Send Files from iPhone to Mac

AirDrop already handles iPhone-to-Mac transfers well when both devices are signed into the same Apple ecosystem and everything is configured correctly. Nearsend is a browser-based fallback for the times that isn’t true.

The usual problem

AirDrop can be flaky in practice, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi visibility toggled off, the receiving Mac set to "Contacts Only" when the sender isn’t in Contacts, or a shared/work Mac that isn’t signed into your Apple ID at all. When any of that gets in the way, there’s no quick built-in alternative.

How Nearsend solves it

Open nearsend.app in Safari on the iPhone and in a browser on the Mac. Pair them with a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase; no Apple ID, no visibility settings to fix, and send the file or folder directly.

How to do it

Open Nearsend on both devices, Go to nearsend.app in any modern browser on the sending and receiving device; no app to install.
Pair them, Scan the animated QR code, enter the 6-digit PIN, or say the voice phrase to connect the two devices directly.
Send your files or folder, Drop files or a full folder onto the page, or pick them from the file browser. They stream straight to the other device.

Why it works well here

No app to install, runs in the browser on both devices
No account or sign-up required
Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, and HarmonyOS
Files stream directly device-to-device; nothing is stored on a server

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this meant to replace AirDrop?

Not necessarily, AirDrop is usually the fastest option between Apple devices. Nearsend is useful when AirDrop isn’t available or isn’t working, such as on a shared or work Mac.

Do both devices need the same Apple ID?

No, that’s the point. Nearsend doesn’t use Apple ID or iCloud at all.

Does it work in Safari?

Yes, Nearsend works in Safari on both iOS and macOS.

Can I send folders?

Yes, whole folders are supported with their structure preserved.

Is it encrypted?

Yes, transfers use DTLS-encrypted WebRTC data channels.

Can I use this if AirDrop is unavailable because the Mac isn't on my Apple ID?

Yes; this is exactly the case Nearsend is built for. It doesn't use Apple ID or iCloud at all, so a shared or work Mac works the same as any other.

Does it work with a Mac running an older macOS version?

Yes, any Mac with a reasonably modern browser works, regardless of which macOS version it's running.

Can I send several photos plus a document in the same transfer?

Yes; you can select a mix of file types together, or send a whole folder containing different kinds of files in one go.

Does this work if Bluetooth is turned off on the iPhone?

Yes, unlike AirDrop, Nearsend doesn't use Bluetooth at all, so its Bluetooth or Wi-Fi visibility settings don't affect whether pairing works.

What if the Mac is set to receive AirDrop from "No One"?

That setting only affects AirDrop; it has no effect on Nearsend, since pairing happens through a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase instead of AirDrop's own visibility controls.

Can I send from an iPad instead of an iPhone using the same steps?

Yes, an iPad works exactly the same way in Safari, since Nearsend doesn't distinguish between iPhone and iPad.