Ravi Shah

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5 Quick Solutions For AirDrop Not Working On iPhone/iPad

Facing Problems With AirDrop Not Working? We Have The Solution For You!


AirDrop is a smart wireless beam for Apple devices to share anything from your iPhone, iPad or MacBook. It works as a super Bluetooth device with the Bluetooth speed of 4.x for power-efficient sharing, broadcasting and discovery. This makes the transfer painless, fast, reliable and simple when sharing your data. However, this technology seems to be stable, but when the software malfunction happens, it just impossible to fix the issue – Airdrop not working! Now let’s fix this issue.

If you face any issue with your AirDrop not working, then here are few steps you can try to correct your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook behaviour to get back to transferring a file with ease. Here are five steps you can try to fix the AirDrop not working issue.

#airdrop not working

Airdrop Not Working

Key Takeaways:

  • Resolve AirDrop issues on your iPhone and iPad with expert troubleshooting tips.
  • Get your AirDrop back on track by following effective solutions for iPhone and iPad.
  • Discover common reasons behind AirDrop not working and learn how to fix them.
  • Troubleshoot AirDrop problems and ensure seamless file sharing on your Apple devices.
  • Unlock the potential of AirDrop by overcoming its challenges with practical solutions.
  • Enhance your iPhone and iPad experience by resolving AirDrop issues using our guide.
  • Learn step-by-step methods to fix AirDrop problems and enjoy seamless device connectivity.
  • Maximize file-sharing capabilities on your Apple devices by resolving AirDrop glitches.
  • Get back to effortless sharing with AirDrop on your iPhone and iPad using these solutions.
  • Don't let AirDrop issues hold you back – troubleshoot and optimize your device connectivity.

1. What devices are compatible with AirDrop?

Apple devices with older version may not be compatible with AirDrop. The below mention table will give you an overview of the compatible devices.

Transfer between two iOS devices

Running iOS 7 or later

iPhone 5 or newer models

iPad (4th generation) or newer

iPad Air: all models

iPad Pro: all models

iPod Touch (5th generation) or newer

Transfer between two Mac computers

Running Mac OS X Lion (10.7) or later

MacBook Pro: Late 2008 or newer, excluding late 2008 17-inch

MacBook Air: Late 2010 or newer

Aluminum MacBook: Late 2008

MacBook and iMac: Early 2009 or newer

Mac Mini: Mid 2010 or newer

Mac Pro: Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or mid 2010 or newer

Transfer between a Mac and an iOS device

Running OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later

MacBook Air: Mid 2012 or newer

MacBook (Retina): all models

MacBook Pro: Mid 2012 or newer

iMac: Late 2012 or newer

iMac Pro: all models

Mac Mini: Late 2012 or newer.

Mac Pro: Late 2013 or newer

Tweak your settings as per below for AirDrop, not workingAirDrop has three modes, i.e., (a) Turn Off (b) Contacts only (c) Everyone. Contacts Only is the most complex one out of the three as it requires verification to who is who. If it still doesn’t work for you, then try switching to Everyone. Try turning it off and on

  • Open Settings on your Home screen
  • Select General
  • Open AirDrop
  • Select on the options you want

If you’re trying to connect and use the AirDrop from your iPhone, iPod (touch), or an iPad to your MacBook and it isn’t working right for you then, here is what you do

  • Open Finder on your MacBook
  • Select the AirDrop (left on the sidebar)

You can choose between No one, Contacts Only and Everyone. It will put your Mac in a ready state to use the AirDrop and help you detect. If your Mac doesn’t detect, then keep following the below-mentioned steps!

#airdrop not working


2. The second step is to check the Radio Toggling.


Even after tweaking the settings, Airdrop is not working. Check that your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is functioning to ensure that Airdrop is working fine. Start by turning them off and on. Additionally, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is not turned off from the Control Center because it only turns off the ongoing connection and leaves on Apple Watch, Air Pods and Apple Pencil.


Steps to switching off and on Wi-Fi for iPhone or iPad

- From the Home screen, open Settings > Wi-Fi > tap on the Wi-Fi switch to turn it off > tap again to turn it on.

Steps to switching off and on Bluetooth for iPhone or iPad
- From the Home screen, open Settings > Bluetooth > tap on the Bluetooth switch to turn it off > tap again to turn it on.
Steps to switching off and on Wi-Fi for Mac

- From the Menu bar, click the Wi-Fi icon > click on Turn Wi-Fi Off. Again from the Menu bar, click the Wi-Fi icon > click on Turn Wi-Fi On.

Steps to switching off and on Bluetooth for Mac

- From the Menu bar, click the Wi-Fi icon > click on Turn Bluetooth Off. Again from the Menu bar, click the Wi-Fi icon > click on Turn Bluetooth On.

As an alternative, Airplane Mode can be switched on and then off for toggling the radios altogether.

When you have finished these steps, try to connect again. Read ahead if the issue persists.

