Airdrop Not Working? 6 Proven Solutions to Get Your Airdrop Back on Track

Are you experiencing issues with AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac? We will go over the different approaches that can help to get it up and running.

The quickest and simplest method for transferring files between Apple devices is with AirDrop. An encrypted communication channel is established between neighboring Apple devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can transfer anything without losing quality, whether it’s contacts, links, or photographs. Even the NameDrop feature in iOS 17 for iPhone is available for testing.

Although AirDrop is one of the most practical and convenient aspects of the Apple ecosystem, it occasionally malfunctions just when you need it. Soon after you update the software on your devices, it happens rather often.

Here’s how to get your AirDrop back to work immediately.

1.  Ensure that your device is AirDrop-compatible.

Many Apple devices usually support AirDrop because it has been around for a while. Nevertheless, if you still use a really old gadget, it might not have this capability. It’s probably why AirDrop isn’t functioning on your iPhone or Mac.

AirDrop-compatible devices

• Macs released in 2012 or later
• Running OS X 10.10 or newer versions
• iPhones running iOS 7 or later
• iPads with iPad 13 or later

2. Verify that the devices are turned ON

The most frequent cause of your AirDrop not being recognized as a closed or turned-off iPhone. If this occurs, your device might not appear in the list of AirDrop-capable devices, and you won’t be able to receive files.

Therefore, make sure your device is turned on and awake if you’re having trouble with AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Additionally, if your AirDrop is stuck in waiting mode, have the recipient verify that their Apple device is unlocked and has the display on.

3. Change AirDrop Settings

The AirDrop settings may be the cause of any issues with AirDrop on Mac or with AirDropping files to an iPhone contact who hasn’t been saved.

To manage the visibility of your device, Apple AirDrop offers three levels:

Everyone: Apple devices within range can see you

Contacts Only: Files can only be shared amongst your contacts only

Receiving Off: All files can’t come in.

If you’ve chosen Receiving Off, AirDrop won’t be able to receive files on your iPhone or Mac. Switch to “Everyone” and observe if it’s working.

4. Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are activated.

To transfer data between Apple devices, AirDrop uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Toggle Bluetooth & Wi-Fi to kickstart things if AirDrop on iPhone 13 isn’t working or if you can’t AirDrop files from an iPhone and a Mac.

For iPhone/iPad

• Open Settings 
• Go to Wi-Fi and turn it off. 
• We recommend waiting for 5 to 10 seconds and turn the Wi-Fi on.
• Return to Settings and Turn Bluetooth off. 
• After 5 to 10 seconds, you can turn Bluetooth ON

For Mac

• Go to the  Control Center from the top right corner of the screen
•  Click on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi icons from the menu bar. 
• After 5-10 seconds, click the icons again to turn them on.

5. Bring the Devices Closer

Try bringing the devices closer if you are having trouble seeing the other person in AirDrop or vice versa. Because Bluetooth on current smartphones has a 33-foot (10-meter) range, we have made this point explicitly. This means that if you wish to share or receive files on your Apple devices using AirDrop, you must make sure they are within the Bluetooth range that is appropriate. 

If they are far away, you will be left with problems with AirDrop not working.

6. Do Away with AirDrop Restrictions

You might have disabled AirDrop under the Content & Privacy Restrictions if it doesn’t appear on Mac or if the option is shaded out on your iPhone. Due to issues with AirDrop not being available, certain restrictions must be removed. 

Here is the procedure to remove AirDrop Restrictions.

For iPhone/iPad

• Go to Settings and open Screen Time 
• Under Content & Privacy Restrictions, you select Allowed Apps
• Make sure AirDrop is enabled and enter your Screen Time passcode.

For Mac

• Go to System Settings and then open Screen Time.
• Select Content & Privacy.
•  Click on App Restrictions.
• See to it that AirDrop is turned on.

Conclusion

The above six quick fixes for AirDrop should get it up and running immediately. There may be problems with your device’s internal components if you have tried every method to fix your AirDrop but nothing has worked in your favor AirDrop is not functioning on your iPhone or Mac, it may occasionally be due to faulty Bluetooth or Wi-Fi hardware.

The best course of action in circumstances where AirDrop has completely failed to work is to seek professional assistance. To have your device inspected by Apple professionals, we advise visiting the closest Apple service location.