AirDrop is a wireless file-sharing method among iPhone, iPad, or Mac devices with other Apple devices. AirDrop utilizes Bluetooth 4.0 for broadcasting and detecting signals, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi for swiftly transferring data between iPhone and iPad. The data transfer process is simple and extremely secure.
If you're using iOS 11.2 and facing AirDrop issues, refer to Mytour's solutions below to fix AirDrop not working on iOS 11.2.
Fixing AirDrop malfunction on iOS 11.2
Setting up AirDrop
AirDrop offers 3 levels: Off (not receiving), Contacts Only (limited to contacts), and Everyone (open to all). Among these, Contacts Only presents the most complexity as it requires verifying the identity of other parties. If AirDrop isn't working, you can switch to Everyone and try again. Alternatively, the sender can toggle AirDrop off and on again.
Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center
Step 2: Tap on AirDrop.
Step 3: Select Everyone to switch to the simplest transfer mode.
Step 4: Tap Off to turn off, then repeat the same steps and tap On to turn it back on.
Pairing with Mac
If you're using AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to connect with a Mac, but the Mac isn't appearing, try applying the method below to fix AirDrop not working on iOS 11.2
Step 1: Open Finder on your Mac.
Step 2: Click on AirDrop in the sidebar.
Following the above steps will make your Mac visible on AirDrop. If not, refer to some additional methods below.
Switching icon button
Try turning off and then on AirDrop by tapping on the icons:
Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center
Step 2: Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off, and the Wifi icon to turn off Wifi.
Step 3: Tap the Bluetooth and Wifi icons again to turn Bluetooth and Wifi back on.
Alternatively, another method is to tap the airplane mode icon to turn off both Bluetooth and Wifi simultaneously, then turn them back on. Finally, try reconnecting to see if AirDrop is working or not.
Perform Hard reset
The next solution is to perform a hard reset, which is perhaps the most effective solution to fix AirDrop not working on iOS 11.2.
Step 1: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously.
Step 2: Keep holding these buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Step 3: Release your fingers from the buttons.
Step 4: Wait for the device to restart.
After the device has restarted, try checking if AirDrop is functioning correctly.
Update to the latest version
It's highly likely that compatibility issues with the iOS version you're using are causing the problem. If you're facing Bluetooth connection issues, try updating your device to the latest iOS version to resolve the problem.
Step 1: Open the Settings app
Step 2: Tap on General
Step 3: Select Software Update
Step 4: If there are available updates, tap on the update to install it.
After the update process completes, try checking if AirDrop is functioning properly.
Reset network settings
Resetting, reconfiguring network settings on iPhone, iPad proves quite effective for cases encountering connection issues on iPhone, iPad devices.
Step 1: Tap on the Settings app
Step 2: Tap on General
Step 3: Tap on Reset at the bottom
Step 4: Tap on Reset Network Settings
Step 5: Enter passcode if prompted
Step 6: Tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.
After the reset, you'll need to reconnect Wifi and Bluetooth on your devices and check if AirDrop is functioning.
Contact Apple Support
Sometimes the key issue lies within the devices themselves. In such cases, try reaching out to Apple for assistance in resolving the problem.
If your device is running iOS 11.2 and you're encountering AirDrop issues, refer to the troubleshooting steps for AirDrop not working on iOS 11.2 provided by Mytour above to fix the issue. Wishing you success!
