AirDrop Features

Peer-to-Peer Wi-Fi Transfer

AirDrop creates a secure, peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection between Apple devices, bypassing traditional network routers. This direct link ensures your files travel at maximum speed—often reaching gigabit-like performance in close proximity. Unlike email or cloud uploads, there are no size restrictions, so you can send multi-gigabyte videos effortlessly.

When two devices initiate an AirDrop session, they negotiate an encrypted Wi-Fi link specifically for that transfer, which disappears once the transfer is complete. This ephemeral network means no lingering connections, providing an added layer of privacy and security.

Bluetooth LE Discovery

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used to scan for nearby devices. When you open the AirDrop window, your device broadcasts a BLE advertisement packet that contains just enough information (device name, supported file types, user photo) to allow secure discovery by intended recipients. BLE consumes minimal power, so you can leave AirDrop active without significant battery drain.

Devices in “Contacts Only” mode exchange encrypted tokens derived from your Apple ID. This means only people in your contacts list can see your device, preventing unwanted solicitations.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

AirDrop works seamlessly across Macs, iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices—all you need is compatible hardware and up-to-date software. On Mac, AirDrop is integrated into Finder; on iOS, it’s within the Share sheet. You can share photos from your iPhone directly to a Mac, or send a document from your Mac to your colleague’s iPad at a conference.

Even if one device is on macOS Monterey and the other on macOS Ventura, AirDrop maintains backward compatibility. Apple continuously updates its protocols to ensure smooth interoperability across different OS versions.

Security & Privacy

Security is paramount—in addition to AES-128 encryption for data in transit, AirDrop uses secure identity verification. In “Contacts Only” mode, only devices signed into the same Apple ecosystem—or those in your contacts—can decrypt the initial handshake packet.

All metadata (file size, type) is exchanged only after the recipient accepts the transfer, ensuring no unwanted data exchange. If you set your device to “Receiving Off,” you become invisible to other devices until you manually re-enable AirDrop.

Large File Transfers

Unlike email attachments or messaging apps, AirDrop imposes no strict file size limits. You can transfer full-resolution RAW photos (often 20+ MB each), 4K video clips, or large CAD files without worrying about compression or third-party storage. For creative professionals, this feature streamlines collaboration—send entire project packages, design assets, and high-fidelity prototypes across devices in seconds.

Automatic Resume & Retry

If a transfer is interrupted (device moves out of range or loses power), AirDrop will automatically retry the transfer when conditions are restored. No need to restart from scratch—partial file segments resume seamlessly. This is particularly useful when sharing large video clips or archives over spotty connections.

Transfer Notifications & History

On Mac, you can view recent AirDrop transfers in Finder under “Recents” or “AirDrop” sections. The notification center also logs incoming files, showing sender name, file type, and timestamp. On iOS, accepted files appear in the respective app (Photos, Files), and notifications alert you to completed transfers.

This transfer history helps you track what you’ve received and when—ideal for auditing and organization. If you ever need to locate a received document, simply search “AirDrop” in Spotlight on Mac or in the Files app on iOS.