Transfer files between your Mac and Bluetooth devices

You can use AirDrop, Handoff, and iCloud to move files to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. If you want to move files to a different bluetooth device, you can use Bluetooth File Exchange or Bluetooth Sharing.

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Use one of these methods to transfer files between your Mac and your iOS device using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Use AirDrop to transfer files between nearby devices and computers.

Use Handoff to start working on a file on one device, and continue working on it from another.
 

Store your files on iCloud Drive to access them from your iOS device, Mac, or PC. 

Other Bluetooth devices

If you have a different device that supports sharing files over Bluetooth, you can transfer files to and from your device using Bluetooth File Exchange. You can also browse files stored on Mac from your device using Bluetooth Sharing.

Get a file from a device

Use these steps to transfer a file from your device to your Mac.

  1. On your device make sure that Bluetooth is on, and that your device is discoverable.
  2. On your Mac, choose Browse Files on Device from the Bluetooth   menu.
  3. In the window that appears, select your device. If there is a Pair button next to your device in the list, click Pair and follow the onscreen prompts on your Mac, and on your device.
  4. Click Browse.
  5. When you locate a file you want, select it and click Download. The file is copied to the Downloads folder on your Mac.

Send a file to a device

Use these steps to send a file from your Mac to your device.

  1. On your device make sure that Bluetooth is on, and that your device is discoverable.
  2. On your Mac, choose Send File to Device from the Bluetooth menu.
  3. In the window that appears, choose the file you want to transfer, then click Send.
  4. In the next window, select your device. If there is a Pair button next to your device in the list, click Pair and follow the onscreen prompts on your Mac and on your device.
  5. Click Send. The file appears in the default location set on your device. If you're not sure where to find your file, check the documentation that came with the device or the manufacturer's website.

View files from your Mac

Use these steps to view files from your Mac from a bluetooth device.

  1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences. 
  2. Select the option to enable Bluetooth Sharing.
  3. Select the folder you want to share from the "Folder others can browse" menu. 

After you turn on Bluetooth Sharing, other bluetooth devices can browse, view, and download the files stored in the shared folder you selected. Check the documentation that came with your device to find out how to connect to and browse shared bluetooth devices like your Mac.

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