AirDrop Not Working? Fix It Between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
AirDrop can’t find the other device. Here is how to fix it when AirDrop refuses to work between your Apple devices.
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Check AirDrop Visibility Settings
The number one reason AirDrop does not work is that the receiving device is set to Receiving Off or Contacts Only. On iPhone and iPad, open Control Center, press and hold the connectivity panel (WiFi/Bluetooth area), tap AirDrop, and select Everyone for 10 Minutes. On Mac, open Finder, click AirDrop in the sidebar, and change Allow Me to Be Discovered By to Everyone. The Contacts Only setting only works if both devices have each other in their Contacts app with the associated Apple ID email or phone number.
Verify WiFi and Bluetooth Are Both On
AirDrop requires both WiFi and Bluetooth to be enabled on both devices. They do not need to be on the same WiFi network, but WiFi must be turned on (not connected to a network, just turned on). Check that both WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled on both the sending and receiving devices. Also make sure Airplane Mode is off and that Personal Hotspot is turned off on both devices — Personal Hotspot interferes with AirDrop.
Move Devices Closer Together
AirDrop uses Bluetooth to discover nearby devices and WiFi to transfer files. Bluetooth range is about 30 feet but works best within 10 feet. Make sure both devices are within arm’s reach of each other during initial discovery. Once the transfer starts, they can be further apart. If you are in a crowded area with many Apple devices, AirDrop may struggle to find the specific device — reduce the number of potential AirDrop targets by having others turn off AirDrop.
Restart Both Devices and Reset Network Settings
If AirDrop still does not work, restart both devices. On iPhone, this clears the Bluetooth and WiFi stacks. If restarting does not fix it, reset network settings on the problematic device: Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, Reset Network Settings. Warning: this also erases saved WiFi passwords, so you will need to re-enter them. After reset, re-enable AirDrop and try again. This resolves the vast majority of persistent AirDrop issues.
