AirDrop on iPhone: how it works and what to do when it doesn't
AirDrop is Apple's wireless file transfer between Apple devices. It works over Bluetooth (to find the other device) and Wi-Fi (to transfer the data) — both need to be on, and Personal Hotspot must be off. Turn it on in Settings → General → AirDrop, where you choose between Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes. To send: open the file → tap Share → AirDrop → tap the device's name. If the other device doesn't show up, the most common causes are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi being off, hotspot being on, the other phone's screen being locked, or having Contacts Only set without each other saved with the Apple ID email. AirDrop doesn't work with Android.
AirDrop is Apple's wireless file transfer between Apple devices. It works over Bluetooth (to find the other device) and Wi-Fi (to transfer the data) — both need to be on, and Personal Hotspot must be off. Turn it on in Settings → General → AirDrop, where you choose between Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes. To send: open the file → tap Share → AirDrop → tap the device's name. If the other device doesn't show up, the most common causes are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi being off, hotspot being on, the other phone's screen being locked, or having Contacts Only set without each other saved with the Apple ID email. AirDrop doesn't work with Android.
In this article
- What AirDrop is and how it works technically
- How to send a photo or file via AirDrop
- Visibility settings: what each mode means
- AirDrop not working: steps in order of likelihood
- What you can and can't send via AirDrop
- AirDrop between iPhone and Mac
- Which iPhones support AirDrop
What AirDrop is and how it works technically
AirDrop is Apple's feature for direct wireless file transfer between iPhone, iPad and Mac. It doesn't need the internet, mobile data or any app — data travels directly between the two devices.
Under the hood it works in two steps. Bluetooth is used so the devices can find each other and negotiate the connection. The actual transfer then runs over peer-to-peer Wi-Fi — the devices create a temporary direct network between themselves without needing to connect to a router. That's why AirDrop is significantly faster than sending over the internet and why it also works in places with no signal.
That leads to the first rule: both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be turned on on both devices. You don't need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but the Wi-Fi radio must be on. The transfer is encrypted and happens only between the two devices — it isn't stored anywhere else.
The range is roughly 9 metres, less in practice if there are walls between the devices.
How to send a photo or file via AirDrop
The process is the same for photos, videos, contacts, location, notes and PDFs.
1. Unlock both devices
The receiving iPhone must be unlocked and with the screen on, otherwise it won't appear in the list.
2. Open the file you want to send
For example a photo in Photos. You can select several at once using the Select button.
3. Tap the Share icon
A square with an arrow pointing up, usually in the bottom left.
4. Choose AirDrop
In the top row of the share sheet. Nearby devices that can receive it will appear.
5. Tap the device's name
For your own devices under the same Apple ID, the transfer starts immediately without confirmation. For someone else's device, the recipient has to tap Accept.
6. Check where the file was saved
Photos and videos go to the Photos app, documents to Files, contacts to Contacts.
Visibility settings: what each mode means
You'll find them in Settings → General → AirDrop. The choice affects who can send you a file.
- Receiving Off: No one can send you anything and you're not visible to anyone. You can still send files.
- Contacts Only: Only people you have in Contacts can see you. Condition: you need that contact's email or phone number linked to their Apple ID saved — otherwise even someone in your contacts won't find you.
- Everyone for 10 Minutes: The most reliable choice for a one-off transfer with someone you don't know. After ten minutes the setting reverts automatically, which is a safety measure against unwanted files in public places.
- Bringing devices together (NameDrop): On newer models, simply bring the top edges of two iPhones close together and it will offer to share a contact. It can be turned off in Settings → General → AirDrop → Bringing Devices Together.
AirDrop not working: steps in order of likelihood
Go through these points in this order — nine out of ten cases are solved within the first three.
1. Turn on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
On both devices. Control Centre isn't enough — it only disconnects the radios temporarily. Check in Settings → Bluetooth and Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Turn off Personal Hotspot
An active hotspot blocks AirDrop because it occupies the Wi-Fi radio. Settings → Personal Hotspot → turn off.
3. Unlock the receiving phone
With the screen off or locked, the device won't appear in the list.
4. Switch receiving to Everyone for 10 Minutes
Settings → General → AirDrop. This rules out an issue with Contacts Only mode.
5. Turn off Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb
Airplane Mode turns off both required radios. Focus and Do Not Disturb can suppress the acceptance request.
6. Check content restrictions
Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps. If AirDrop is turned off here, it won't appear in the share sheet at all.
7. Restart both devices
The classic fix that reliably resolves a stuck Bluetooth connection. Alternatively, turn Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and back on.
8. Try resetting network settings
Last resort: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. You'll lose saved Wi-Fi passwords, but the data on the phone stays.
What you can and can't send via AirDrop
Almost anything with a Share button in the system can be transferred.
| Photos and videos | Including Live Photos and full quality without compression, unlike most chat apps. |
|---|---|
| Contacts and notes | A contact is offered for saving straight away on the recipient's end. |
| Documents and PDFs | Saved into the Files app, in the Downloads folder. |
| Links and location | They open directly in Safari or in Maps, respectively. |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Shared through a different mechanism — you just need to be in each other's contacts and have both devices nearby. |
| Apps and Android | An installed app can't be sent via AirDrop — only a link to the App Store is shared. AirDrop doesn't work with Android phones at all — use cloud storage, email or a cable instead. |
AirDrop between iPhone and Mac
On a Mac, AirDrop is in Finder in the left-hand sidebar. Open the AirDrop window, set visibility at the bottom ("Allow me to be discovered by: Everyone") and either drag files onto the phone's icon, or send them from the phone to the Mac.
The conditions are the same as with two phones: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, devices close to each other. If the Mac doesn't appear, it's most often because the Wi-Fi radio is off or the Mac is asleep.
You'll find received files on the Mac in the Downloads folder. Transferring from iPhone to Mac is the fastest way to get a large video off your phone without uploading it to the internet — and also a good way to free up space on your phone without paying for more iCloud storage.
Which iPhones support AirDrop
AirDrop works on every iPhone with iOS 7 or later — essentially any phone you're likely to come across today. Newer features like NameDrop (sharing a contact by bringing edges together) require iOS 17 or later, meaning iPhone XS and newer models.
Our range includes pre-owned iPhones from models that handle the current system and all sharing features without any problems. Every unit goes through a thorough technical check, has a measured and listed battery health of 86–100%, comes with a 2-year warranty and is unlocked for all carriers. Delivery takes 2 working days, or you can collect the phone at selected iLoveServis stores — where we'll also help you set it up and transfer data from your old phone on the spot.