If you regularly share files from your iPhone to Mac, you might want to see the AirDrop history. But AirDrop doesn’t have a dedicated feature to store the transfer history since it is designed for faster file transfer. Regarding users’ safety, Apple does not keep usage logs for your AirDropped files. So, you can’t check the AirDrop history on any Apple devices.
Though AirDrop history is unavailable, you can still locate the files received via AirDrop. Anyway, if you are confused about the file’s received status or don’t know where the AirDropped files are saved, this article will save you time.
How to Find AirDrop History on iPhone, iPad & Mac
To view the AirDropping status on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you must accept the AirDrop request from the sender.
Accepting AirDrop Request On iPhone/iPad
1. Ensure the AirDrop feature is turned on.
2. Once the sender chooses your iPhone/iPad to AirDrop a file, you will receive a pop-up notification on your screen.
3. Click the Accept option to receive the file.
Accepting AirDrop Request on Mac
1. Keep the AirDrop feature turned on.
2. After the sender selects your MacBook, you will receive an option to accept or decline an item in the notification in the top right corner.
3. Click on Allow option to receive the file on your Mac.
How to Locate AirDrop History
As mentioned earlier, there is no direct way to check the AirDrop history of files you received through AirDrop on any of your Apple devices. Though you cannot see the history of AirDropped files, you can locate the files you received through AirDrop.
After accepting the AirDrop request from the sender, you can follow the below methods to check the AirDrop transmission status on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
How to Locate AirDropped Files on iPhone/iPad
On iPhone/iPad, the AirDropped files are stored in the app that matches them. For example, if you have AirDropped photos or videos from your friend, the received data gets automatically saved on the photos app.
1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Click on the Albums tab.
3. Scroll down and navigate to the Imports section.
4. Click on Imports to find all the AirDroped photos and videos.
If you AirDrop any Google Drive file or any other document, you can find it in the Files app.
1. Open the Files app on your iPhone/iPad
2. Select On my iPhone.
3. There, you can find the files received on AirDrop.
If you AirDrop contacts, they will be saved on the Contacts app on your iPhone or iPad.
When the AirDropped file is received, head to the app that matches the file type to ensure it went to the right place and was saved. The file should automatically save and open in the app’s file. If you cannot find the file, try the AirDropping process again. Make sure you have enough space on your device to accept the files.
How to Locate AirDrop Received Files on Mac
The AirDropped files get automatically saved in the Downloads folder on your MacBook or iMac.
1. Turn on your Mac and open the Finder app.
2. Select the Downloads folder from the left side menu bar.
3. Now, you can see all your Airdropped files in the Downloads folder.
Change AirDrop Settings to Reduce Privacy Concerns
Though AirDrop history is not saved, keeping the AirDrop setting enabled for everyone is still risky. It will pave the way for an unknown person to share unwanted files. To protect your privacy, you should change the AirDrop settings.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Select General and click AirDrop.
3. Based on your needs, select Receiving Off, Contacts Only, or Everyone.
Select Contacts Only or disable AirDrop when you don’t use it. This will safeguard your privacy against security vulnerabilities and prevent data breaches.
FAQ
Open the Photos app on your iPhone and go to the Imports section to find the recently AirDropped photos and videos.
Yes. You can cancel an AirDrop file or photo by selecting the Decline option once the popup appears.
By default, AirDrop history is not saved, so it is impossible to delete the transfer log.