AirDrop is one of Apple’s most convenient features, allowing users to wirelessly share files, photos, and other data between Apple devices with just a touch. However, when it fails to work correctly or refuses to send files, frustration quickly sets in. Understanding the causes and applying the right troubleshooting steps can help restore this essential feature to full functionality.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
If AirDrop isn’t working on your iPhone, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both turned on. Also verify that the target device is not set to receive from “Contacts Only” unless you’re in their contact list. Restarting both devices, turning Airplane Mode on and off, and updating iOS can quickly resolve most issues. If AirDrop still won’t work, adjusting AirDrop settings or resetting your network settings may be necessary.
1. Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connections
AirDrop relies on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to function, even though it does not use your internet connection. If either of these is turned off, AirDrop simply won’t work. Here’s how to make sure these are properly enabled:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
- Ensure both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons are blue, indicating they are active.
If either icon appears greyed out, tap it to turn it on. Also, make sure you’re within close proximity (about 30 feet) of the target device, as this range limitation can impact connectivity.
2. Confirm AirDrop Settings Are Correct
Depending on your settings, your device may not be discoverable to the person trying to send or receive files. To change this:
- Go to Settings > General > AirDrop.
- Select either Everyone or Contacts Only.
Choosing Everyone is the better option for troubleshooting, especially when sending or receiving files from a device not stored in your contacts.
3. Make Sure the Screen Is On and Unlocked
While it may sound trivial, AirDrop won’t work if the target device’s screen is locked or turned off. This is a security feature, and it ensures that AirDrop transfers are intentional. Thus, both devices need to be awake, unlocked, and within close physical range for the transfer to succeed.
4. Toggle AirDrop, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Off and On
Sometimes, refreshing the AirDrop, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections can clear temporary glitches that prevent successful file sharing. This quick step often resolves issues without requiring more invasive solutions:
- Open Control Center.
- Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop.
- Wait five seconds, then turn them all back on.
Alternatively, toggling Airplane Mode on and off achieves a similar effect, resetting all wireless communications quickly:
- Open Control Center.
- Tap the Airplane icon on, then off after 5–10 seconds.
5. Restart Both Devices
As with many tech issues, a simple reboot can go a long way. Restarting can fix performance issues, refresh wireless connections, and reload minor software glitches affecting AirDrop.
To restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power slider appears.
- Drag to turn off, then press and hold the Side button again to restart.
Ensure the receiving device is also restarted to ensure both ends are functioning optimally.
6. Update to the Latest iOS Version
Occasionally, AirDrop performance can be affected by iOS bugs. Apple regularly issues updates to resolve known bugs and optimize system operations. To check for an update:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Be sure both devices involved in the transfer are running the latest iOS version for best compatibility.
7. Check “Contacts Only” Compatibility Issues
If you’re trying to use AirDrop with a device set to “Contacts Only,” but the devices aren’t recognizing each other, it’s likely one of these issues:
- You’re not in each other’s contacts list, or your contact entry lacks an iCloud email or phone number.
- One device is signed in with iCloud but the other isn’t.
Changing AirDrop settings from “Contacts Only” to “Everyone” bypasses this limitation and often fixes the problem instantly.
8. Disable Personal Hotspot
AirDrop and Personal Hotspot both use Wi-Fi radios, and one can interfere with the other. If your personal hotspot is on, AirDrop won’t work.
To disable it:
- Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- Toggle Allow Others to Join off.
Once disabled, retry sending or receiving the AirDrop item.
9. Sign In to iCloud
To use AirDrop in “Contacts Only” mode, the devices need to be signed in to iCloud.
- Check if you’re signed in by going to Settings and looking at the top of the screen. If not, sign in with your Apple ID.
This ensures your device can identify and accept transfers from known contacts when using this mode.
10. Reset Network Settings
If none of the above solutions resolve your AirDrop issues, you may need to reset your network settings. Be warned: this will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and custom DNS settings.
To reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Select Reset Network Settings.
After the reset is complete, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and re-enable AirDrop to test functionality.
11. Use Alternate Transfer Methods if Needed
While AirDrop is extremely convenient, sometimes ongoing issues make alternate methods easier for the time being. Options include:
- Sending through iCloud Drive or Google Drive.
- Using a file-sharing app like Send Anywhere.
- Transferring files with Messages or Email.
If AirDrop problems persist over multiple iOS updates and devices, you may wish to contact Apple Support for a deeper diagnostic.
Final Thoughts
AirDrop is a fantastic tool—when it works. But when it doesn’t, the fix is often simple. By checking your connections, adjusting AirDrop visibility settings, restarting devices, or doing a quick iOS update, you can resolve most AirDrop problems in minutes. In rare cases, resetting network settings or contacting Apple may be necessary.
With the right troubleshooting approach, you’ll be back to instantly sharing files between iPhones, iPads, and Macs like a pro.
Published on December 19, 2025 under .
