AirDrop provides Apple users with a way to share files with compatible devices. Whether you use AirDrop on macOS or iOS, your files will go into the Downloads folder; this place seems logical for these files to go but will eventually pile your files with mails and other downloads. If you find this infeasible and want a specific folder for your AirDrop files, I will help you know whether you can make these changes and how to go about it.
So, can you change the AirDrop’s Location? It is possible to work around and change your AirDrop’s location to your desired location when you receive a file. One way to achieve this is using the Folder Action with other filters, thanks to Apple’s security features. This change is also possible if using macOS Mojave.
With many taking pride in owning an Apple device for its AirDrop file sharing, I will help you know whether you can change your AirDrop’s location, trace AirDrop, know whether they are anonymous, and know whether the AirDrop has a history.
Files received on your AirDrop will go to the Downloads folder. Most methods used to save files in other destinations apart from the Downloads folder will affect the AirDrop files and any other file going to this folder. Thus, it is ideal to know whether it is possible to change your AirDrop location without affecting your files or filling your Downloads folder.
Changing your AirDrop’s location is possible through the older methods like Folder Action and filtering. These processes are not automatic, but I will help you work around them and save your files to your desired destination. If you are using a newer macOS version, I will also help you understand how to navigate these changes.
A Folder Action comprises an Automator workflow that runs whenever you add a file to a folder. Conversely, the Automator is graphical programming for macOS applications. It is more or less like shortcuts, also called Workflow on iOS but older.
To use the Folder action, start by downloading your zip directly or indirectly from the web and open the file. Next, open the Quarantine Filter action file, and you will get a prompt to install the action.
Afterward, launch the Automator Application, select New Document, and choose Folder Action as your document type. After opening the document, check the top of the Workflow to ensure you check your Downloads Folder. Also, ensure you select the Actions tab and not its variables, then click the Search bar next to it.
In the search bar, type Quarantine, and the action you previously installed should populate. Click then drag the Quarantine filter to your Workflow space, then click the Load button. The Automator may prompt you to load the installed action, in which case you should select Load Anyway.
With the Quarantine filter in place, you can click the Filter for dropdown and select Filter for AirDrop File. Navigate to the search bar and type Move Finder Items, then drag this action to the Workflow below the first action.
You will now save your AirDrop files to the drop-down in the Move Finder Items, and you can adjust this to any destination folder. Upon saving the document with cmd-s or File Save, you can close and then test it by sending a file from your IOS to Mac, and you should be able to receive the file into the folder you’ve set and not the Downloads folder.
If you are using macOS 10.14 Mojave, featuring more security, navigate to the webpage for the AirDrop Script and click the Download Zip to save it. Upon unzipping your downloaded file, you will see an AirDropSorter.SCP that you should double click to open.
This file will open in your macOS Script Editor. The next step will be customizing your script to reflect your AirDrop folder location. On the first line of your script, look for the property AIRDROP_FOLDER and edit this field into your desired AirDrop Folder. You should edit the file path between the quotes while leaving the quotes in place.
Use a / and not: to show the folder hierarchy such that a file path like Macintosh HD/Users/idownloadblog/Desktop/Photos/AirDrop will read as Macintosh HD:Users:idownloadblog:Desktop:Photos:AirDrop.
After specifying the new folder where you will drop your AirDrop files, you should create the folder for your script to locate it. Save the changes and your script, then open your Library folder in Finder.
On the Library,
- navigate to Scripts, Folder Action Script and
- paste the AirDropSorter.scpt into this folder
- next, enable action by navigating to the Downloads folder, opening it and on the menu, next to Services,
- select Folder Actions Setup.
You will receive a prompt to confirm Service, and you should click Run Service. On the windows that open, ensure the Downloads appears on the left column and check the Enable Folder Actions. At the bottom right, click the plus symbol to add your script to the folder.
A list will populate, and you should search for AirDropSorter.scpt, then hit Attach. Your script will now be active, and you can automatically relocate your AirDrop files to the folder specified on the script.
While the above settings help store your AirDrop files, you may want to revert to the original where your files go to the Downloads. To do this, navigate your Downloads folder and open it.
Navigate to the Services,
- select Folder Actions Setup and on the next window,
- select the Folder Action you created and delete.
- next, delete the AirDropSorter.scpt, Quarantine Filter.action and the AirDrop file.
After this change, any file you download from AirDrop will go to the original downloads folder.
Apple AirDrop Tracking
AirDrop allows users to conveniently share videos and photos with friends and family in the same room. The persons sharing the files should be within a Bluetooth range, and while they may be together in one room, I will help you know whether you can trace your interactions or if they are anonymous.
Unfortunately, you cannot trace AirDrop as it does not keep a history of your transactions for later auditing. AirDropping is also anonymous if you do not put your name on your device’s title. If you put a name that is not your real identity, it will be challenging to establish the sender. The transactions are also irreversible.
