AirDrop is one of the most convenient features in the Apple ecosystem, letting you wirelessly share photos, videos, documents, and links between iPhones, iPads, and Macs in seconds. When it works, it feels effortless. When it stops working, it can be incredibly frustrating.
If AirDrop is not showing up, not finding nearby devices, or failing to send or receive files on your iPhone, this guide covers every troubleshooting step to get it working again.
Check That AirDrop Is Turned On
The most common reason AirDrop does not work is that it is turned off or set to the wrong receiving mode.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Select one of these options:
- Receiving Off — AirDrop is completely disabled. You cannot receive anything.
- Contacts Only — Only people in your contacts list can see your device. Both you and the sender must have each other’s Apple ID email or phone number in your contacts.
- Everyone for 10 Minutes — Anyone nearby with an Apple device can see and send files to your iPhone for the next 10 minutes. This option automatically reverts to Contacts Only after the time expires.
If you are trying to receive a file from someone not in your contacts, set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
You can also quickly access AirDrop settings from Control Centre: open Control Centre, press and hold the network settings card (the area with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons), then tap the AirDrop button.
Make Sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Are Both Enabled
AirDrop uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to discover nearby devices and transfer files. Both must be enabled for AirDrop to function.
- Open Settings.
- Check that Wi-Fi is turned on. Your iPhone does not need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network, but Wi-Fi must be enabled.
- Check that Bluetooth is turned on.
Important: Turning off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth from Control Centre only disconnects you temporarily. To fully re-enable them, go to Settings and toggle them on.
Turn Off Personal Hotspot
If Personal Hotspot is active on your iPhone, AirDrop will not work. Personal Hotspot uses the Wi-Fi radio for sharing your mobile data connection, which conflicts with AirDrop.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Personal Hotspot.
- Toggle Allow Others to Join to off.
After disabling the hotspot, try AirDrop again.
Bring the Devices Closer Together
AirDrop has an effective range of approximately 9 metres (30 feet). If the devices are too far apart, they may not discover each other.
For best results:
- Keep both devices within a few metres of each other.
- Avoid thick walls, metal barriers, or other obstructions between the devices.
- Move away from areas with heavy wireless interference (such as microwaves, older routers, or industrial equipment).
Disable Do Not Disturb and Focus Modes
When Do Not Disturb or a Focus mode is active, your iPhone may block incoming AirDrop requests because it suppresses notifications.
- Open Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.
- If a Focus mode is active (such as Do Not Disturb, Work, or Sleep), tap it to turn it off.
You can also check Focus settings in Settings → Focus.
Check That Both Devices Are Unlocked and Awake
AirDrop does not work if the receiving device is locked or the screen is off. Both the sending and receiving devices must be unlocked and awake for AirDrop to discover them.
If you are trying to send a file to someone, ask them to unlock their iPhone and keep the screen on until the transfer is complete.
Restart Both Devices
A simple restart can resolve many AirDrop issues by clearing temporary software glitches.
To restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button simultaneously until the power-off slider appears.
- Slide to power off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Side button to turn the iPhone back on.
Restart both the sending and receiving devices for the best chance of resolving the issue.
Reset Network Settings
If AirDrop still is not working, resetting your network settings can resolve deeper connectivity issues. This resets all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, and cellular settings to their defaults.
Warning: This will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords. You will need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks after the reset.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode when prompted.
- Confirm the reset.
After the reset, your iPhone will restart. Re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, then try AirDrop again.
Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS Version
Apple regularly fixes AirDrop bugs and connectivity issues in iOS updates. Running an outdated version of iOS can cause AirDrop problems, especially when trying to share with devices running newer software.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Make sure both the sending and receiving devices are running the latest software version.
Check for Restrictions on AirDrop
If AirDrop is greyed out in Settings, it may have been restricted through Screen Time settings. This is common on devices managed by parents, schools, or workplaces.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps.
- Make sure AirDrop is toggled on.
If Content & Privacy Restrictions are managed by someone else (such as a parent or IT administrator), you may need their passcode to make changes.
Sign Out of iCloud and Sign Back In
AirDrop relies on iCloud for the “Contacts Only” receiving mode. If there is a problem with your iCloud connection, AirDrop may not work correctly.
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top (your Apple ID).
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Follow the prompts (you may be asked to keep or remove data from the device).
- Restart your iPhone.
- Sign back in to iCloud.
After signing back in, try AirDrop again.
Common Reasons AirDrop Fails
Here is a quick summary of the most common causes of AirDrop problems:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| AirDrop set to Receiving Off | Change to Contacts Only or Everyone |
| Wi-Fi or Bluetooth disabled | Enable both in Settings |
| Personal Hotspot active | Turn off Personal Hotspot |
| Devices too far apart | Move within 9 metres |
| Focus/Do Not Disturb active | Disable Focus modes |
| Receiving device locked | Unlock both devices |
| Outdated iOS version | Update to the latest iOS |
| AirDrop restricted by Screen Time | Enable AirDrop in Allowed Apps |
| iCloud connection issue | Sign out and sign back in |
In most cases, checking your AirDrop receiving mode, ensuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on, and restarting your device will fix the problem. If the issue persists after trying all the steps above, contact Apple Support for further assistance.