This is a complete guide to fixing AirDrop not working issues.
If you own an iPhone, you’ve probably used the AirDrop feature before. While Apple products usually just work, sometimes you may have trouble getting your AirDrop to work properly.
This guide will discuss some easy solutions to fix AirDrop not working on your iPhone or Mac.
Before we dive right into the troubleshooting tips, let’s take a quick look at what AirDrop is and how it works.
What’s AirDrop?
AirDrop, introduced in iOS 7 and Mac OS X Lion, is an excellent feature that lets you quickly and easily share files between Apple devices (including Mac, iPhone, iPod, and iPad).
You can use it to transfer various files, such as documents, photos, videos, websites, map locations, etc.
How Does AirDrop Work?
AirDrop requires you and the recipient to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on for it to work. Why do we need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Your device will use Wi-Fi to transfer the data to other devices. Bluetooth, on the other hand, creates a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between devices. In plain English, it detects other devices.
Contrary to popular belief, devices should be physically close (less than 30 feet) and don’t need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi.
Don’t worry. Each device creates a firewall around the connections, so all transfers are encrypted for security measures. Now, let’s fix the “AirDrop not working” problems.
Fixing AirDrop Not Working on iPhone and Mac
Before we start troubleshooting, let’s make sure your device supports AirDrop. Obviously, you won’t be able to use AirDrop if your device doesn’t support it.
For iOS devices, you can swipe down from the upper right corner for iPhones without a Home button or swipe up from the bottom of iPhones with a Home button to open the Control Center.
Then, tap and hold the connection area to expand it. If you see the AirDrop icon in the panel, your device supports AirDrop.
For Mac computers, click the Apple logo in the upper right corner of the window. Select About This Mac, then System Report.
A window with your Mac’s system information will open. Click on Wi-Fi on the left-hand side. If you see Supported next to AirDrop, your Mac is compatible with AirDrop.
Not every Apple device meets the AirDrop system requirements. For a complete list of all the supported devices, visit this page.
1. Is Airplane mode activated?
When Airplane mode is on, it disables all cellular connections, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which AirDrop relies on to work. Make sure to turn that off by going to Settings and toggling off Airplane Mode.
Alternatively, you can swipe up (for iPhone 8 and older) or swipe down from the top right corner (for iPhone X and later) to access Control Center and deselect the Airplane mode icon.
2. Are you in Do Not Disturb mode?
Do Not Disturb mode can prevent AirDop from working properly. Don’t get me wrong, you can still use AirDrop while you’re in Do Not Disturb mode.
The problem is that DNM disables notifications, so you won’t get the AirDrop alert. It will also make your device undiscoverable.
You’re going to turn off Do Not Disturb mode. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap DND and toggle off the switch next to it.
- You can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen or swipe down from the top-right edge of the screen to access Control Center and deselect the DNM icon.
If your Mac was in DNM, deactivate it by clicking on the menu icon in the upper right corner of your Mac and clicking on the switch next to it to turn it off.
You can also swipe with your two fingers from the left edge of the trackpad to the right to access the Notification Center.
If you wish not to deactivate DNM but still want to use AirDrop, just awaken your device so it can be discovered. It doesn’t matter if DNM is set on “Always or While iPhone is locked.”
3. Is Personal Hotspot on?
This happens to me all the time. If Personal Hotspot is on, AirDrop won’t work since both features rely on Wi-Fi. We recommend you turn Personal Hotspot off so that AirDrop can work.
To do so, go to Settings on your phone, tap Personal Hotspot, and toggle the toggle off to deactivate it. Once Personal Hotspot is off on your iPhone, you may need to disconnect your Mac manually.
4. Is your device discoverable in AirDrop?
Another common reason AirDrop is not working is that your device is not discoverable. Here’s how to let others see your device in AirDrop.
Go to Finder on your Mac and click AirDrop in the left sidebar. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to configure who you’d like to share content with by using one of those three settings:
- No One: It’s pretty straightforward. No one can see you, but you can still share files with others.
