How to troubleshoot unreliable Airdrop sharing between iPhone and iMac?

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Level 1

18 points

How to troubleshoot unreliable Airdrop sharing between iPhone and iMac?

Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. It's really time consuming trying to get this to work. I have to download the video file to edit it before sharing via airdrop to my iMac from my iPhone. Am I doing something wrong? I've been trying mainly to share from my iPhone to my Mac. I have just tried to share from photos to my Mac after downloading this video then editing it. This seems to be stuck now on this window, I can't go back to 'Photos' unless I cancel.I've read and reread instructions on how to use airdrop and it just will not work constantly, Any help would be great. Thanks.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Hi I'm having issues using airdrop both from my iPhone to iMac and iMac to iMac

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jun 6, 2025 5:36 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

215,094 points

Jun 6, 2025 10:37 AM in response to denise CLARK

If all else fails give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

Jun 6, 2025 7:38 AM in response to denise CLARK

If AirDrop does not connect, usually rebooting both devices fixes it (after making sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are ON).

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Answer 3

denise CLARK Author

Level 1

18 points

Jun 7, 2025 7:56 AM in response to Old Toad

Hi Old Toad, thanks for your detailed reply and help. I have just had my drive wiped and a clean install of Big Sur put onto my iMac. I had it done at Apple genius bar. so I shouldn't think I'd need to do a boot into safe mode. I haven't back up with my Time machine and will not be using it to back up because I don't want to corrupt my hard drive with any issues. I intend to just add backed up files as needed. The airdrop problem was the same before I had all this done.

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How to troubleshoot unreliable Airdrop sharing between iPhone and iMac?

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