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AirDrop Not Working?

AirDrop not finding nearby devices? Files failing to send? AirDrop is convenient when it works - here's how to fix it when it doesn't.

⏱️ 5-10 min 💪 Easy 📤 iPhone, iPad, Mac

How AirDrop Works

AirDrop uses both WiFi and Bluetooth to discover and transfer files. Both devices must:

  • Have WiFi and Bluetooth ON
  • Be within 30 feet of each other
  • Have AirDrop receiving enabled
  • Not be in Airplane Mode

Fixes to Try

1 Check AirDrop Settings

Make sure receiving is enabled:

  1. Open Settings → General → AirDrop
  2. Or: Open Control Center, long-press the connectivity panel
  3. Choose Everyone for 10 Minutes or Contacts Only
⚠️ "Contacts Only" requires both people to be in each other's contacts with email/phone number linked to their Apple ID.

2 Enable WiFi and Bluetooth

Both must be ON (not just connected to something):

  1. Go to Settings → WiFi - turn ON
  2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth - turn ON
  3. Personal Hotspot must be OFF

Note: Using Control Center toggles disconnect but don't fully disable - use Settings.

3 Disable Personal Hotspot

Personal Hotspot conflicts with AirDrop:

  1. Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot
  2. Turn Allow Others to Join OFF

4 Turn Off Do Not Disturb / Focus

Focus modes can block AirDrop requests:

  1. Open Control Center
  2. Tap to disable Focus/Do Not Disturb if active

5 Move Closer Together

AirDrop range is limited:

  • Get within 10-15 feet for best results
  • Clear line of sight helps
  • Walls and obstacles can block signal

6 Restart Both Devices

On both the sending and receiving device:

  1. Hold Side + Volume Down → Slide to power off
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Turn back on

7 Sign Out and Back Into iCloud

AirDrop uses iCloud for device discovery:

  1. Go to Settings → [Your Name]
  2. Scroll down, tap Sign Out
  3. Sign back in

8 Reset Network Settings

Last resort - resets all network settings:

  1. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset → Reset Network Settings
  3. Re-setup WiFi after restart

AirDrop to Mac Tips

If AirDrop won't find your Mac:

  • On Mac: Open Finder → AirDrop (sidebar) → Set to "Everyone"
  • Make sure Mac has WiFi and Bluetooth on
  • Older Macs (2012 and earlier) have limited AirDrop support
  • Firewall settings can block AirDrop - check System Settings → Network → Firewall

AirDrop Compatibility

AirDrop works between:

  • iPhone 5 or later
  • iPad 4th gen or later, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro
  • iPod touch 5th gen or later
  • Mac (2012 or later)

Still Having Issues?

If AirDrop won't work after trying all fixes, there may be a hardware issue with WiFi or Bluetooth.

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