- Contacts Only: Only someone in your contact list can see your device in AirDrop. (both devices have to have each other’s phone number or Apple ID and be signed in to iCloud to work)
- Everyone: Straight to the point. Everyone who’s using AirDrop and is nearby can see your device.
To enable AirDrop on your iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, and then AirDrop. The same options will appear.
Also: How to transfer contacts from Android to iPhone (step-by-step)
5. Check files type for multiple share via AirDrop
If you’ve used AirDrop before, you should’ve noticed that your iOS device (iPhone, iPad, iPod) automatically opens the received file with the appropriate app.
So, if you send multiple files of different types, it won’t be successful. An error message will appear on the screen: “Cannot receive all of these items at the same time.” To avoid this issue, try to send one type of file at a time.
6. Check your Mac firewall settings
If AirDrop still doesn’t work after you try all the tips above, your Mac firewall settings might be to blame.
If your Firewall is enabled, it will block certain or all incoming connections, preventing AirDrop from working.
To turn it off, go to your Mac System Preferences from the Apple menu in the upper left corner. Click the Security & Privacy icon, then select the Firewall tab.
To change the settings, click on the Lock icon in the lower-left corner of the window and enter your administrative password when prompted.
Click Firewall Options and deselect the box next to “Block all incoming connections.”
7. Any special character in your device name?
If your device name contains any special character like the one in the image below, AirDrop may have problems detecting your device.
To change your iOS device’s name:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap About.
- Then, select Name.
Don’t include international characters, space, or any character that rarely makes up a word.
If you’re using a Mac computer, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo.
- Select System Preferences.
- Then, select Sharing.
A window will open where you can change your Computer Name.
Make sure to restart your device after you’re done.
8. Is your Mac using Ethernet?
Despite Wi-Fi being much more convenient than a wired connection, some people may prefer the latter because of its speed.
If you are one of those people, disconnect the Ethernet cable from your Mac and turn on Wi-Fi. Now, try to send a file using AirDrop.
9. Restart your device
Sometimes, a quick restart of an electronic device can fix many issues it may have. By doing so, you’ll clean the device’s system and kill any unnecessary processes.
For iPhone 8 or earlier, iPod Touch, and iPad with the Home button:
- Press and hold the Top or Side button for a few seconds.
- When a Slide to Power Off button appears on the home screen, swipe it to the right to turn it off.
- Once your device turns off, press the Top or Side button to restart it.
For iPhone X or later and iPad with Face ID:
- Press the Side (Top for iPad) button and either Volume button.
- When the slider appears on the screen, swipe it to the right to turn it off.
- Press and hold the Side button to restart it until you see the Apple logo.
If either of your iOS devices is running iOS 7 or later, you can turn them off by going to Settings > General > Shut Down. For detailed instructions, see our “How to restart an iPhone” guide.
Click the Apple logo for Mac computers, then Restart to reboot your device.
10. Update your iOS and macOS
It’s recommended that you keep your device updated with the latest software. Failing to do so may cause certain device functionality to not work properly.
To update your iOS device, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Select General
- Then, select Software Update.
- The system will check if there’s any available update for your device. Tap Download and Install to update your device.
For Mac computers:
- Click the Apple logo
- Select About this Mac
- Then, select Software update.
The system will perform a system update check for your computer. If an update is available, you can download and install it.
11. Reset network settings
Is AirDrop still not working yet? It might be a good time to reset your device Network Settings.
This will put your Network settings to the factory settings, which can fix many network-related problems with your device.
On your iOS device:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Then, select Reset.
Once you’re there you’ll find a range of reset options, select Reset Network Settings. Enter your password to confirm that’s what you want to do.
You’ll have to re-enter the Wi-Fi password to connect to a Wi-Fi network if it’s password protected.
12. Contact Apple Support
At this point, your iPhone might have a hardware problem related to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios.
If you have Apple Care+, we recommend you make a Genius Bar reservation. They sure will take care of it.
Wrap-Up: AirDrop Not Working
This was our complete guide to fixing “AirDrop not working” issues. In your case, what was the culprit? Was Hotspot enabled? Was AirDrop set up for Contacts only?
If you found success doing something else, leave me a comment down below.
