Where do AirDrop files (including photos) save on iPhone/Mac? [Resolved]

AirDrop is a fantastic feature on the iPhone. But where do those files go once you share them? AirDrop allows users to easily share files with other iPhone users. It's a proprietary wireless service provided by Apple, so it can be used not just on iPhones, but also on Macs and iPads. This enables users to conveniently share photos or files through AirDrop.

This is an example image of an iPhone.

However, many people wonder where the photos or files shared via AirDrop on a Mac or iPhone are saved. Is there a specific folder for them, or do they disappear after sharing? To clarify this, let's delve into where exactly files are stored once you use AirDrop.

#1 What is AirDrop on iPhone/Mac? (Overview)

AirDrop is a feature that allows users to wirelessly share files with other Apple devices. It is a temporary service for file sharing between Apple devices. It enables iOS users to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby iOS devices without using email or text messages.

A few important things to know about AirDrop:

• AirDrop is one of the primary features of iOS and macOS, enabling wireless file transfer between Apple devices.
• The service leverages Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Near Field Communication (NFC) to create a peer-to-peer ad-hoc network between two devices.
• AirDrop is supported on all iPhone models, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and later, as well as all models of MacBook Pro with Retina display (2012 or later) and iMac (2012 or later).
• AirDrop can be used to transfer files such as photos, videos, and more from one device to another.
• Any app running iOS 8 or later can utilize AirDrop to share content with other apps on the same device.

How to Turn on AirDrop on iPhone and Mac

Transferring files or photos with AirDrop is no longer a challenge. Just follow a few simple steps, and you can easily turn on AirDrop on your iPhone.

This, however, leaves many people wondering: where do AirDrop photos and files go? Is there a specific folder they land in, or are your files lost forever – whether you sent or received them? To find out, let's explore further.

#2 Where Does AirDrop Photos Save on iPhone/Mac

Finding where AirDrop photos land on your iPhone or Mac isn't hard if you know Apple's tricks. But if you're not in the know, it's not immediately obvious to the average user. So let's explore where AirDrop photos go on both Mac and iPhone.

Since AirDrop works differently depending on the device, it's important to know how it works on each one. We'll find AirDrop on both an iPhone and a Mac, like this:

For iPhone:

When your iPhone receives the photos, they're easy to find on your device. After receiving photos through AirDrop, do this:

Step 1: Receive the photo via AirDrop.

(This image displays the AirDrop interface on an iPhone.)

Step 2: On your iPhone's Home screen, tap Photos. Look at the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Any new photos that come in will appear in this red-flagged album, and you can check it at your leisure.

For Mac users:

Finding where AirDrop photos land on your Mac is as simple as can be. So, fire up your Mac and follow our steps:

Step 1. Double-click the Finder app to open it.

Step 2. Go to the Downloads section from the sidebar.

Step 3: Find “AirDrop” and tap it.

Next up, just translate this into American English:

Both steps allow you to find where an Airdropped photo is stored on your iPhone or Mac. Note, however, that while you can access the photo files on a Mac, an iPhone only lets you access the photos and their metadata.

Where does an AirDrop file go on iPhone/Mac?

Finding an AirDrop file on your Mac or iPhone can be as tricky as finding a photo, especially considering the “Files” category encompasses a wide range of document types, like audio and video files.

But just because it's a little tricky doesn't mean it's complicated, and we're here to help you find them, whether on your iPhone or your Mac. Here's how:

For iPhone:

Step 1: Receive a file via AirDrop.

Step 2: Choose which app you want to use to open it.

Step 3: Locate the file in its dedicated folder.

Note that it's much easier to find the file you need on a Mac than on an iPhone – one of the main irritations with AirDrop, and a reason many users avoid it. So using a secondary app on your iPhone to open the file is often the best way to locate it.

For Mac:

Step 1: Open Finder on your Mac.

Step 2: Go to your "Downloads" folder and check the file inside.

If you don't see the file in the “Downloads” folder, look for a dedicated “AirDrop” folder in the sidebar.

Step 4. Locate your file.

As mentioned earlier, it's easier to locate your files on a Mac than on an iPhone. So, use this process to find your way to the file.

Recover Lost iPhone Photos or Files with Software

Well, what if we told you that you don't have to go through all this trouble? That there is a professional tool that can help you recover files sent to iPhone with the use of professional software/tool? Well, there is and it's called the MobiSaver Tool.

