AirDrop not working? 10 fixes for iPhone, iPad and Mac
AirDrop needs both devices awake, close together, and set to receive. Most failures come down to one of those three.
The fix
10 fixes, quickest first
- 1
Unlock both devices.
The receiving device must be awake and unlocked to appear in AirDrop.
- 2
Move closer.
Keep the devices within about 30 feet, ideally in the same room.
- 3
Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Both must be on for AirDrop to work, even if you are not connected to a network.
- 4
Set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
On the receiving iPhone go to Settings › General › AirDrop. On a Mac, open Finder › AirDrop and set Allow me to be discovered by to Everyone.
- 5
Turn off Personal Hotspot.
AirDrop does not work while your iPhone is sharing its connection.
- 6
Turn off Focus or Do Not Disturb.
It can stop AirDrop requests from showing on the receiving device.
- 7
Check Screen Time.
Go to Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy Restrictions › Allowed Apps & Features and make sure AirDrop is on.
- 8
Check contact details.
For Contacts Only mode, the sender’s phone number or email must be saved in the receiver’s contacts.
- 9
Restart both devices.
Restart the iPhone, iPad or Mac on both sides.
- 10
Reset network settings.
As a last step, go to Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings. On a Mac, check that the firewall is not blocking all incoming connections.
Frequently asked questions
Why does AirDrop switch back to Contacts Only?
On recent iOS versions, Everyone mode only lasts 10 minutes, then switches back to Contacts Only for privacy. Turn it on again when you need to receive from someone not in your contacts.
Why is AirDrop stuck on Waiting?
The other device has not accepted yet, is locked, or has AirDrop set to Contacts Only while you are not saved in their contacts. Ask them to unlock their device and set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
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