How to Fix ‘Airdrop is Not Working’ Issue – Guide
AirDrop makes it easy to transfer files between your Apple devices, using Bluetooth 4.x for energy-efficient streaming and discovery and point-to-point WiFi for fast streaming. It’s a great feature that makes using the best iPhone, iPad, or Mac even better - but like any software, it can sometimes malfunction.
If AirDrop isn’t working as expected, there are steps you can take to get it back up and running. Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Problems solution Tips for when AirDrop is not working
AirDrop not working? Troubleshooting tips can help. From devices not showing up in the share window to files not being received, there are a variety of issues that can arise when using AirDrop. We’ve got the solutions to get you back on track.
Update operating system
Apple’s latest updates for iOS, iPadOS and macOS are designed to address software bugs, including those that may be causing AirDrop issues. Installing the most recent updates is recommended to ensure your devices are running optimally.
To update your Apple device, go to Settings on an iPhone or iPad, or the Apple menu on a Mac. Then select General > Software Update in the former case, or System Preferences > Software Update in the latter.
Restart both devices
Restarting your iPhone, iPad, or Mac may be the quickest and most effective way to get AirDrop working again. It’s a simple solution that only takes a moment to try.
Disable AirDrop restrictions
If AirDrop isn’t appearing on your iOS device, it could be locked in Content and Privacy Restrictions. To fix this, go to Settings > Screen Time and check the Allowed apps section. Make sure AirDrop is enabled; you may need to enter a screen-time password to make changes.
Disable personal hotspot on your iPhone
You can’t use AirDrop and Personal Hotspot simultaneously, as they both rely on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. To enable AirDrop, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot on your iOS device and turn it off.
Disable Do Not Disturb mode
If Do Not Disturb mode is enabled, AirDrop requests may not be received. To turn it off on an iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center and tap the moon icon. On a Mac, click the Notification Center icon in the menu bar and scroll down to find the Do Not Disturb button.
Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices
If AirDrop isn’t working, a quick fix is to toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on. To do this, open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad and tap the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons.
To turn off Wi-Fi and reset Bluetooth on a Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select ‘Turn Wi-Fi Off’, then go to System Preferences > Bluetooth to reset it.
Change AirDrop Visibility Settings
If your device isn’t appearing in AirDrop, try switching between the three visibility options – All, Contacts Only and Incoming Disabled – to get it working again. However, be aware that if you leave it on All, you may receive unwanted NSFW content.
To change AirDrop settings on Mac and iOS devices, open the Finder or Control Center respectively and select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu.
Use AirDrop from a third-party Apple device
If you have an extra Apple device, AirDrop can be a useful tool for connecting it to your existing iPhone or Mac. When the new device is detected, it will also appear on the original one.
Submit a single file instead of several
AirDrop enables users to quickly and easily share multiple files simultaneously. However, if the feature is not functioning properly on your iPhone or Mac, you may need to resort to sending individual files one at a time.
AirDrop files can open in different apps depending on the file type, which could be why a transfer didn’t work. For instance, images will open in the Photos app.
Check the downloads folder for missing files
If you’re unable to locate a file sent via AirDrop, check your Downloads folder. On an iPhone, open the Files app and look for the Downloads folder in iCloud Drive. Mac users can usually find it next to Trash in the Dock.
Turn off VPN for AirDrop to work
Users may need to turn off their VPN in order to get AirDrop working on their iPhone or Mac. This can be done through the VPN app or device settings.
To access a virtual private network (VPN) on Apple devices, users can go to Settings > General > VPN on an iPhone or iPad, or System Preferences > Network on a Mac.
Open your Mac’s Firewall for more connections
Mac users can ensure AirDrop works by allowing incoming connections in System Preferences. This means adjusting the firewall to allow new transfers, which are usually blocked by default.
To enable incoming connections, unlock the Firewall Options window in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and uncheck the Block all incoming connections option.
Log in to your Apple ID account again
To sign out of your Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings> [Your Name] > Exit. Select the data you want to keep on your device and confirm that you want to sign out. To log back in, return to Settings and enter your Apple ID credentials.
To exit your Apple ID on a Mac, go to System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview. Select the data you want to keep on your device and confirm the logout. Once complete, try using AirDrop again from the same page.
Reset network settings on your iPhone
Resetting network settings on an iPhone or iPad can help fix Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues, including AirDrop not working. However, this will cause the device to forget all saved Wi-Fi passwords, requiring users to reconnect to trusted networks.
If you’re determined to continue, head to Settings > General > Reset and select ‘Reset Network Settings’. After rebooting, AirDrop should be back up and running.
Final note
If you’re having trouble with Airdrop, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love and spread the word.
