Buzz
Get AirDrop back up and running on all Apple devices
If AirDrop isn't detecting the other device, ensure that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are activated. Here’s how to troubleshoot if AirDrop is not working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, with expert advice from Electronics Repair Specialist Bryzz Tortello.
Making AirDrop Work Again
If AirDrop isn't working, double-check that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Restart both devices and adjust the Receiving setting to either Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Instructions
Activate AirDrop on both devices.
Ensure that AirDrop is enabled on both devices. 'Double-check that the feature is activated and ready for sharing,' says Tortello. On your iPhone or iPad, swipe to open the Control Center. Press and hold the Wi-Fi icon to expand the menu. Confirm that AirDrop is set to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Bring the devices closer together.
Place the devices close to each other. If you're having trouble with AirDrop, make sure the devices aren't too far apart. To rule out distance as a potential issue, try sending files when the devices are side by side.
Verify device compatibility.
Ensure that both devices are compatible with AirDrop. AirDrop is only supported on specific Apple devices, including:
- iPhone 5 or later
- iPad (4th Generation) or later
- iPad Mini (1st Generation) or later
- iPod Touch (5th Generation) or later
- Macs from 2012 or later running Yosemite or newer
Reboot your devices.
Power off your devices and then restart them. A simple restart often resolves minor software glitches.
- You can restart your iPad or iPhone.
Verify your AirDrop settings.
Check that your AirDrop settings are correctly configured. Follow these steps to verify:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Ensure that receiving is enabled.
- Optional: Enable Use Cellular Data if your Wi-Fi connection is unreliable.
Inspect your device's battery status.
Ensure your device is fully charged. Low battery levels can interfere with sending or receiving AirDrops. Charge your device to at least 75% before attempting to AirDrop.
- If Low Power Mode is enabled, disable it by going to Settings > Battery > toggle off Low Power Mode.
Verify your available storage.
Ensure you have enough storage space. If you're receiving multiple files via AirDrop, you may run into issues if your storage is full.
- Check your storage by going to Settings > General > [device] Storage.
- If you need more space, consider offloading your files to a cloud service such as iCloud or Google Drive.
Disable any active VPNs.
Deactivate any VPN services. A VPN may interfere with your connection to Apple's servers. Turn it off, and then try AirDrop again.
Turn off Personal Hotspot.
Disable your Personal Hotspot. If you're using your Hotspot, you need to turn it off before AirDrop can work. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Personal Hotspot.
- Toggle off Allow Others to Join.
