The Ultimate Guide to Airdrop on macOS High Sierra: Setup, Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
In the ecosystem of Apple devices, Airdrop stands out as a marvel of convenience. For users running the stable and robust macOS High Sierra, Airdrop is an integral tool for wirelessly sharing photos, documents, links, and more between nearby Macs, iPhones, and iPads. This guide delves deep into everything you need to know about Airdrop on High Sierra, ensuring you can transfer files effortlessly.
Chapter 1: Setting Up Airdrop on macOS High Sierra
First, ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your Mac. These are the foundational technologies Airdrop uses. Open a Finder window and click on "Airdrop" in the sidebar. Your Mac will now be discoverable. You can adjust your discovery settings to "Everyone" or "Contacts Only" for security. For Airdrop between Mac and iPhone, ensure both devices are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID and have Wi-Fi/Bluetooth on. Handoff compatibility (Mac 2012 or later) is also required for the smoothest experience.
Chapter 2: How to Use Airdrop: A Step-by-Step Process
Using Airdrop on High Sierra is intuitive. To send a file, simply right-click on it and select "Share" > "Airdrop," or drag and drop the file onto the recipient's icon in the Airdrop Finder window. You can also share directly from applications like Photos or Safari. When receiving a file, a notification will appear; you can choose to accept or decline. Accepted files are automatically saved to your Downloads folder, making the entire process seamless for file sharing between Apple devices.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting: Fixing "Airdrop Not Working High Sierra"
A common frustration is when Airdrop is not working. Here are proven fixes:
- Check Basics: Re-confirm Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. Neither Personal Hotspot nor a VPN should be active.
- Adjust Discovery Settings: If the recipient isn't appearing, try changing your Airdrop discovery setting to "Everyone."
- Firewall & Security: Temporarily disable your Mac's firewall (System Preferences > Security & Privacy).
- Restart Services: Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again, or restart both devices.
- Legacy Compatibility: For older Macs, ensure "Allow me to be discovered by" is set to "Everyone" in the Airdrop Finder window.
Chapter 4: Pro Tips for Enhanced Airdrop Use
Beyond basics, unlock Airdrop's full potential. Use it to quickly share website links from Safari or email drafts from Mail. If you frequently share with the same people, adding them to your contacts can speed up the process with the "Contacts Only" setting. Remember, Airdrop on High Sierra uses a combination of peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and secure transfers without needing an internet connection, making it ideal for sharing large files locally.
Conclusion
Airdrop on macOS High Sierra remains a powerful, secure, and incredibly efficient protocol for wireless file sharing within the Apple ecosystem. By following this guide—from initial setup to advanced troubleshooting—you can overcome any connectivity hurdle and transform how you move content between your devices. Embrace the wireless freedom and let Airdrop streamline your digital workflow.