This might be the best way for you to recover lost files sent via AirDrop. Why choose this tool? Because it's a professional iPhone data recovery program that supports both Mac and Windows, allowing you to:

• Directly recover data from iOS device.
• Restore data from iTunes and iCloud backups without logging into them.
• Retrieve contacts, messages, photos, videos, and lost AirDrop files.
• The best thing about MobiSaver is its ability to quickly restore deleted WhatsApp, Kik, and LINE messages.

Aside from being able to recover lost AirDrop data, it's an ideal app that can help you retrieve other app data like WhatsApp, Kik, and Line. This includes chat history, messages, call logs, and even attachments. Hence, it's your best bet to look for your AirDrop files without using the above-stressed programs.

Steps to recover lost iPhone photos or files using the MobiSaver tool in American English: 1. First, download and install the MobiSaver software for either Windows or Mac. Make sure to get it from the official website or a trusted source to avoid any security risks. - For Windows: Go to the official website and download the Windows version of MobiSaver. - For Mac: Visit the official site and download the Mac-compatible version. 2. Once installed, launch the MobiSaver application. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the original USB cable to ensure the best connection and data transfer. 3. When your device is recognized, MobiSaver should display a successful connection prompt. On the main interface, select the "Recover from iOS Device" option to start scanning your iPhone. 4. The program will begin a deep scan of your iPhone to look for deleted or lost photos, contacts, messages, app data, and more. This process may take a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the size of your device's stored content. 5. After the scan is complete, MobiSaver will list all recoverable items. You can preview photos and other files and choose the specific content you want to restore. 6. Click the "Recover" button, select a save location, and wait for MobiSaver to restore the chosen files to your computer. Avoid directly restoring them to your iPhone to prevent overwriting any other potentially lost data. 7. Once the recovery process is finished, verify that the files were successfully restored. Then, you can manually import these files back to your iPhone or sync them using iTunes or iCloud as needed. Please note: Before attempting data recovery, stop using your iPhone since new data might overwrite the lost files. Additionally, for certain types of files like iMessages or WhatsApp chats, you might need to scan in Advanced Mode to retrieve complete data.

To help you recover AirDrop or any other lost iPhone photos and files, here are our steps:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your PC

Launch the MobiSaver tool. Click “Recover from iOS Device” on the left, and then click “Start.”

Step 2: Scan the Lost iPhone Data

MobiSaver will scan your iPhone/iPad/iPod automatically and find all the existing data, even some lost data. Just wait until the scanning process is finished.

Step 3: Click the "Recover" button.

You can select which photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, voicemails, and other files to restore, and save that data to another location.

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Here's a process that can help you locate Airdropped files and photos. Keep in mind that finding anything sent via Airdrop isn't an easy task. Thus, it's crucial to have a tool that can recover it effortlessly. We recommend using MobiSaver Pro, as it seamlessly finds your files with no hassle.

AirDrop Frequently Asked Questions

We're sure you have many more, and we have more answers ready. So if the article didn't address your question, try these:

Why can't I see AirDrop on my Mac?

You'll need to ensure your device is capable of and allows receiving AirDrop requests. You can refer to Apple's instructions on how to enable AirDrop in the Finder on your Mac. Make sure your device and settings are up to date.

How to Transfer from iPhone to MacBook Using AirDrop? To share files between your iPhone and MacBook using AirDrop, follow these steps: 1. **On your iPhone:** - Make sure both your iPhone and MacBook are powered on and in close proximity. - Open the file or photo you want to share. - Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center. - Long press or use 3D Touch (if applicable) on the "Share" icon, which looks like an upward arrow coming out of a square. - Tap "AirDrop" from the options that appear. 2. **On your MacBook:** - Ensure your MacBook is unlocked. - Open Finder (Finder). - In the Finder sidebar, select "AirDrop." - In the AirDrop window, make sure your receiving setting is set to "Allow me to be discovered by iPhone and iPad nearby." 3. **Sharing the content:** - In the AirDrop interface on your iPhone, you should see a list of nearby devices that can receive AirDrop, including your MacBook. - Select your MacBook, then tap "Send." - On your MacBook, you'll receive a notification asking if you want to accept the file. Click "Accept," and the file will transfer to your MacBook. Keep in mind that for successful AirDrop usage, both your iPhone and MacBook need to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, and they must be signed in with the same Apple ID (for "Contacts Only" AirDrop settings).

Open the file or photo you want to send to your Mac via AirDrop. Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet. Once both devices are set, tap the Share icon in the bottom-left corner of your iPhone. Then, select your Apple device – your Mac – from the menu to send the file or photo.

How do I receive an airdrop?

On your iPhone, you'll receive a prompt saying that a user wants to share a photo/file with you. When you see this notification, tap Accept to receive the AirDrop share.