Where Do AirDrop Files Go on iPhone and Mac

Axel Nash

Written By Axel Nash |

Transferring photos and files can be hectic and requires a strong internet connection. However, if you turn AirDrop on, it will help iOS and Mac users to transfer multiple files and photos without an internet connection and cellular data. Moreover, this feature works efficiently and smoothly for wirelessly transferring all the selected files. Now with iOS 17, the new AirDrop features bring even more convenience to Apple users.

If you are wondering where do AirDrop files go on your devices, this article will work as a helpful guide. By reading our instructions and steps, you can fetch a clear idea of where do AirDrop files go on iPhone/iPad and Mac accurately.

Recommended reading: How Can You AirDrop from iPhone to Mac? Click to learn all possible methods.

Part 1: Where Do AirDrop Files Go on iPhone

AirDrop feature has brought a lot of facilities for iPhone users to transfer their files without needing an internet connection. Before discussing where do AirDrop files go on iPhone, let's shed light on how to activate the feature of AirDrop. Read the below steps to learn how to use the AirDrop feature:

Step 1: Navigate to the "Settings" on your iPhone and tap on "General."

access general settings

Step 2: From the General menu, tap on the “AirDrop" feature. Now select where you want to transfer the files. You can choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone," depending on your need.

change airdrop option

Situation 1: Where Do AirDrop Photos Go on iPhone

The AirDrop photos on iPhone are instantly saved on your phone's "Photos" app. First, make sure that the transferring process is completed successfully. Once the process is finished, you can navigate to your iPhone's “Photos” app and explore all the transferred images easily in the “Import” album.

access imports album

Situation 2: Where Do AirDrop Files Go on iPhone

In this situation, we will discuss where do AirDrop files go on iPhone precisely. When a user transfers files using the AirDrop feature on your iPhone, the files get saved in the same app from where they got sent. If that particular app is not downloaded on your iPhone, you will be automatically redirected to the App Store.  After installing that particular app, you can instantly locate the transferred AirDrop file in it.

Part 2: Where Do AirDrop Files Go on Mac?

AirDrop feature can also be enabled on Mac devices quickly. To use the AirDrop feature on Mac, we have jotted down the simple steps for you below:

Step 1: Go to the “Finder” on your Mac displayed at the bottom left side of your MacBook screen. Once done, tap on “AirDrop."

tap on airdrop option

Step 2: Now, turn on your Mac's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection. You can also select a different option from the "Allow me to be discovered by" chance like "No One," "Contacts Only," or "Everyone." Now select where you want to transfer the photos or files from your Mac.

change discovered option

Situation 1: Where Do AirDrop Photos Go on Mac

To check where do AirDrop photos go on Mac, use the below steps:

Step 1: Go to the “Finder” application on your Mac displayed on the bottom left side. Once done, locate and access the “Downloads” folder.

Step 2: On the “Downloads” folder, you can find all your AirDrop photos on Mac.

open download folders

Situation 2: Where Do AirDrop Files Go on Mac

To explore where AirDrop files go on Mac, read the simple instruction below:

Step 1: Locate the “Finder” application on your Mac and click on it to open it.

Step 2: Navigate the "Downloads" folder where you can accurately check all the transferred AirDrop files.

access files in download folder

Part 3: Best Tool to Transfer Files Between Phones

Do you want to transfer photos and files without using the AirDrop feature? Instead, use the Wondershare MobileTrans tool, which is highly reliable and can transfer data between the phones without complications. It can transfer more than 18 kinds of data, including your messages, photos, videos, and files. In addition, it shows the best compatibility with both iOS and Android devices and runs at a fast processing speed.

It has a straightforward user interface with fast-generated results that any non-technical person can operate. Moreover, it promises high security and privacy to its users so that you can transfer confidential data through this tool without hesitation. To use the MobileTrans Phone Transfer feature, you can take help from the below instructions:

MobileTrans - Phone Transfer

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  • • The data types include calendar, contacts, text messages, photos, notes, videos, apps, wallpaper, voice memos and more.
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  • • The interface is extremely simple and will let you select the type of data you wish to move.
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Step 1: Navigate to the Phone Transfer Feature

First, initiate the MobileTrans tool on your computer. Then, open its interface and tap on the “Phone Transfer” feature. It will display all the related options for the Phone Transfer, and you must select the “Phone to Phone” transfer option.

mobiletrans

Step 2: Attach Phones to the PC

Connect both of your phones to the computer through USB cables. One will be your "Source" phone, and the other will be the "Destination" device. You can also use the "Flip" option to swap the positions of your phone.

phone transfer

Step 3: Initiate Phone Data Transfer

Choose the file type or data from the screen you want to transfer. Once done, tap on the "Start" button to initiate the transfer process. To delete the existing data on the “Destination” device, you can choose the “Clear data before copy” option. After some minutes, your data will be transferred successfully.

phone transfer to android

Part 4: AirDrop FAQs

  1. Does AirDrop have a time limit?

No, the AirDrop feature has no time limit, so you can use it without restriction.

  1. Does iPhone keep a history of AirDrops?

No, iPhone does not keep the history of your AirDrops. It does not save the history of transferred files or phones through AirDrop.

  1. Why do AirDrops fail to send?

The most important requirement of AirDrop is that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on both your source and destination devices. Moreover, if either of the devices falls behind the Bluetooth range, the feature won't function.

  1. What is the range of AirDrop?

The Bluetooth range of the AirDrop feature is 30 feet (9 meters) for both iPhone/iPad and Mac devices.

Conclusion

Are you finding difficulty in locating where do AirDrop files go? This article has discussed where do AirDrop files go on an iPhone and Mac in a detailed length. Using the AirDrop feature, you can instantly transfer files and locate them on your iPhone and Mac devices. If you don't want to use the AirDrop feature, you can use the MobileTrans app for the phone transfer.

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Axel Nash

Axel Nash

staff Editor