TL;DR: Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices, then select the photos on your iPhone, tap Share, and choose your Mac from the AirDrop list. Accept the transfer on your Mac, and the images will automatically save to your Photos app or Downloads folder.
Preparing Your Devices
Before attempting to transfer files, you must ensure that both your iPhone and Mac are ready to communicate wirelessly. AirDrop relies on a combination of Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi for the actual data transfer. Start by opening the Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner. Similarly, access the Control Center on your Mac by clicking the Control Center icon in the menu bar. In both interfaces, ensure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. If they are grayed out, click them to activate. Next, verify that AirDrop is visible. On your iPhone, tap the AirDrop icon and select “Everyone for 10 Minutes” or “Contacts Only.” On your Mac, open a Finder window, click “AirDrop” in the sidebar, and set “Allow me to be discovered by” to either “Everyone” or “Contacts Only.” For the most seamless experience, using “Everyone for 10 Minutes” is recommended for quick transfers, though “Contacts Only” is more secure.
Transferring the Photos
Once your devices are prepared, open the Photos app on your iPhone and select the images you wish to transfer. You can select multiple photos by tapping the Select button and tapping each image. After selecting your photos, tap the Share icon, which looks like a square with an arrow pointing upward. This will open a menu with various sharing options. Look for the AirDrop section at the top of this menu. You should see an icon representing your Mac, displaying its name. Tap on your Mac’s icon. 
A notification will appear on your Mac’s screen asking if you want to accept the incoming files. Click “Accept.” The transfer speed depends on the size of the photos and your network speed, but large batches usually complete within seconds. Once finished, the photos will appear in your Mac’s Photos library or your Downloads folder, depending on your system settings.
Tips for Success
If your Mac does not appear in the AirDrop list, ensure that both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID if using “Contacts Only.” Also, make sure there are no firewalls blocking incoming connections on your Mac. Keep both devices relatively close to each other, ideally within ten feet, to maintain a strong signal.
FAQ
Q: Why doesn’t my Mac show up in AirDrop?
A: Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices, and check that AirDrop is set to visible for the correct audience.
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Q: Can I transfer videos using AirDrop?
A: Yes, AirDrop supports all file types, including high-resolution videos, though larger files may take longer to transfer.
Q: Where do the photos go on my Mac?
A: They typically go to the Downloads folder or the Photos app, depending on your macOS version and settings.
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