How To Fix AirDrop Stuck On Waiting (Not Working) On Mac

how to fix AirDrop stuck on Waiting

How to fix AirDrop stuck on Waiting


Are you trying to AirDrop files from iPhone to Mac but the process is stuck on Waiting… since forever? You’re not the only one. This is a common Bluetooth glitch that has been reported in macOS Big Sur and previous versions. Fortunately, it’s a minor issue that can be easily fixed, in most cases, by restarting the Bluetooth connection.

How To Fix AirDrop Stuck On Waiting

So you’re trying to send an image or any other file from your iPhone to your Mac, but the animation is displaying Waiting… since a long time?
You should stop waiting and start acting! Bluetooth transfers from iPhone to Mac and vice-versa occur almost instantly. So, if it takes more than a couple of seconds without any recorded progress proceed as follows:

1. Check For AirDrop Permissions

If you’re doing this for the first time, you have to check your Mac for any permission requests. Your computer might wait for you to accept the incoming transfer. If there’s no notification your MacBook, proceed to the next step.

2. Turn Bluetooth Off And Back On

how to restart Bluetooth on Mac
What worked out for me is turning Bluetooth module Off and bringing it back On a couple of seconds later.

    How To:

  • Tap the Bluetooth icon, available in the top-right area of the status bar.
  • Bring the switch next to Bluetooth to the Off position.
  • Wait a couple of seconds and turn it back ON. Try to AirDrop from iPhone to Mac once again. Does it work now?
    Fact: If you’re on a MacBook and use a Magic Mouse, the accessory will become unavailable. Use the trackpad to reenable Bluetooth.
  • Secondary: If the Bluetooth icon is not displayed in the menu bar, open System Preferences and click on Bluetooth. Use the Turn Bluetooth Off of button to disable, wait a couple of seconds and Turn Bluetooth On. You can tick the box next to Show Bluetooth in menu bar to display the Bluetooth icon in the status bar.

3. Reboot Devices

Is AirDrop still not working after restarting Bluetooth on Mac? You can do the same on iPhone. However, in my case the problem was caused by the macOS Big Sur device. Continue with restart your Mac:
How To: Click the Apple Logo, displayed in the top-left corner of the screen. Go for Restart…. Click Restart to confirm your command.
Extra: Force restart your iPhone too, to make sure that both devices are cleared from temporary minor glitches.

4. Reset Bluetooth Module

how to reset Bluetooth module on Mac
If you reached this step an AirDrop is still stuck on Waiting, your next option is to reset the Bluetooth module. This option is hidden so proceed as follows:
Important: Before you start, be aware that you will need to connect (pair) Bluetooth devices again. Resetting the Bluetooth module will cause your Mac to forget all previously connected devices.

  • Press & hold the Shift + Alt (Option Key) and click on the
    Bluetooth icon in the status bar!
  • An extended Bluetooth quick actions menu opens up. Click the Reset the Bluetooth module option.
  • Click OK to confirm your action.
  • Restart your Mac.
  • Finish: Make sure that all Bluetooth devices that you need are nearby. Reconnect them. Next, grab your iPhone and try AirDropping again. Does the MacBook receive your files now?

5. Blocked Contact?

This sounds strange, but apparently there have been cases when users have been accidentally blocked an email or phone number attached to their Apple ID, thus preventing AirDrop to work between iPhone, Mac and iPad.
To eliminate this potential cause please browse for Settings -> Phone -> Blocked Contacts and review the list.

Have you managed to fix AirDrop not working from iPhone to Mac? Did one of the above fixes help out? Use the comments section and share your feedback.

Related: Check out 5 more ways to fix AirDrop not working from iPhone to Mac.