Why Is AirDrop So Slow

You’re attempting to quickly transfer images to a friend via AirDrop before parting ways, but AirDrop is taking so long. It’s frustrating, given you both have places to go, but AirDrop seems to be stuck. It kills the excitement as you try to figure out what’s wrong with AirDrop and consider using alternative methods like sharing the images via email.

Before we start:

The ability to quickly and wirelessly share files between two Apple devices is one of Apple’s best features. But what happens when AirDrop, which typically works so seamlessly, suddenly doesn’t cooperate?

MacKeeper’s Premium Services tool exists to help you get to the bottom of your device’s performance-related issues by checking your Mac and helping you fix it. This feature connects you to MacKeeper’s team of expert technicians available 24/7 to assist you with your Mac-related problems. Moreover, you can enjoy MacKeeper’s expert assistance from the comfort of your home.

Follow these steps to use MacKeeper’s Premium Services utility:

1. Download MacKeeper on your MacBook device and choose the Premium Services option. You can locate it in the sidebar.
2. Hit the big Chat Now button to connect with one of over 150 tech experts from MacKeeper.
3. Explain the AirDrop issue you’re experiencing and follow the expert’s instructions.

There are several reasons why AirDrop is not working on your Mac. More importantly, you can easily fix AirDrop lagging with a few tweaks so it can work fast again. Stick around to learn how.

What is AirDrop?

AirDrop is an Apple feature and technology that allows users to share files between nearby devices—including iPads, iPhones, and MacBook devices. It enables you to send and receive files. You can AirDrop from iPhone to Mac and between your device and someone else’s. The only conditions are that the devices are within 30 feet of each other and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

The types of files you can transfer via AirDrop between Apple devices include:

• Photos
• Notes
• Locations
• Documents
• Videos
• Contact cards
• Audio recordings
• Playlists
• Web links
• Apps

Why is AirDrop being slow?

AirDrop may be slow because your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals are weak. Your devices might be far from each other. The files you’re attempting to share may be too large. There may also be an issue with the devices you’re using to share your files. Any of these scenarios could be responsible for AirDrop lagging.

In the sections below, we shed more light on the possible reasons for AirDrop performing slowly.

1. Weak Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals

AirDrop relies on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to function. Therefore, weak Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals can contribute to AirDrop taking long when attempting to transfer photos from iPhone to MacBook.

2. Devices are far from each other

Another requirement for AirDrop to work seamlessly is that the devices sending and receiving the files should be within 30 feet of each other. As such, AirDrop’s delay may be due to it struggling to find the device if it’s too far from you.

3. Large file size

Although you can AirDrop files of all sizes, sharing larger files can take a while. If you’re in a time crunch, AirDrop might not be the best option for sending large files. Having said that, most transfer methods will likely perform slowly when sending large files, so expect some delays.

4. There is a problem with the devices

The devices involved in the transfer process may have some issues. For instance, the recipient may have disabled AirDrop, explaining why the sender is struggling to send them files. In such cases, the recipient can prepare to receive files by enabling AirDrop via the Control Center on MacBook.

How to fix AirDrop taking so long

How to fix AirDrop’s slow performance:

1. Try turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again.
2. Keep devices awake.
3. Try again with a smaller file.
4. Bring appliances closer.
5. Make sure iOS/macOS is up-to-date.
6. Reset network settings.
7. Reset Bluetooth settings.
8. Run maintenance on your Mac.
9. Check your AirDrop settings.
10. Compress large files first.
11. Convert incompatible files.
12. Try alternative methods of transmission.

Explore each of the solutions below to improve AirDrop’s slow transmission.

1. Try turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again

Since Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are crucial for sharing files between devices, enabling them could quickly resolve AirDrop’s speed issue.

Follow these steps to enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your Mac:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, then disable and enable Wi-Fi.
2. Hit the Bluetooth module in the menu bar, turn Bluetooth off, and then enable it again.

