SharedClipboard

How to transfer photos from an iPhone to a Mac without AirDrop

AirDrop is quick when it works, but sometimes the Mac never shows up, or you’re on a work Mac where it’s turned off.

SharedClipboard is the fallback that always works: open one link on both, and photos go straight from the iPhone to the Mac, end‑to‑end encrypted.

Free, no account.

Start on this device

You get a private link and QR code to open on your other devices.

or

Have a code?

Enter the 6‑digit code shown on your other device.

Send photos from your iPhone to your Mac

  1. Get a private link on your Mac. Open sharedclipboard.com on your Mac and click Get a private link. A QR code appears.
    A new private clipboard on a computer, with a QR code and a 6-digit code
  2. Open it on your iPhone. Point the camera at the code and tap the link. The same clipboard opens in the browser, with nothing to install.
    The same clipboard open on a phone after scanning the QR code
  3. Add your photos. Tap Add files on your iPhone and pick what you want to send. It shows up on your Mac a moment later, and Download saves it.
    A photo and a PDF added on the phone, ready to view or download on the computer
    A photo and a PDF added on the phone, ready to view or download on the computer

Other ways, and how to fix AirDrop

Fix AirDrop

Turn on Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth on both, and keep them close. On the Mac, open AirDrop in Finder and allow Everyone to discover it, then try again.

A USB cable and Image Capture

Plug the iPhone in, open Image Capture or Photos on the Mac, and import. Best for lots of photos.

iCloud Photos

Turn on iCloud Photos on both, and photos appear on the Mac on their own after a while.

Good to know

  • Both devices need to be online at the same time. Files go straight from one to the other and are never stored on our servers.
  • Each file can be up to 100 MB. For a whole photo library, a cable is faster.
  • Some work and school networks block direct connections between devices. If a file doesn’t arrive, put both devices on the same Wi‑Fi or use your phone’s hotspot.
  • Text works too: paste on the iPhone and copy it on the Mac.

Questions

Why is my Mac not showing up in AirDrop?

Usually Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth is off on one of them, or the Mac only accepts AirDrop from contacts. Allow Everyone in the AirDrop window in Finder and try again.

How do I transfer photos from iPhone to Mac without AirDrop or a cable?

Open the same SharedClipboard link on both and tap Add files on the iPhone. iCloud Photos also works, but can take a while to sync.

Do the photos keep their quality?

Yes. SharedClipboard sends the original file without compressing it.

Can I use it on a work Mac?

Yes, if the Mac can open websites. Some work networks block direct connections; if a file doesn’t arrive, try your phone’s hotspot.

Updated September 27, 2026

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