Given the anonymity in AirDrop, kids find this tool more of a game and will change their device’s names to something random, making it challenging for anyone to establish who is sending what. On the flip side, this can make kids send images and files that would otherwise violate the terms of service on other social media platforms.
Messages that could be flagged on Instagram and Facebook easily glide on AirDrop as there are no definite restrictions given the anonymity. Such freedom is dangerous, as it puts kids at high risk of receiving disturbing and inappropriate content that could affect them emotionally.
Abusers will identify their targets through their reactions and, if their names match their phones, will be able to trace them for even more damaging content.
If you want to know or change the name of your AirDrop on your iPhone, you can navigate the Settings, go to General and on your third list of options, tap the first item. Next, tap About then Name. Type the new name for your device and select Done to effect the changes.
If you are using a Mac, you can find your name by navigating to the Menu, System Preference, and Sharing. Your Mac name will appear at the top of Sharing Preferences.
While naming your device helps other users to know you are communicating with them, most users prefer hiding their identity. To make your AirDrop Anonymous, swipe up to reveal the Control Center. You will see your AirDrop settings, and you can click the AirDrop: Everyone to see your choices. You can then change it to Contacts Only or turn it Off.
iPhone AirDrop Transaction History
When you call, message or share an item on social media platforms, you will have a copy of your activity on your end, and you can always refer to it in case of an issue in the future. Since you can share similar files via AirDrop, I will help you understand whether your iPhone AirDrop has a history and whether you can retrieve the information you send to other users for personal or legal use.
The iPhone AirDrop does not leave a history of the transactions you make; hence, there is no way to check what you sent or received. Being an informal way of sharing files, AirDrop also lacks tracking functionalities.
Your iPhone AirDrop will also not store the history due to iOS limitations. Hence, you cannot access your AirDropped files no matter the timing. This calls for users to be cautious when using this file transfer tool.
Since Apple does not track your AirDrop history, it is up to you to eliminate random transfers to your device. You can achieve this by switching off AirDrop when not in use and checking that you do not accidentally send any files. Managing the requests, you accept on your iPhone is another way to stay safe from unrestricted content.
AirDrop relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to work, and the devices on each end should have these features for proper functioning. For Bluetooth functionality, the other device should be within range, preferably 30 feet or less.
To start using AirDrop for file transfers on your iPhone, you should set your configuration to everyone, especially when sharing files with a device not signed with your ID. To set your configuration, navigate to the Settings, tap General, AirDrop, and then Everyone. When someone AirDrops you, a pop-up on your screen will ask you to accept or decline the file.
If you are sharing files with one of your contacts or your Apple devices, use the contacts-only option. When using AirDrop, unlock your device’s screens and check compatibility, as not all devices will connect to yours. Ensuring your device’s IOS is updated is also key to a successful connection and file transfer.
While Wi-Fi is one of the requirements for successful AirDrop file sharing, you do not need an active internet connection. Wi-Fi is useful in creating a personal network and allows the movement of large files faster.
This way, you can send large data volumes within a short time. You can turn off your mobile hotspot as it is unnecessary in file transfers via AirDrop. Once set, you can AirDrop as many files as you want to the parties you connect to.
Upon accepting AirDrop files from other parties, your iPhone will download them and store them in corresponding apps. Hence, if you accept photos, they will go to the Photos app and contacts in the Contacts app. You can confirm whether your download went to the right place by checking the respective apps.
Just like you cannot view your AirDrop history, you cannot delete the history. However, depending on your setting, you can delete the files you download through AirDrop from their corresponding apps. For example, to delete an AirDrop photo, you can open the photo app, select the photo and tap the Delete icon.
Similarly, if you accidentally delete files you’ve received through AirDrop, you can recover them in two ways. First, check your recently deleted folder. To do this, navigate the Photos app and scroll to the Recently Deleted folder, and you will see all your photos deleted in the last 28 days.
Tap the photo you want to recover and Recover. If there are multiple photos, select them, then tap Recover, and they will go back to the Photos folder. Your second recovery will depend on whether you turned iCloud on for your photos or videos.
This option is effective for permanently deleted photos. To recover your photos, navigate to icloud.com, sign in, and tap Photos. In the Photos folder, select Recently Deleted and select the images you want to recover.
Wrap Up
Apple’s AirDrop provides users with an easy way to share files. Files received via AirDrop will go to your Downloads folder, but through the Folder Action, or if using the newer macOS versions, you can change the location.
Unfortunately, you cannot trace your activities on AirDrop for later audits, and the transactions will remain anonymous unless you put your name to your device’s title.
Finally, your iPhone’s AirDrop will not leave a history of your transactions. Hence, the only way to tell your activities on AirDrop is by checking the Downloads file or corresponding folders depending on your settings.
Given the anonymity in file transfers on AirDrop, you should be cautious and only download files from people in your contact list. Even better, turn off AirDrop when not using it to avoid unauthorized connections and content from third parties.
