AirDrop stuck on Waiting and won't send your file
AirDrop gets stuck when the Bluetooth connection drops or the receiving device doesn't respond. Cancel the transfer, toggle Bluetooth off and back on on both devices, and try again. This fixes it.
When AirDrop gets stuck on Waiting, it means your Mac sent the request but the other device didn't respond. This happens when Bluetooth drops, the other device has their screen locked, or their privacy settings are blocking the request. We'll cancel the stuck transfer, refresh the Bluetooth connection, and try again.
- ✓Have both devices close to each other
- ✓Make sure the receiving device's screen is unlocked
- ✓Make sure both devices have Bluetooth turned on
- ✓Make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Locking the screen on the receiving device while waiting for the file
- Not waiting long enough after canceling before trying again
- Not unlocking the screen, thinking AirDrop can work with a locked screen
Signs you need professional help
- You've canceled the transfer, toggled Bluetooth, unlocked the receiving device, and AirDrop still gets stuck on Waiting every time you try.
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