Share files between your Mac and Bluetooth devices
If your Mac is connected with a Bluetooth®-enabled device such as a phone, and you have permission, you can use Bluetooth File Exchange to view the Public folder on the device, retrieve files from the device and send files to the device.
You can also allow Bluetooth devices to browse files on your Mac (in a Public folder or other folder you choose), retrieve files and send files. See Set up Bluetooth sharing.
Tip: To quickly share files between your Mac and iOS or iPadOS device, use AirDrop, Handoff or iCloud Drive.
Browse or retrieve a file on a device or computer
You can use Bluetooth File Exchange to browse or retrieve files.
On your Mac, open Bluetooth File Exchange (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder).
If a file browser appears, click Cancel.
Choose File > Browse Device, select a device in the list, then click Browse.
If you’re browsing another Mac, the default shared folder is the Public folder inside the Users folder.
Double-click a file to retrieve it.
Send a file to a Bluetooth device
Use Bluetooth File Exchange to send a file to a Bluetooth device.
On your Mac, open Bluetooth File Exchange (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder).
Select a file, then click Send.
If you can’t see a file browser, choose File > Send File.
Select a device in the list, then click Send.
Set up your computer for sharing files
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Sharing. (You may need to scroll down.)
Turn on Bluetooth Sharing.
Click , click the pop-up menus to choose your options, then click Done.
If you can’t browse or send files
Make sure the other device is Bluetooth enabled, turned on and within range (up to 10 metres).
Make sure your computer is connected with the other device. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click Bluetooth in the sidebar, then check the status of the device in the list. (You may need to scroll down.)
If the device is connected with your Mac and you still can’t send a file, try disconnecting the device and then connecting with it again. To disconnect the device, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Hold the pointer over the device in the list, then click Disconnect. To connect with the device again, click Connect.
Make sure you have permission to send a file to the device. You may need to enter a password. Check with the owner of the device.
Make sure your computer is set up to share files (see Set up your computer for sharing files).
Make sure you know which folder is being shared on the other computer or device.