2. Keep devices awake

Ensure both devices involved in the transfer remain awake by engaging with the screens. Click anywhere on your macOS or iOS screen to avoid entering Sleep mode.

3. Try again with a smaller file

Sometimes, AirDrop struggles to send files quickly if they’re too large. If you are sending a large file, consider trying a smaller one to check if the file is the issue and note the difference in performance.

4. Bring appliances closer

In other cases, the distance between the sender and recipient is the cause of AirDrop being slow. Consider how far away you are from each other and move closer together to help AirDrop along.

5. Make sure iOS/macOS is up-to-date

Keeping iOS and macOS software updated ensures you get the best out of your devices and their apps and features.

Follow these steps to update iOS and macOS:

• On your iPhone: Tap Settings > General > Software Update and install available updates.
• On your Mac: Click on the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update > Update Now.

6. Reset network settings

If simply disconnecting and reconnecting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth doesn’t work, try resetting your network settings.

Here’s how to reset or refresh your Wi-Fi settings:

1. On your iPhone, swipe up or down to reveal the Control Center, enable Airplane mode, and disable it after a few seconds.
2. On macOS, go to the Apple menu > System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details > Forget This Network, and rejoin the network.

7. Reset Bluetooth settings

Like Wi-Fi, refreshing Bluetooth settings on a Mac and iPhone can improve AirDrop’s speed.

To reset your Bluetooth settings, do this:

1. On your iPhone, swipe up or down to reveal the Control Center, then enable and disable Airplane mode a few seconds apart.
2. On a Mac, click on the Bluetooth module in the menu bar and pick the Bluetooth Preferences option.
3. Control-click on the Bluetooth device and choose Forget or Remove.

8. Run maintenance on your Mac

Maintaining your Mac ensures everything continues to work efficiently—including AirDrop. Consider running maintenance on your Mac computer to fix AirDrop’s performance. Look into specialized software, like MacKeeper’s Find & Fix, to help you achieve this.

9. Check your AirDrop settings

Your AirDrop settings could be the culprit behind its slow performance. For instance, you may have blocked your AirDrop from receiving files altogether and forgot to change it.

Follow this approach to review your AirDrop settings:

1. On an iPhone, open Settings > General > AirDrop.
2. On a Mac, click on Finder > AirDrop > Allow me to be discovered by.

A tip from the MacKeeper team: 

AirDrop’s performance issues may be a symptom of underlying system issues. We recommend enlisting the help of MacKeeper’s Premium Services. The feature connects you to one of MacKeeper’s tech experts, who can get to the root of AirDrop’s slow performance and fix it while you wait—no physical visit needed. You can reach out to MacKeeper’s experts anytime, as they’re available 24/7 at no extra charge.

Here’s how to get expert assistance through MacKeeper’s Premium Services tool:

1. Download MacKeeper and click on Premium Services from the sidebar.
2. Select Chat Now and start chatting with an expert to get assistance.

10. Compress large files first

Given that larger files take longer to share, consider compressing them to speed up the AirDrop process.

Follow these steps to compress files on a Mac:

1. Right-click on the file in Finder.
2. Select Compress.

11. Convert incompatible files

Your image’s file type could be responsible for AirDrop lagging during the sharing process. In this case, converting it to another file type could do the trick.

Convert your image to another file type using this method:

1. Open the image in the Preview app, click File > Export > Format, and pick a file type.
2. If the desired file type doesn’t immediately appear, hold down the Option key and click the Format pop-up menu.

12. Try alternative methods of transmission

If nothing you’ve tried has worked, consider sharing your files through other platforms, like email.

Fix AirDrop’s slow performance with MacKeeper

As inconvenient as it is when AirDrop is slow, you can fix it with a few tricks. Apply the steps laid out in this guide to get your AirDrop up and running again. Or better yet, leverage MacKeeper’s Premium Services feature to get in touch with a friendly tech expert who can troubleshoot the problem on your behalf.