What Is AirDrop?
First things first, just what is AirDrop? Let’s explain.
iPhones are full of nifty features meant to make your life better (we’re looking at you, Face ID). AirDrop specifically lets you transfer just about anything (photos, documents, playlists, websites, location pins, and more are all fair game) to and from a Mac or iOS device.
Sure, you could just as easily text or email those things to someone, but AirDrop is often much faster (especially with larger files), and you don’t need to have someone’s contact information to make it work. The only catch is that both parties must have a compatible device from Apple – which should be simple if you’re familiar with the brand.
Why my Airdrop Not Working on iPhone
reasons iPhone airdrop is not working is because people do not adjust the general settings properly, or the permissions are not granted to accept files to and from other Apple devices. The data transfer preferences need to be changed if you are unable to work with Airdrop despite having good Bluetooth connectivity and a WiFi network.
How To Fix Airdrop Not Working
Go to the Settings option on your Device, Choose General settings and click on Airdrop when you find it.
To open the Control Center, swipe down from the upper right corner, and several administrative setting options will be displayed. This is how you do it in iPhone X and the latest version of Mac.
However, if you are using the older iPhones like iPhone 8 or earlier, you have to swipe up from the bottom to reveal the settings.
and hold the network settings options and do the same when the Airdrop option is displayed.
You can change three options here – Receiving can be switched on or off – This will determine if you will receive files from the other devices.
Also Check: How To Create An Nft
You can change the settings to receive or send files only to those devices that are a part of your contacts. This is useful for the ones who have a keen eye for cyber privacy.
You can change the visibility of your device. Preferably, it has to be everyone so that any device can locate you while sending files. Of course, the decision to receive or send files to these devices is entirely in your hands
How Does AirDrop Work?
With the help of Bluetooth, AirDrop creates a safe, peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the involved devices. Although a Wi-Fi network is created between the devices, you don’t actually need to be connected to the internet or a router to make AirDrop work. You only need to be close enough—within 30 feet—to establish the connection.
In short, you could easily share a file with someone in the next room over as long as you both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and are using compatible devices. (Oh, and AirDrop is turned on, obviously.)
Also, while you might fall victim to meme blasts and light trolling if you open your settings to everyone, the connection is actually more secure than email thanks to a protective firewall around the network and the files being sent encrypted. So no strange pics here (unless you want them, then go for it).
turn on airdrop
AirDrop Not Working on iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Here’s How to Fix It
So there may be times where you ask, “Hey, why is my AirDrop not working?” Keep on reading for our seven simple AirDrop troubleshooting steps.
Can Others See Your Device?
This will probably seem a bit obvious, but the very first thing we recommend checking is your settings. AirDrop has three settings:
| • | Receiving Off/No One: Your device isn’t able to be seen by other AirDrop-compatible devices. |
| • | Contacts Only: Your device is only visible to individuals in your Contacts list. Each device needs to be signed in to iCloud, with the phone number and/or email address associated with each person’s Apple ID in their Contacts app. |
| • | Everyone: Your device is visible to all devices using AirDrop nearby. |
If you wanted some peace and quiet from being trolled by memes, it’s possible that you turned AirDrop receiving off. So, make sure that each of the involved devices is on the appropriate setting.
The Contacts Only setting can occasionally cause some troubles since the network needs to verify that all participants are actually contacts. In this instance, temporarily switching to Everyone can solve the problem.
Check these settings carefully.
To check or adjust AirDrop discovery settings on an iOS device:
| • | Settings > General > AirDrop > Select desired settings option |
| or… | |
| • | Open Control Center (Swipe down from upper-right corner if using an iPhone X or later, an iPad running on iOS 12 or later, or an iPadOS; swipe up from the bottom if using an iPhone 8 or earlier) > Open the network settings card in the upper-left corner > AirDrop > Select desired settings option |
Check for this option.
If the AirDrop Receiving Off setting is stuck, go to:
| • | Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > Ensure AirDrop is turned on |
AirDrop settings on a Mac.
To check or adjust AirDrop discovery settings on a Mac:
| • | Launch Finder > AirDrop > Click Allow me to be discovered by: > Select desired settings option |
AirDrop not working on Mac? Check your firewall.
If you are using the macOS firewall, it could cause you to be undiscoverable. To fix it:
| • | Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall tab > If the firewall is on, click the lock in the bottom-left corner > Enter your administrator password > Firewall Options > Uncheck Block all incoming connections |
Do You Have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Turned On?
If AirDrop fails after checking the settings, continue AirDrop troubleshooting by checking that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. In order for the sharing to occur, Bluetooth must be on and able to detect compatible devices within a 30-foot radius.
Also, Wi-Fi needs to be enabled so it can perform the transfer. Even if they are both already enabled, simply toggling them off and on can fix the problem. It’s like resetting a router. “Oh, there it goes!”
Check your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You never know.
To toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings on an iOS device:
| • | Settings > Wi-Fi/Bluetooth > Turn Wi-Fi/Bluetooth off and on > Repeat for each radio |
| • | As a shortcut, you can also use Airplane Mode to toggle both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at once. This will completely reset both radios connections. To do this: Open Control Center > Turn on Airplane Mode > Wait 10 seconds > Turn off Airplane Mode |
Try doing this if your MacBook isn’t picking up AirDrop.
To toggle Wi-Fi/Bluetooth settings on a Mac:
| • | Click Wi-Fi/Bluetooth icon on the menu bar on the top-left corner > Turn Wi-Fi/Bluetooth off > Click the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth icon again > Turn Wi-Fi/Bluetooth on > Repeat for each radio |
Although you don’t actually need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network or using the same network to make AirDrop work, connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network can sometimes help the process. However, the shared network cannot be a mobile hotspot connection. In fact, AirDrop will not work if you are using Personal Hotspot at all.
AirDrop not working? Don’t use Personal Hotspot, it can get in the way.
To disable Personal Hotspot:
| • | Open Control Center > Open the network settings card in the upper-left corner > Turn off Personal Hotspot |
Is Each Device Awake?
While this suggestion might seem a bit common sense, it is actually one of the most frequent causes of AirDrop issues. And you’d be surprised how many people might miss it.
(And, no, yelling “WAKE UP!” won’t do it.)
| • | For iOS devices: The display must be active (the Lock screen is ok, though—you’ll just need to accept any AirDrop notifications that might pop up) for AirDrop to work. Simply press the Sleep/Wake button to wake up your device. |
| • | For Macs: The screen can be dimmed; however, it must be awake. Just move the mouse, tap a key, press the trackpad, or quickly press the power button. |
Are Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb Turned Off?
Once again, this tip might seem pretty obvious, but these can be quite common when it comes to AirDrop not working.
As we previously discussed, turning Airplane Mode on turns off both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (which is great if you want to reset your radios, but not so much if you’re struggling to transfer data), so it goes without saying that AirDrop won’t work if this function is turned on. Open the Control Center or Settings to switch it off.
Furthermore, while Do Not Disturb mode is awesome for making sure you get some sleep at night, it causes big problems with AirDrop, at least if you are trying to receive the data. Not only does it stop any notifications or AirDrop requests from being delivered, but it also makes your device unable to be seen. However, you are still able to AirDrop information to someone if Do Not Disturb is enabled on your device.
Do Not Disturb on? Well, you won’t be disturbed from AirDrop then.
To turn off Do Not Disturb:
| • | For iOS devices: Open Control Center > Turn off Do Not Disturb by tapping the moon icon |
| • | For Macs: Click the Notifications icon on the menu bar > Scroll up > Turn off Do Not Disturb if necessary |
Have You Tried a Hard Reset?
Go ahead and cue the IT “Have you tried restarting it?” jokes, but this is an oldie but goodie for a reason.
Yes, a reset works. Try it!
If AirDrop is not working on your iPad (except for the newer iPad Pro models) or older iPhones, do a hard reset by:
| 1. | Pressing and holding the Power button (on the right side for iPhone 6/6s, on the top for all other iOS devices) |
| 2. | As you are holding down the Power button, press and hold the Home button |
| 3. | Continue pressing both buttons while the screen turns off and back on until you see the Apple logo |
If AirDrop is not working on your newer devices (iPhone 7 and up), try these steps:
| 1. | Quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Up button on the left side |
| 2. | Quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Down button on the left side |
| 3. | Pressing and holding the Side button on the right side |
| 4. | Continue pressing the Side button until you see the Apple logo (ignore the Power Off slider) |
Doing a hard reset is a cinch!
If AirDrop is not working on your Mac, do a hard reset by:
| 1. | Clicking the Apple menu |
| 2. | Selecting Restart |
Keep in mind that you can also just turn your MacBook off and on by holding the power button for a few seconds, and then turning it back on. It could be quicker than doing the Restart procedure.
When Was Your Last Device Update?
Although it’s true that software updates can occasionally cause troubles, generally, updating to the latest version of iOS or macOS can be the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to solving AirDrop issues. This is mainly due to compatibility.
Yes, updates apparently can do a world of good.
For iOS devices, go to:
| • | Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install (if applicable) |
It’s easy to check your device to see if it’s updated.
For Macs, go to:
| • | System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now (if applicable) |
If All Else Fails, Try Resetting Your Networks
This final fix for iOS devices can take a while, so we recommend it only if nothing else seems to be working. Unfortunately, you’ll need to reconnect any Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled device you use at the end. On the bright side, however, it may be just the ticket for getting AirDrop to work again.
Yep, you might just need to reset the network.
To make it happen, go to:
| • | Settings > General > Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset > Reset Network Settings > If prompted, enter in your passcode > Tap Reset Network Settings once more to confirm |
