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[Answered] Where Do AirDrop Files/Photos/Videos Go on iPhone/Mac?

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AirDrop is a convenient tool for transferring files between Apple devices. Whether it's photos, documents, or other types of files, AirDrop can quickly and wirelessly transmit data. However, where do AirDrop files go on iPhone/Mac? If you can't find AirDrop files on iPhone, this article is for you. It provides a detailed introduction on how to enable AirDrop on iPhone and Mac, the AirDrop files location, as well as some excellent alternatives to AirDrop. Let's have a look.

where do airdrop files go on iphone

 

Part 1. How to Enable AirDrop on iPhone and Mac

Before understanding the AirDrop files' location, make sure AirDrop is enabled on your device. Here are detailed steps on how to enable AirDrop on iPhone and Mac.

On iPhone:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > Tap on "General" > Select "AirDrop".

Step 2. Choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone" to enable AirDrop.

enable airdrop on your iphone

On Mac:

Step 1. Open Finder.

Step 2. Select "AirDrop" from the sidebar on the left.

Step 3. Click on the option next to "Allow me to be discovered by" at the bottom of the window.

Step 4. Choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone".

enable airdrop on your mac

Now that you understand how to enable AirDrop on iPhone and Mac, next we will explain the location where received files are stored on your device.

Is your AirDrop not working on your iPhone or iPad? Read this article fo find the reasons and solutions.

AirDrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad, How to Fix?

Part 2. Where Does AirDrop Go on iPhone?

Once AirDrop is enabled, received files are automatically stored in specific locations on your iPhone. Below, we will detail the storage locations for different types of files on iPhone.

2.1 Where Do AirDrop Photos Go on iPhone?

Photos received via AirDrop are automatically stored in the "Photos" app. Open the "Photos" app, and you can find these photos in "Albums" or "Recents".

2.2 Where Do AirDrop Files Go on iPhone

Files received via AirDrop on iPhone will bring up a menu with various options to open and save the files.

airdrop open with

These files are automatically saved in the app they were sent from, for example:

  • Word documents or spreadsheets: These can be found in the Files app.
  • Presentations, Keynote files, or slideshows: Check them in the Keynote app or the Files app.
  • PDF files: These may appear in iBooks or the Files app.
  • Pages documents: Look for them in the Pages app.
  • Text: Go to the Notes app.

If you don't have the same app, you'll be redirected to the App Store to download it, or you can try to open the files with other available options.

Part 3. Where Do the AirDrop Files Go on Mac?

On a Mac, received files also have specific storage locations. Here is how to find airdropped items.

3.1 How to Find Airdropped Photos on Mac

On a Mac, photos received via AirDrop are usually stored in the "Downloads" folder. To find these photos, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open the "Finder" application on your Mac, located on the bottom left side. Then, locate and access the "Downloads" folder.

the download folder on mac

Step 2. In the "Downloads" folder, you will find all your AirDrop photos on your Mac.

3.2 How to See Airdropped Files on Mac

Like photos, other types of files, such as documents or zip files, are also stored in the "Downloads" folder.

Part 4. The Best AirDrop Alternatives to Transfer Data

Although AirDrop is very convenient, it has some drawbacks. For instance, if the file is large, transferring data on an iPhone can take a long time. Also, you can only transfer one file at a time. Therefore, you might need a more stable transfer method. Here are two excellent AirDrop alternatives.

4.1 Transfer Data from iOS to iOS Using Coolmuster Mobile Transfer

Coolmuster Mobile Transfer is a professional phone transfer tool that supports data migration between iOS devices without the need for a network connection. It is easy to use and allows you to transfer a large amount of data at once.

Key features of Coolmuster Mobile Transfer:

  • Transfer data from iPhone to iPhone, iPhone to Android, Android to iPhone, and Android to Android.
  • Support to transfer videos, photos, contacts, music, SMS, notes, and so on.
  • Straightforward, reliable, and fast process.
  • Work on the latest iOS 17 and Android 14.

Follow the steps below to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone:

01Download, install, and launch this tool on your computer. Connect your two iPhones to your computer using a USB cable. Tap the "Trust" option when asked to "Trust This Computer".

trust your device

02After successfully connecting two iOS devices to the program, you will see the following interface. Make sure the source and target devices are on the correct sides. If not, click the "Flip" button to switch their positions.

the main interface of iphone to iphone transfer

03Select the desired items from the list of content to transfer, such as Contacts, Notes, Calendars, Bookmarks, and Books. Then, click the "Start Copy" button to initiate the transfer process automatically.

transfer data from iphone to iphone with mobile transfer

Video Tutorial:

4.2 Transfer Files Between iPhone and Mac Using Coolmuster iOS Assistant

For users needing to transfer data between iPhone and Mac, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is an excellent choice. It allows users to easily backup, restore, and export data from iPhone to Mac, and also supports importing files from Mac to iPhone.

Highlights of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

  • Transfer files from iPhone to Mac or vice versa.
  • Support photos, videos, contacts, messages, music, notes, calendars, and more.
  • Backup and Restore your iOS devices with one click.
  • Manage your iOS data on your PC/Mac directly.
  • Uninstall apps from your iPhone on your computer.
  • The latest iPhone 15 and iOS 17 are supported.

Follow the steps below to transfer files between your iPhone and Mac:

01First, download, install, and launch this tool on your Mac computer. Then, link your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable and trust your device. Once connected successfully, you will see the interface as below.

the main interface of ios assistant

02Choose a category on the left panel, then choose the specific items on the right panel. To transfer from iPhone to Mac, click the "Export" button; to transfer from Mac to iPhone, tap the "Import" button.

transfer files between iphone and mac using ios assistant

Video Tutorial:

Part 5. FAQs About AirDrop

Q1. Why does AirDrop fail to send?

AirDrop failures can occur due to various reasons, including the recipient not having AirDrop enabled, devices being too far apart, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues, the recipient having "Contacts Only" set but not being in the sender's address book, and more.

Ensure that both devices have AirDrop enabled and are within each other's range, and check that the network connection is functioning properly.

Q2. What is the range of AirDrop?

The effective range of AirDrop typically ranges from a few meters to about ten meters, depending on factors such as the distance between devices, obstacles, and signal strength.

Q3. How to change the AirDrop name on iPhone?

In your iPhone's "Settings", tap on "General" > "About", then edit the "Name" field to change your AirDrop name.

change airdrop name on iphone

In a Nutshell

Where do AirDrop files go on iPhone/Mac? I believe the answer to this question will be clear once you finish reading this article. Whether you're transferring photos or files between devices, AirDrop is a very convenient tool. If you prefer not to use AirDrop, you can use Coolmuster Mobile Transfer to transfer data between phones or Coolmuster iOS Assistant to transfer data between iPhone and computer.

Related Articles:

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    More Solutions     [Answered] Where Do AirDrop Files/Photos/Videos Go on iPhone/Mac?
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