AirDrop should make it easy to transfer data from one Apple device to another. It does this by creating an encrypted communication channel using WiFi and Bluetooth. But unfortunately, AirDrop isn’t always perfect and works.
If you’ve ever wondered why AirDrop isn’t working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the following article might help. Below, you’ll find all the ways to fix AirDrop errors on Apple devices.
AirDrop requirements for Apple devices:
First, you need to check that your device is indeed compatible with AirDrop. Apple’s requirements change from time to time, but as of this writing, you can use AirDrop in the following ways:
Any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 7 or later
Any Mac introduced after 2011 running OS X Yosemite or later (except the 2012 Mac Pro)
Once you’ve determined your device is compatible, make sure you know how to use AirDrop properly. You may find that your device doesn’t show up in the AirDrop share window, you can’t send files to the device that does, or you can’t find some files after someone else sent them to you. .
So, if AirDrop is still not working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix it.
15 Ways to Fix AirDrop Not Working
OS update
Apple regularly releases new updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS designed to fix software bugs. If AirDrop isn’t working, install the latest update for your device to fix it.
On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On a Mac, open the Apple menu ( ) and go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
Reboot both devices
This is a classic troubleshooting trick because it works so well. You may just need to restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to get AirDrop working again. Take your time and try it out.
Turn off AirDrop restrictions
If AirDrop doesn’t appear at all, you may have blocked it in the “Content and Privacy Restrictions” section. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > App Restrictions. Make sure AirDrop is enabled for each device.
Disable Personal Hotspot on iPhone
Both AirDrop and Personal Hotspot use your Bluetooth and WiFi connections, so you can’t use them both at the same time. If AirDrop isn’t working on your iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot to turn it off, then try AirDrop again.
Turn off Do Not Disturb mode
Your device may not receive transfer requests from AirDrop because Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is enabled. Open Control Center and tap the moon or focus icon to disable features on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Restart WiFi and Bluetooth on both devices
If AirDrop isn’t working, a particularly helpful solution is to turn WiFi and Bluetooth off and on again. Open Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap the WiFi and Bluetooth icons to turn them off, then select them again to turn them back on.
Change AirDrop display settings
AirDrop gives you 3 display options: Everyone, Contacts Only or Receiving. If your device doesn’t show up in AirDrop, try switching through each option to fix it.
On your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center, then press and hold in the upper left corner to bring up the AirDrop button and choose a different option. On a Mac, open Control Center and click AirDrop in the upper left corner. In the popup, choose Everyone or Contacts Only.
Prepare both devices to receive AirDrop requests
Sometimes it’s helpful to prepare your device for an upcoming AirDrop handover, which makes it more visible on other people’s devices. Unlock your iPhone or iPad and leave it on the Home screen for emergencies. For Mac, open a new Finder window and select Go > AirDrop from the menu bar.
Use AirDrop from a third Apple device
This isn’t for everyone, but if you have a spare Apple device, you should try using it to connect via AirDrop. Usually, if your iPhone, iPad, or Mac shows up on this new device, it will suddenly show up on the original device as well.
Send one file instead of multiple files
AirDrop allows you to share multiple file types at once. However, if AirDrop isn’t working, you might want to simplify things by sending files one at a time.
AirDrop files automatically open in the associated application. For example, an image opens in the Photos app. However, multiple file types don’t always open in the same app, which could explain why AirDrop transfers fail.
Check the Downloads folder to find the missing file
If AirDrop sent the file to your device but you can’t find it, check your Downloads folder. On iPhone, open the Files app and find the Downloads folder in iCloud Drive, or go to On My iPhone. On a Mac, you can usually find the Downloads folder by opening a new Finder window and pressing Option + Cmd + L. You can also find it next to the Trash in the Dock.
Turn off VPN for AirDrop to work
Some users have found that AirDrop doesn’t work until they turn off the VPN on their iPhone or Mac. You may need to do this in your VPN app or device settings.
On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > VPN to do this. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Network > VPN.
Open your Mac firewall for more connections
Your Mac’s firewall may be set to block all incoming connections, often including new AirDrop transfers. If AirDrop still doesn’t work, you need to relax these restrictions from your system settings.
Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall. Click the toggle to disable the firewall, you may need to enter your administrator password to do this.
Sign in to your Apple ID account again
Go to Settings or System Settings on your iPhone or Mac, then select [your name] at the top of Settings and select Sign Out. Select the data you want to keep on your device, then confirm you want to sign out. It doesn’t matter if you keep the data on the device because you plan to log into the same account again.
After signing out, return to Settings to sign back in with your Apple ID.
Reset network settings on iPhone
You can reset the network settings on your iPhone or iPad to fix various WiFi or Bluetooth issues, including AirDrop not working properly. When you reset these settings, your device will forget all your saved WiFi passwords, so you must reconnect to trusted networks.
If you still want to continue, go to Settings > General > Transmission or Reset [device] > Reset, then tap Reset Network Settings. Enter your password and confirm that you want to reset network settings.
Hope this article was helpful to you!