How to fix AirDrop not working on iPhone

Tip 1: Make Sure the Receiving iPhone is Unlocked

Ensure that both iPhones are powered on and unlocked when attempting to AirDrop a photo or video to a friend or receiving an AirDrop request. A locked iPhone will not be visible to others, and if you receive the request while your phone is locked, you won’t see the notification pop-up.

Important Tip: Ensure that both the iPhones, or iPhone to iPad, or vice versa, are in close proximity to each other.

Tip 2: Disable Check Do Not Disturb

Ensure that Do Not Disturb mode is turned off on both devices, as it can interfere with AirDrop functionality.

Tip 3: Keep devices in close Proximity

Make sure the devices you are trying to AirDrop to are within close proximity to each other, preferably within 30 feet (9 meters).

Tip 4: Check AirDrop Settings

Ensure that your AirDrop Receiving is not turned off, as this setting will prevent anyone from sharing anything with your iPhone. Instead, make sure that your AirDrop is set to either “Contacts Only” or “Everyone” for a duration of 10 minutes to allow seamless sharing.

How to Adjust Airdrop Settings on iPhone and iPad

1. Click on Settings on your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌
2. Scroll down and tap General
3. Tap AirDrop
4. Select Everyone for 10 Minutes

How to Adjust AirDrop Settings on Mac

1. Navigate to the top menu options and Click on ‘Go’
2. Select AirDrop or use the keyboard combination Command-Shift-R to open it.
3. Click the setting prefaced with Allow me to be discovered by and select Everyone from the drop-down menu.

Important Tip: In the latest iOS version, if you have enabled receiving from everyone, Apple has automatically set the duration to 10 minutes by default. This measure is in place to protect you from becoming a victim of unsolicited AirDrop shares.

Tip 5: Turn Off Your Wi-Fi Hotspot

There is a possibility that you and your friend are using the Personal Hotspot connection on your iPhone to share internet access over Wi-Fi. However, it’s essential to be aware that enabling the Personal Hotspot will automatically disable the AirDrop functionality, making it unavailable. To successfully AirDrop a file to another iPhone, ensure that your Personal Hotspot is disabled.

Tip 6: Restart Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Have you ever wondered how AirDrop works on your iOS devices? It utilizes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files over the air. If you encounter any issues with sharing files through AirDrop, try disabling both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and then re-enable them. Doing so increases the likelihood that your AirDrop will function properly again.

Tip 7: Reset Network Settings

Often, iPhone users attempt to fix the “AirDrop not working” problem by restarting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but they still encounter the issue. If you are facing Wi-Fi connection problems, one method you can try is to reset the network settings on your device.

Steps To Reset Network Settings

• Step 1: Open “Settings” and Click “General”
• Step 2: Choose “Reset” and tap on “Reset Network Settings”

Tip 8: Re-Sign in iCloud

If your AirDrop is not functioning correctly, try resolving the issue by signing out and back into your iCloud account. To do this, open the “Settings”, tap on your name, and navigate to “iCloud.” First, sign out from your iCloud account, then sign back in again. This process may help fix the problem with AirDrop.

Tip 9: Restart Your Device

“If nothing works – Restart” – If none of the previously mentioned solutions have resolved the issue, it’s worth considering a restart of your devices. A restart can be necessary, particularly if you recently made changes to your settings, encountered an intermittent glitch, or experienced a recent update that might be causing the AirDrop problem.

• To perform a restart on your iPhone, simply turn the device off and then switch it on again.
• You can also restart your iPad or your Mac to potentially resolve any AirDrop issues and get your device running smoothly.

Tip 10: Update the iOS Version

There is a possibility that one of your iPhones or iOS devices is an older model and not compatible with AirDrop for file transfer. In such a case, ensure that both devices are updated with the latest iOS version. To update to the latest version, follow these steps:

• Click on the Settings
• Select General
• Tap on “Software Update’ to get the latest iOS version.

Steps to Troubleshoot Airdrop on iPhone

1. Confirm you have the latest update
2. Reset Network Settings
3. Restart Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
4. Turn off Wi-Fi Hotspot
5. Check AirDrop Settings
6. Enable Airdrop ‘Contacts Only’ or ‘Everyone for 10 Minutes’
7. Keep iPhone Unlocked while using AirDrop

AirDrop, the popular file-sharing feature on iOS and macOS devices, has revolutionized the way we transfer photos, videos, documents, and more. Its seamless and quick transfer capabilities have made it a go-to method for Apple users around the world. However, like any technology, AirDrop can sometimes encounter issues that hinder its smooth functionality. If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of AirDrop not working when you need it the most, fear not! In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we will explore various tips and techniques to help you resolve common AirDrop issues. Whether you’re trying to send files from your iPhone to a friend’s iPad or from your Mac to an iPhone, these troubleshooting tips will empower you to regain control of your AirDrop and enjoy seamless file sharing once again. So, let’s dive in and discover how to troubleshoot AirDrop and get it back to working flawlessly!