How to Use NameDrop to Instantly Share Contact Cards on iPhone

Manually dictating phone numbers, spelling out email addresses, or fumbling with business cards when meeting someone new is clumsy and prone to typos. In iOS 17, Apple introduced NameDrop, a wireless proximity feature built on top of AirDrop and Near Field Communication (NFC). By simply holding the top edges of two iPhones near each other, both users can exchange customized contact cards, phone numbers, and full-screen Contact Posters in seconds.

NameDrop Device Compatibility and Requirements

To use NameDrop, both participating devices must meet these basic criteria:

• Both devices must be running iOS 17 or later (or watchOS 10 on Apple Watch Series 7 and newer).
• Both phones must have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop enabled.
• Both iPhones must be unlocked.

How to Initiate a NameDrop Contact Exchange

Sharing your contact card takes one smooth physical motion:

1. Unlock your iPhone and make sure the other person’s iPhone is unlocked as well.
2. Hold the top edge of your iPhone within a couple of centimetres of the top edge of the other person’s iPhone.
3. A distinctive glowing ripple animation and haptic vibration will pulsate from the top of both screens, indicating connection.
4. Continue holding the phones together until both screens expand to display your respective Contact Poster and contact details.
5. On your screen, choose one of two exchange options:
   • Receive Only: Obtains the other person’s contact card without sharing yours.
   • Share: Shares your own contact card while simultaneously receiving theirs.
6. Tap Done in the top-left corner to save the new contact card directly to your Contacts app.

Customising What Information NameDrop Shares

If you have multiple phone numbers or personal and work email addresses stored on your card, you can choose what gets sent:

1. When the NameDrop sharing preview appears on your screen, tap the phone number or email field before hitting Share.
2. Select specifically which number and email you want to transmit (e.g., share your mobile number while omitting your home address).

Disabling NameDrop if Triggered Accidental Touches Occur

If you frequently carry two iPhones in the same pocket or bag and find them repeatedly triggering the ripple animation:

1. Open Settings > General > AirDrop.
2. Under the Start Sharing By section, toggle off Bringing Devices Together.
3. Standard AirDrop transfers will continue to function normally, but proximity-triggered NameDrop will be disabled.