#airdrop not working


3. AirDrop not working - Perform a hard reset

If the problem is not solved from the above solutions, the next move would be to perform a hard reset using the following steps:

iPads (except iPad Pro 2018) and older iPhones having mechanical Home buttons (models earlier than iPhone 6s):

Long press the On/Off button located at the right (for iPhone 6s/6) or the top (for the rest of all iPhones, iPad, and iPod)

Simultaneously long-press the Home button located at the front of the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad.

The screen will turn off as you long press both buttons and continue to hold them until the screen turns back on and shows the Apple symbol.

iPhone 7:

Long press the On/Off button located at the right side

Simultaneously long-press the Volume down button located at the left side of the iPhone.

The screen will turn off as you long press both buttons and continue to hold them until the screen turns back on and shows the Apple symbol.

iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPad Pro (2018):

Press and release the Volume Up button.

Press and release the Volume Down button.

Long press the sleep/wake button.

Continue to long-press the Side button as the Shutdown screen turns off and then on (iOS 11.2 and later.)

Mac:

Click on the Apple icon located at the extreme left on the Menu bar.

Click on the Restart option.

When the reboot is done, attempt to connect once again. Read further if the issue is still not fixed.

#airdrop not working


4. If your Airdrop is not working - Check for available updates.

Often iOS updates bring up compatibility issues, but sometimes the iOS update fixes these problems, such as Bluetooth connectivity issues.

From the home screen of your iPhone,

Go to Settings > General Software Update > if there is a pending update, tap Install.

After the update is installed, attempt to use AirDrop again. If it still does not work, try the alternatives stated below.

#airdrop not working


5. Resetting the Network

Still facing connectivity issues because of airDrop not working. Resetting the network might be required even though it is a cumbersome task.

From the home screen of your iPhone,

Go to Settings > General Reset (this option will be found at the bottom of the list) > Reset Network Settings > if a prompt shows, type your Passcode > tap Reset Network Settings which will confirm the action.

Completion of these steps should be followed by reconnecting to all your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices and finally checking your AirDrop yet again. If it is functioning, then all the troubleshooting was worth the trouble! If not, read further.

#airdrop not working


Note: If you are still facing any issue with your AirDrop and your Apple device is out of warranty, get in touch with one of the iFixScreens experts for a quick fix.


Contacting iFixScreens

If you are still facing any issue with the AirDrop not connecting, then its time to visit your nearest iFixScreens store to get your Apple device diagnosed. Because at times, there may be an underlying problem in your Apple device that only an expert technician will be able to tackle.

If your Airdrop is not working, try asking a question on the apple forum

Final Thought:

In conclusion, resolving airdrop issues on your iPhone or iPad is crucial to maintain seamless file sharing. With the comprehensive guide provided, you can troubleshoot and fix airdrop problems effectively. Remember to follow the step-by-step instructions and explore the various solutions. Whether it's adjusting settings, updating software, or addressing connectivity problems, these solutions empower you to enjoy the convenience of airdrop functionality without interruption. Don't let technical glitches hinder your device's performance; instead, use the insights from this guide to ensure smooth and hassle-free file sharing experiences.

FAQ's

Q: Why is Airdrop not working on my iPhone and iPad?

A: Airdrop issues can stem from connectivity, settings, or software glitches. Let's troubleshoot to find the specific cause.


Q: How can I troubleshoot Airdrop connection problems?

A: Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, both devices are nearby, and Airdrop is set to "Everyone" or "Contacts Only" in Control Center.


Q: What should I do if Airdrop is not working even when devices are nearby?

A: Restart Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, toggle Airdrop off and on, and ensure both devices have compatible iOS versions for seamless Airdrop functionality.


Q: How can I fix Airdrop issues related to incorrect settings?

A: Go to Settings > General > Airdrop and select "Everyone" for broader compatibility. Also, check if the device's visibility is set to "Everyone."


Q: What steps can I take if Airdrop is still not functioning correctly?

A: Reset network settings on your iPhone or iPad. This can resolve underlying connectivity issues affecting Airdrop.


Q: How can I update my iOS version to fix Airdrop problems?

A: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it to ensure your device has the latest bug fixes and improvements.


Q: Are there specific Airdrop requirements for successful transfers?

A: Yes, both devices need to have Airdrop-compatible hardware and run iOS 7 or later. Macs should have OS X Yosemite or later.


Q: What should I do if Airdrop is still not working after troubleshooting?

A: If issues persist, contact Apple Support for assistance. There might be underlying hardware or software issues requiring expert diagnosis.

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Ravi Shah

About the author


Ravi is the head of Content Strategy at iFixScreens Corporate. With over a decade of experience writing technical content for his readers, Ravi has helped thousands of readers with helpful content, tips, and tricks. He mainly writes content related to gadget repairs, such as iPhones, Smartphones, tablets, and laptops.


Question? Send me an email info@ifixscreens.com

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