MacBook Pro - airdrop files disappearing and recent files stuck.

Hi, I also experience “issue 1” related to Airdrop. From my iPhone or iPad I can find my MacBook Pro, send a file (nothing unusual: ex. .jpeg or .pdf) and see the Download icon popping up in the dock. However, nothing’s there. It’s been many months now and the problem was there even prior the Sonoma update (at the time I hoped it could have fixed that). On the other direction it works: the MacBook sends Airdrop files towards my mobile devices.

I tried many times with the suggested workaround, unsuccessfully. There must be something else..? My opinion is that the problem is more linked with saving the files in the mac than with communication itself.

My recent files are right so I guess the two believe are not related.

Thanks for any input or suggestion!

Experiencing issues with AirDrop files disappearing and recent files getting stuck on your MacBook Pro can be frustrating. These problems can disrupt your workflow and hinder your ability to access important files. Here are some steps to help address these issues:

For AirDrop Files Disappearing:

1. Check AirDrop Visibility: Ensure that your AirDrop visibility settings are correctly configured. To do this, go to "Finder" > "Go" > "AirDrop" and check if you are discoverable to everyone or only to contacts. Make sure it's set to your preference.
2. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be turned on for AirDrop to work seamlessly. Verify that both are enabled in your MacBook's settings.
3. Device Compatibility: Ensure that the device you are sending or receiving files from via AirDrop is compatible. Some older devices might have limited compatibility.
4. File Format: AirDrop works best with common file formats like PDF, images, videos, and documents. Check if the files you are trying to send are in a supported format.
5. Restart Bluetooth: Sometimes, restarting your MacBook's Bluetooth can resolve issues. Go to "System Preferences" > "Bluetooth" and turn it off, then turn it back on.

For Recent Files Getting Stuck:

1. Check Storage: Insufficient storage space on your MacBook can lead to issues with recent files. Check your available storage by going to "Apple Menu" > "About This Mac" > "Storage." If you're running low on space, consider freeing up some storage.
2. Spotlight Indexing: Recent files are often accessed through macOS's Spotlight search. If indexing is stuck or incomplete, it can affect recent file listings. You can reindex Spotlight by going to "System Preferences" > "Spotlight" > "Privacy" and adding your hard drive. Then, remove it to trigger reindexing.
3. Clear Cache: Cache files can sometimes cause issues. You can clear cache using third-party apps like CleanMyMac or manually by navigating to ~/Library/Caches and deleting relevant cache folders.
4. Restart: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches. Try restarting your MacBook to see if the recent files issue persists.
5. macOS Update: Ensure that your macOS is up-to-date. Sometimes, Apple releases updates that include bug fixes for these kinds of issues.
6. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) or parameter RAM (PRAM) can reset certain system settings that might be affecting your recent files. To do this, restart your MacBook and press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously until you hear the startup sound for the second time.

If these steps don't resolve the issues, it's advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance, as there could be underlying hardware or software problems that require more in-depth troubleshooting.