AirDrop is one of Apple’s most useful features, allowing quick and wireless sharing of photos, videos, documents, and files between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to detect nearby devices for fast transfer speeds. It makes file sharing, photos, and videos very easy.

But if you ever face the issue of AirDrop not working, don’t panic; it’s usually caused by small issues that can be fixed in just a few minutes.

Why is AirDrop not Working?

Here are the 5 most common reasons that prevent airdrop from functioning properly:

1. Your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned off, since AirDrop depends on both; even if one is disabled, the connection won’t be established.
2. Devices are too far apart. Airdrop only works when both devices are near, within 30 feet, so if you’re at a distance, the devices won’t detect each other.
3. Using an older version of iOS or macOS can cause glitches that stop AirDrop from working smoothly.
4. When the hotspot is ON, it interferes with AirDrop’s Wi-Fi connections.
5. Sometimes minor bugs or system errors cause Airdrop to fail until the device is restarted.

10 Ways to Fix “AirDrop Not Working”

If your AirDrop is not working, here are step-by-step solutions to get it back on track.

1.      Check Device Compatibility

AirDrop only works on certain devices. So, if your AirDrop not working, you might be using an older version of iPhone, you need iPhone 5 or later; on iPad, iPad 4^th generation or newer, and on Mac models from 2012 or later with OS X Yosemite or newer. If your device is too old, AirDrop won’t function.

2.      Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If AirDrop not working on your phone, it needs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be turned ON. Open Control Center on iPhone or check the menu bar on Mac to make sure both are active. Without Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, devices can’t connect.

3.      Adjust AirDrop Settings

Sometimes AirDrop does not work because visibility is restricted. Set AirDrop to everyone instead of “Contacts Only” so that all nearby Apple devices can discover you. This can be changed from settings:

• Go to Settings > General > AirDrop to choose between Receiving Off, Contacts Only, or Everyone on iPhone.
• From Finder > AirDrop on Mac.

4.      Keep Devices Close

AirDrop only works within about 30 feet. If your AirDrop not working, then the devices are too far or separated by walls, and the connection won’t work. Try keeping them close together for a smooth connection.

5.      Restart Your Devices

Many AirDrop issues are caused by small software glitches. Restart both the sending and receiving devices. It clears the temporary bugs and often solves the problem instantly.

6.      Turn Off Focus or Do Not Disturb

If focus mode or do not disturb is enabled, that’s another reason your Airdrop is not working. You might not see incoming AirDrop requests. Disable do not disturb mode temporarily from Control Center to make sure requests appear on the screen.

7.      Update iOS or macOS

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues. So update your iOS and macOS devices to do that:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone /iPad.
• Go to System Preferences > Software Update on Mac to install the latest version.

8.      Disable Personal hotspot

If your Airdrop not working, it might be because your hotspot is enabled, because both features use Wi-Fi.

• Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn it off before trying again.

9.      Check Firewall Settings on Mac

On Mac, your firewall may block AirDrop.

• Go to Settings preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall Options and make sure “Block all incoming connections” is unchecked.

10.  Reset Network Settings

If none of the above works, reset your iPhone’s network settings.

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• This removes saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, but often fixes stubborn issues.

Troubleshooting Tips for AirDrop

If your AirDrop not working after the basic fixes, here are some extra troubleshooting ideas that often solve the hidden issues:

1. Unlock the receiving device. AirDrop works even if the screen is locked, but it’s more reliable when unlocked.
2. If the receiving device is full, the transfer will fail. Free up some space before sending large files.
3. Very large videos or unsupported file types may not transfer smoothly. Try sending a smaller photo or document to confirm AirDrop is working.
4. VPNs and third-party apps can sometimes interfere with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection AirDrop needs. Temporarily disable them and try again.

FAQs

Q.1: Why is AirDrop not working on my iPhone?

Ans: This is usually caused by visibility settings, outdated software, or firewall restrictions. Setting Airdrop to “Everyone” and updating both devices usually fixes it.

Q.2: Does AirDrop need the internet?

Ans: No, AirDrop doesn’t need internet access. It only uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for a direct connection.

Q.3: Can I use Airdrop with Android or Windows devices?

Ans: No, Airdrop is exclusive to Apple. To share files with Android or Windows, you’ll need other apps like Google Drive, SnapDrop drop or Dropbox.

Q.4: Why does my AirDrop keep failing halfway?

Ans: This happens if the file is too large, the Wi-Fi signal is unstable, or the receiver’s device doesn’t have enough free storage.

Q.5: Why can’t I see the other devices?

Ans: If the device doesn’t appear, it may be too far away, have Airdrop set to “Receiving Off”, or be using an older model that doesn’t support AirDrop.

Q.6: How to turn Airdrop ON?

Ans: iPhone/iPad: Open Control Center > Press and hold the network settings card > Tap AirDrop > Choose Control Contacts Only or Everyone.

Q.7: Why does AirDrop not working when waiting?

Ans: To fix AirDrop when it says “waiting,” make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, the devices are close together (within 30 feet), and Personal Hotspot is turned off on both devices.

Conclusion

AirDrop makes file sharing quick and effortless, but when AirDrop not working, it can be frustrating. Thankfully, most issues are caused by small things like incorrect settings, disabled Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, or outdated software. By following the fixes above, compatibility, adjusting settings, updating software, and restarting your devices, you’ll likely get AirDrop working again in just a few minutes.

AirDrop is designed to be seamless, and once you resolve the problem, you’ll be back to sending files wirelessly without a second thought.