How to use AirDrop on iPhone: send and receive files
AirDrop sends photos, videos and files between nearby Apple devices in seconds, with no cable, app or internet connection needed.
The fix
How to send with AirDrop
- 1
Open the photo, video, file or web page you want to send.
- 2
Tap the Share button (a square with an arrow).
- 3
Tap AirDrop, or tap the person’s picture in the top row.
Nearby people and devices appear after a moment.
- 4
Tap the person or device, then wait for “Sent”.
The fix
How to receive with AirDrop
- 1
Choose who can send to you.
Go to Settings › General › AirDrop. Contacts Only is safest. Everyone for 10 Minutes lets anyone nearby send to you briefly.
- 2
Keep your iPhone unlocked and close to the sender.
- 3
Tap Accept when the request appears.
More AirDrop features
NameDrop
Hold the tops of two iPhones close together to swap contact details. It works on iOS 17 and later.
Finish over the internet
If you walk out of range mid-transfer, large files keep sending over the internet. Turn on Use Cellular Data in AirDrop settings to allow this away from Wi-Fi.
Change your AirDrop name
Your AirDrop name is your iPhone’s name. Change it in Settings › General › About › Name.
Frequently asked questions
What is AirDrop used for?
AirDrop sends photos, videos, documents, contacts and links directly to nearby iPhones, iPads and Macs. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so it works without internet and does not reduce photo quality.
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone?
No. AirDrop only works between Apple devices. To send to Android, use a shared link from iCloud or Google Photos, or an app such as WhatsApp.
Where do AirDropped files go?
Photos and videos go to the Photos app. Documents open in the matching app or are saved in the Files app, in Downloads.
What to try next
Related guides
Convert photos to PDF on iPhone
Convert one or several photos to a PDF on iPhone for free with the Files app or the Print menu, combine pages in order, and save or share the PDF.
Change Auto-Lock on iPhone
Change how long your iPhone screen stays on before it locks, choose Never, and fix Auto-Lock when it is greyed out or stuck at 30 seconds by Low Power Mode.