short distances. It's a great way to share files with your co-workers in the same office. You can't use it to send data to others.
Here's what you need to know to turn on AirDrop and start using the feature.
How to turn on AirDrop discovery on a Mac and share files from a Finder window
The advantage of using AirDrop in a Finder window is that you can share multiple files quickly and adjust AirDrop's discovery feature.
1. Open Finder. Choose Go > AirDrop from the menu bar at the top of your screen.
2. An AirDrop finder window will open. At the bottom of your screen you can click on "Allow me to be discovered by:" and toggle it to "No one," "Contacts only," or "Everyone." Select the appropriate option of the latter two options to share files.
3. Wait a moment for nearby devices to appear. Follow the steps above if you don't see the device you are looking for. If you continue to have trouble connecting, click on "Don't see what you're looking for?" You'll get instructions for finding older Macs.
Any AirDrop-enabled devices in the area will appear on this screen.
4. Drag files you want to share into the AirDrop window to share them instantly.
You can keep AirDrop in Favorites in Finder, to easily use it any time.
Select No One after the transfer is completed!
How to share a file with AirDrop on a Mac/iPad/iPhone from within a file
It just takes a few clicks to AirDrop a photo, video, or file from your Mac.
AirDrop a photo, video, or PDF
1. Find the sharing symbol (a small box with an arrow pointing up out of it) at the top of the window for your file, and click on it.
2. Choose AirDrop from the sharing menu that drops down.
On newer versions of MacOS it'll be here:
AirDrop should be one of the default sharing options. Laura McCamy/Business Insider
3. A new window will appear showing nearby devices you can share with. If you don't see the device you're looking for, be patient. It can take a minute for AirDrop to find nearby devices. If your receiving device still doesn't show up, make sure you have Bluetooth turned on. If that doesn't work, try turning Bluetooth off and on again (I had to consistently toggle Bluetooth off and on to get my MacBook Pro to discover my iPhone 6S).
4. Click on the device you want to send to. Within moments, even if you're sending a long video, your file will be sent.
AirDrop a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file
1. In Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, click the "Share" button on the upper right corner of the window.
2. A box will pop up with several sharing options. Click "Send a Copy" at the bottom of the box.
3. A new box will pop up. Click the sharing icon. Choose AirDrop from the drop-down menu.
Click "Share" > "Send a Copy" > the Share icon > AirDrop. Device-Name
4. A new window will appear to share your file with nearby devices.
5. Click the device you want to AirDrop to and your file will be sent.
How to receive files via AirDrop
You can easily AirDrop files from an iPhone or iPad to your Mac. When someone sends you a file, you will be asked if you want to accept the file. Once you do, it will appear in your Downloads folder.
Select No One after the transfer is complete!