Where Do AirDrop Files Go on Mac in 2024 Update? Full Guide

Here's the guide to know Where Do AirDrop Files Go on Mac from iPhone, iPad or Another Mac. and Other

The AirDrop is Apple’s very own wireless data sharing application that allows Apple customers to safely transfer files between their MacBooks, iPad, iPhones, and even iPod touch at lightning-fast speeds. You can instantly share or transfer all types of files like photos, videos, music, documents, etc., via the AirDrop application. Since file sharing through BlueTooth has become a thing of the past, AirDrop effectively replaces the age-old technology and enables the users to share their files between all Apple devices without consuming any data or having an internet connection.

So if you recently started the AirDrop app to share multiple files between your Apple devices, you must be wondering where the AirDrop files go once you have received them on your MacBook. To get past this question, we have brought this fantastic article that will guide you to the exact location of the AirDrop files on MacBook and iPad or iPhone.

Also Read: AirDrop Not Working

Where can I Find the AirDrop Files on the MacBook?

Using the AirDrop application to transfer files between two Macs or an iPhone or iPad to a MacBook is extremely fast and convenient. With AirDrop, you can easily share files to your desired MacBook without connecting any external devices like a pen drive, hard disk, or other storage devices. 

Hence, let us address the question of where you can find the AirDrop files on a MacBook now. Mac users can access the AirDrop files by going to the “Downloads” folder in the finder app. By default, all the files and data shared via AirDrop are stored in the Downloads folder. However, there are quite a few ways to jump into the Documents folder, and the quickest one among them is to use the finder app or the dock.

Another simple way to access the Downloads folder is by launching the finder app or Go to Mac Desktop and then pressing the Options + Command + L keys simultaneously on the keyboard. This method is the keyboard shortcut for opening the downloads folder.

Now, Find recently Added Files and Folders, Right-click in the Download folder > Select Use Groups, and Select Group By > Date Added Option. Recently Added Documents [PDF, Doc, Photos, Videos are ordered in Sequence]

find-recently-added-airdrop-file-on-mac-in-dowload-folder
find-recently-added-airdrop-file-on-mac-in-download-folder

Or Use Below Techniques, Know File name and Search in Download Folder

AirDrop files are not in downloads, or you can’t find airdrop files on the Mac

 If you are unable to find the files shared by the AirDrop app in the download folder, then type in the file name in the finder search tool to access the file.

How to Know File name on iPhone/iPad Photos & Videos name? Open Photos app on iPhone/iPad > Go to Photo or Video to know the name > Swipe Up the Photo/Video > See the File name with Unique number.

know-media-name-in-photos-app-on-iphone-and-ipad
know-media-name-in-photos-app-on-iPhone-and-ipad

and Use This file name to find using search in Finder on Mac.

find-airdrop-files-photos-and-videos-on-mac
find-airdrop-files-photos-and-videos-on-mac
  • AirDrop Photos, Videos, PDF Files will save into Download Folder on Mac
  • AirDrop Notes Will save in Mac Notes app
  • AirDrop Webpage, [From safari, Chrome] will open in the Safari Mac app

If it’s Still Not Showing on Mac, Then Make sure about AirDrop File was successfully transferred, and Check after Restart your Mac

Turn off VPN or Quit VPN. Sometimes, VPN Applications create a problem and stop AirDrop [adguard VPN is Creating an issue like this].

Report your Problem in the Apple Feedback app.

Where can I find the AirDrop Files on an iPhone or iPad?

Almost all the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users must have used AirDrop sometime or the other to share PDFs, videos, music, etc. The iPhone and iPad customers can transfer files by accessing the AirDrop app from the control center, photos app, and file-sharing option. But looking for these files after receiving them via AirDrop can be difficult if you are using the application for the first time as different file types are saved in various locations on the device.

Hence, pay close attention to this section of the article to clarify the confusion related to the location of files transferred via AirDrop on iPad or iPhone.

Where are the AirDrop photos, movies, and videos stored in iOS

All the multimedia files like movies, photos, and videos are saved in the camera roll or the Photos app of your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. You can easily access these files by launching the photos app and refreshing the feed.

Where are other AirDrop File Types stored in iOS?

When you transfer files like documents, PDFs, text files, etc., on an iOS device, you will see a pop-up asking you the application you want to open these files. After sharing the file to your iPhone or iPad, select the application you want to open that particular file type. The app will automatically copy and save that file to that application’s directory.

Suppose the file type of the document you shared was PDF format, then using the iBooks app to save and open the PDF is probably the best idea. Similarly, other file types can be opened and stored in other applications like DropBox, MEGA, Google Drive, etc., with comparable file system access. However, talks are going around about AirDrop having access to save and open files on iCloud shortly.

Finally, considering all things, there’s no denying that Airdrop’s innovation is very impressive and extraordinary, and it’s most certainly worth using for transferring tons of data between two Apple devices in a short period of time. As we have explained at the beginning of this article, this is only one small justification for people preferring Apple products over Android or Windows devices. The AirDrop is the best answer for sharing files between your MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, irrespective of the file size.

Q & A→ 

Where Do Airdrop Photos Go on Mac or iPhone

  • Transfer photos from iPhone/iPad to Mac goes into the Download folder on Mac.
  • But Transfer photos from Mac to iPhone/iPad go into the Photos app on iPhone.

Also, That’s what we can not change.

How do I change Where airdrop files go mac

 No, you can not change the default AirDrop file location on the Macbook.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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