Apple's AirDrop is the most popular way to transfer large files from iPhone to Mac and vice versa. While most AirDrop transfers are very fast, the experience can be different when sending large videos. Sometimes, AirDrop may freeze on your iPhone or display "Converting" before sending large video files. This transfer can take a very long time or be abruptly canceled. Here's how to fix AirDrop video transfers on your iPhone that keep crashing before they're sent.
Why is Airdrop stuck on conversion?
Wondering why AirDrop converts videos before sending them? That's because your iPhone records videos in a specific format to save limited storage space. Therefore, videos typically end up using HEVC compression.
Videos in this format can be played on the iPhone without problems, but they aren't easily compatible with other devices. As a result, your iPhone first converts the video to a more compatible format before sending it to other devices via AirDrop. This conversion process takes some time, depending on the length of the video.
Sometimes, the transfer process gets stuck and AirDrop transfers stop. It can also happen that AirDrop on your Mac isn't working. See our guide on how to do this. Fix AirDrop Issues on Mac.
Prevent Airdrop from converting videos before sending them
There are two solutions to the problem where AirDrop takes over converting videos before sending them to receiving devices. The first solution involves changing the format and compression used by your iPhone camera to record video, which will bypass the conversion in AirDrop. The second solution applies to videos you've already recorded on your iPhone.
For videos you will record in the future
It's best to change the default format your iPhone records videos in. This will ensure the iPhone Camera app records video in a format compatible with most devices. Once this is enabled, your iPhone won't have to convert the video before sending it via AirDrop. Here's how to do it.
Step 1: Open Settings app On your iPhone, scroll down and tap Camera section.
Step 2: Locate Formats.
Step 3: Click the most compatible option to set it as the default recording format.
Now, whenever you record a video on your iPhone, it will be recorded in standard H.264 compression, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. To test this, record a video and send it to your Mac via AirDrop. The video will be transferred to your Mac without any conversion on your iPhone.
The only downside is that this video file takes up a bit more storage space. However, you can always delete these videos after transferring them using AirDrop.
For videos that have already been recorded
Videos you capture with your iPhone in HEVC compression still require conversion if you plan to transfer them via AirDrop. However, there is a way to bypass this conversion in AirDrop.
Step 1: Open iMovie app On your iPhone. If you have removed it, download and install it from App Store.
Step 2: Locate Movie Option within Starting a new project.
Step 3: of Media List , Locate the video which you want to send.
Step 4: Choose Create movie option At the bottom.
Step 5: This will open an interface with your selected video. You can edit the video or select "It was completed" In the upper left corner to save your project if you don't need to make any changes..
Step 6: Locate Share button In the middle of the bottom bar.
Step 7: In the Share sheet, select small options button.
Step 8: On the next screen, you can: Select resolution and video frame rate.Then click on It was completed.
Step 9: When returning to Share Sheet , Locate AirDrop , and select the device that appears under Hardware Department As a video recipient.
AirDrop will then send the video directly without converting it. This is faster than other methods.
Send videos via Airdrop without conversion
Sharing two videos or transferring them all from your iPhone via AirDrop will save you time. Sometimes, it's even faster than connecting a cable between your iPhone and Mac or iPad. Can't transfer files between your iPhone and Mac? Check out our detailed guide on how to do so. Best Fixes for AirDrop Not Sending Files from iPhone to Mac.
