- Airdrop files automatically go to the iPhone app associated with their file type.
- On a Mac, files you've received through AirDrop will automatically go to the Downloads folder.
- You'll have to make sure AirDrop is enabled on your iPhone or Mac to accept or send files.
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AirDrop is often used as a quick and easy way to share files between Apple devices.
On an iPhone, the files you receive through AirDrop will go to the app that is associated with their file type, and on a Mac, they will go to your Downloads folder.
First, however, you have to make sure your iPhone is ready to receive AirDrop files.
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How to turn on AirDrop
Before you start receiving AirDrop files, make sure your iPhone or Mac is ready to receive them.
On iPhone
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on AirDrop – this should be on top of the second set of items.
4. Tap on Everyone to ensure anyone can AirDrop to your iPhone.
Once someone AirDrops you, a pop-up will show up on your iPhone asking if you want to accept the file. When you tap accept, the file will be downloaded.
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On Mac
1. Open Finder on your Mac.
2. In the menu bar at the top, click Go and then AirDrop.
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3. In the AirDrop window, click the dropdown next to Allow me to be discovered by and select Everyone.
When you receive an AirDropped file, your Mac will ask you to accept the file before downloading it.
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Where AirDrop files go
On iPhone, AirDrop files go to the app that is associated with their file type, like Photos or Notes. On Mac, AirDrop files always go to your Downloads folder.
No matter what type of file you've received via AirDrop, follow the steps below to find it on your iPhone or Mac.
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On iPhone
AirDrop files are stored in the app that matches them.
For example, pictures will be saved in your Photos app. A presentation will be saved in Keynote. Contacts will be saved in Contacts. And so on.
After you've sent or received an AirDrop file, check the app that matches the file type to ensure it went to the right place and was saved. It should automatically save and open in that app's files.
If you can't find it in that app's files, then try the process again. Make sure you have enough space to accept downloads on your iPhone.
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On Mac
On Mac, the AirDropped files will automatically go to the Downloads folder.
1. Open Finder on your Mac.
2. In the menu bar at the top, click Go and then Downloads.
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3. Now you'll be able to see the files that were AirDropped to you.
Ryan Ariano grew up in Baltimore when the Macintosh was cutting edge, lived in Los Angeles as Blackberries gave way to iPhones, and now lives in Jackson Hole where his life is held together by Bluetooth. He writes on a wide range of topics but especially loves nerding out across the tech spectrum. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
