AirDrop is a fantastic feature for quickly sharing files between Apple devices, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work. If you’re experiencing an AirDrop not working issue, don’t worry! Here are 10 troubleshooting fixes to get AirDrop working again.
Why is AirDrop Not Working?
Several factors could cause AirDrop not responding, including device compatibility, settings issues, or software bugs. Let’s dive into the common solutions.
1. Check if Both Devices Support AirDrop
First, ensure that both devices support AirDrop. AirDrop is available on:
- iPhone 5 and later, with iOS 7 or later
- iPad (4th generation) and later, with iPadOS 13 or later
- iPod touch (5th generation) and later
- Mac computers from 2012 and later (excluding the 2012 Mac Pro), with OS X Yosemite or later
2. Make Sure the Receiving Device is Unlocked
AirDrop requires the receiving device to be awake and unlocked. Check that the screen is on and the device is not in sleep mode.
3. Enable AirDrop
Turn on Airdrop for iPhone and iPad:
- Open Setting and scroll down to General.
- Tap AirDrop and choose Everyone or Contacts Only.
Turn on Airdrop for Mac
- Open Finder.
- Select AirDrop from the sidebar.
- Choose Allow me to be discovered by: Everyone or Contacts Only.
4. Toggle on WIFI and Bluetooth
AirDrop requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be enabled. Ensure these are turned on for both sending and receiving devices.
5. Disable Personal Hotspot
Personal Hotspot can interfere with AirDrop. Disable it by going to Settings > Personal Hotspot and toggle it off.
6. Bring the Devices Closer
AirDrop works best when devices are within 33 feet (10 meters) of each other. Ensure the devices are close enough to establish a connection.
7. Limit the Firewall on Your Mac
Limit the firewall on your Mac if AirDrop not working from iPhone to Mac or Mac not showing up in AirDrop.
- Open System Settings on your Mac.
- Go to Network.
- Click the Firewall tab and Options….
- Ensure Block all incoming connections is unchecked.
- Enable “Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections.”
8. Remove AirDrop Restriction
Remove AirDrop restriction if AirDrop not showing up on Mac or the AirDrop option is greyed out on your iPhone.
- On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps and ensure AirDrop is enabled.
- On Mac, open System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Security >App Restrictions and check if AirDrop is restricted.
9. Disable DND or Focus Mode
Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus Mode can prevent AirDrop from working. Disable it by:
- Swiping down from the upper-right corner on iPhone or iPad and tap the moon icon.
- On Mac, clicking the Control Center icon in the menu bar and turning off DND.
10. Turn Off VPN
VPNs can interfere with network connectivity. Turn off your VPN and try AirDrop again.
11. Log Back Into Your Apple Account
Sometimes logging out and back into your Apple account can resolve AirDrop issues. Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign Out and then sign back in.
12. Update Software
Ensure both devices are running the latest software. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone/iPad or Apple Menu > System Preferences > General > Software Update on Mac.
13. Reset Network
Resetting network settings can fix connectivity issues. On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
14. Hard Reset Your Device
Perform a hard reset to clear any temporary glitches. On iPhone/iPad, press and hold the power and volume down buttons until you see the Apple logo. On Mac, press and hold the power button until it restarts.
15. Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
How to AirDrop?
- Open the file you want to share.
- Tap the Share button.
- Select AirDrop.
- Choose the receiving device from the list.
How to Receive from AirDrop?
When someone sends you a file via AirDrop, you’ll see a notification. Tap Accept to receive the file.
Where Do AirDrop Files Go on iPhone?
Files sent to an iPhone via AirDrop will typically go to the appropriate app based on the file type:
- Photos and videos will appear in the Photos app.
- Contacts will be saved in the Contacts app.
- Other file types might open in the default app for that file type or give you an option to choose an app.
Where Do AirDrop Files Go on iPad?
Similar to the iPhone, files AirDropped to an iPad will be directed to the appropriate app:
- Photos and videos are saved in the Photos app.
- Contacts go to the Contacts app.
- Documents and other files will go to the Files app or prompt you to choose an app.
Where Do AirDrop Files Go on Mac?
On a Mac, AirDropped files are saved to the Downloads folder by default. You can access these files by:
- Opening Finder.
- Clicking on Downloads in the sidebar.
Why is My AirDrop Not Finding Anyone?
If AirDrop is not finding any devices, consider the following reasons and fixes:
- Device Compatibility: Ensure both devices are compatible with AirDrop.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Verify that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices.
- Proximity: Ensure the devices are within close range (less than 33 feet).
- Discoverability: Ensure that AirDrop is set to Everyone or Contacts Only on the receiving device.
- Personal Hotspot: Turn off Personal Hotspot as it can interfere with AirDrop.
Why is AirDrop Stuck on Waiting?
If AirDrop is stuck on “Waiting,” try these solutions:
- Check Connectivity: Ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled and working.
- Move Closer: Bring the devices closer together.
- Restart Devices: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve the issue.
- Software Update: Ensure both devices are running the latest software version.
- Reset Network Settings: On iOS, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Why is AirDrop Not Working on iPhone?
AirDrop not working on an iPhone can be due to several reasons:
- Compatibility Issues: Ensure your iPhone model supports AirDrop.
- Settings Issues: Check AirDrop settings and ensure it is enabled.
- Software Bugs: Update to the latest iOS version.
- Network Issues: Reset network settings if necessary.
- Restrictions: Ensure AirDrop is not restricted under Screen Time.
Why is AirDrop Unable to Share?
If AirDrop is unable to share files:
- File Type: Ensure the file type is supported by AirDrop.
- Space: Check if there is enough storage space on the receiving device.
- Connection: Ensure both devices have stable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
- Settings: Confirm that AirDrop is properly configured on both devices.
Conclusion
AirDrop is an incredibly useful feature for sharing files between Apple devices, but like any technology, it can sometimes encounter issues. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most AirDrop problems and get back to sharing files effortlessly. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
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