AirDrop Not Working on iPhone? 10 Easy Fixes

Quick Fix

Open Control Center, press and hold the network settings panel (WiFi/Bluetooth area), tap AirDrop, and select Everyone temporarily. Also ensure both WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled. This resolves most AirDrop visibility issues.

Understanding AirDrop Problems

AirDrop uses a combination of Bluetooth for discovery and WiFi for fast file transfer. When it’s not working, your iPhone either can’t find other devices or can’t complete transfers. Both devices need to meet certain requirements for AirDrop to function.

Common issues include restrictive AirDrop settings, disabled WiFi or Bluetooth, Personal Hotspot interference, and software glitches. Distance also matters – devices should be within about 30 feet of each other.

AirDrop works between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Both devices need to be unlocked and awake for discovery to work properly.

Method 1: Check AirDrop Settings

1. Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right)
2. Press and hold the network settings card (WiFi/Bluetooth area)
3. Tap AirDrop
4. Select Everyone (or Contacts Only if sending to a contact)
5. Ask the receiving device to do the same
6. “Receiving Off” means AirDrop is disabled
7. Try the transfer again

Method 2: Enable WiFi and Bluetooth

1. AirDrop requires BOTH WiFi and Bluetooth
2. Open Settings
3. Tap WiFi and ensure it’s on (doesn’t need to be connected)
4. Go back and tap Bluetooth and ensure it’s on
5. Toggle both off, wait 10 seconds, toggle back on
6. Try AirDrop again

Method 3: Disable Personal Hotspot

1. Personal Hotspot can interfere with AirDrop
2. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot
3. Turn off Allow Others to Join
4. AirDrop should work while hotspot is disabled
5. This applies to both sending and receiving devices

Method 4: Restart Both Devices

1. On your iPhone, press and hold Side button + Volume Up
2. Slide to power off
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Turn the iPhone back on
5. Ask the other person to restart their device too
6. Try AirDrop after both devices restart

Method 5: Sign Out and Into iCloud

1. Go to Settings > tap your name at the top
2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out
3. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted
4. Choose whether to keep data on the device
5. After signing out, restart your iPhone
6. Sign back into iCloud
7. Try AirDrop again

Method 6: Reset Network Settings

1. Go to Settings > General
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
3. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
4. Enter your passcode
5. Your iPhone will restart
6. Reconnect to WiFi afterward
7. AirDrop settings reset to default – configure again

Method 7: Check Screen Time Restrictions

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
3. If enabled, tap Allowed Apps
4. Ensure AirDrop is allowed
5. Also check Content Restrictions > AirDrop
6. Disable any AirDrop restrictions

Method 8: Update iOS

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install
3. iOS updates often fix AirDrop bugs
4. Both devices should be on recent iOS versions
5. Try AirDrop after updating

Preventing Future AirDrop Issues

• Keep devices within 30 feet of each other
• Ensure both devices are unlocked when trying to connect
• Keep iOS updated on all your Apple devices
• For security, use “Contacts Only” instead of “Everyone” as your default
• Turn off hotspot before attempting AirDrop transfers

FAQ

Why can’t I see the other person’s iPhone for AirDrop?

The other device may have AirDrop set to “Receiving Off” or “Contacts Only” (and you’re not in their contacts). Ask them to set AirDrop to “Everyone” temporarily and ensure their screen is on and unlocked.

Why does AirDrop say “waiting” and never complete?

This usually indicates the receiving device declined the transfer or there’s a connection issue. Ensure both devices stay unlocked and close to each other. Try restarting both devices and transferring again.

Can I AirDrop to Android phones?

No, AirDrop only works between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). For cross-platform sharing, use alternatives like email, messaging apps, or third-party apps like Snapdrop or ShareDrop.

Why does AirDrop work sometimes but not others?

Intermittent issues often relate to network congestion or interference. Try moving away from other Bluetooth devices, microwaves, or crowded WiFi areas. Restarting both devices usually helps.

Does AirDrop use cellular data?

No, AirDrop uses Bluetooth for discovery and peer-to-peer WiFi for transfer. It doesn’t use your cellular data or require an internet connection. Both devices just need WiFi and Bluetooth enabled.

Is there a file size limit for AirDrop?

There’s no official file size limit for AirDrop. Users have successfully transferred files several gigabytes in size. However, very large files take longer and are more prone to connection drops.