Why is AirDrop not working?

There are several potential reasons for the non-functioning AirDrop. So, before troubleshooting the issue, you find the root cause.

You may be unable to send files over AirDrop due to software glitches, device compatibility issues, network issues, incorrect visibility settings, or distance issues.

However, you can easily address all the issues and start using AirDrop again.

14 ways to fix AirDrop is not working on your Apple devices

Several factors ensure your files are transferred successfully via AirDrop. Here, I have listed potential solutions if AirDrop fails to work.

1. Check device compatibility

Before anything else, it’s essential to ensure your Apple device supports AirDrop. At the time of writing, you can use AirDrop with the following:

• iPhone (iPhone 5 or newer)
• iPod Touch (5th generation or newer)
• iPad mini
• iPad (4th generation or later)
• Mac (manufactured in 2012 or later)

2. Unlock the receiver’s device

If you’re trying to send a file via AirDrop, ensure the target Apple device is unlocked and awake. Your device won’t be able to detect the target device if it isn’t awake. Plus, ensure that both devices are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other.

Additionally, make sure that your Mac’s display is turned on. Don’t put your Mac to sleep while sending or receiving files via AirDrop.

3. Turn off personal hotspot on iPhone or iPad

Both Personal Hotspot and AirDrop utilize your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. That said, you won’t be able to use AirDrop if you’re hosting a personal hotspot on your iPhone.

The only way to make AirDrop work is to temporarily turn off your hotspot. Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot → Toggle off Allow Others to Join.

4. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Make sure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices and connected to the same network.

Don’t worry. Your device doesn’t necessarily have to be connected to the internet — you simply must turn these on.

• On your iPhone or iPad: Access the Control Center → Tap the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons to enable them (the icons should turn blue).
  
  
• On your Mac: Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar → Click the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi icons to enable them (the icons should turn blue).
  
  

5. Reset your devices

A hard reset is often all you need to eliminate the bugs and glitches affecting your device’s functionality.

• Force restarting your iPhone or iPad depends on its model.
• For your Mac, just go to the Apple menu → Restart.

6. Check AirDrop Visibility Settings

AirDrop has three settings:

• No One/Receiving Off: This prevents everyone from discovering your device.
• Contacts Only: Allows only people with mobile numbers or email addresses saved in your contacts to send you files.
• Everyone/Everyone for 10 minutes: Allows everyone to discover your device and send files.

While the Contacts Only option tightens your device’s security, it prevents people who aren’t saved in your Contact from sending you files.

Meanwhile, when you receive Contacts Only, Apple requires that both devices be signed in to their iCloud accounts.

7. Turn off Airplane Mode

When enabled, Airplane Mode shuts down all your wireless connections, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Disable Airplane Mode on your iPhone or iPad by going to Settings → toggle Airplane Mode off.

8. Turn off DND or Focus Mode

While you can still send files to others via AirDrop while on a particular Focus mode, the opposite is true regarding receiving AirDrop transfers.

This is because enabling Do Not Disturb and other Focus blocks AirDrop alerts and notifications and renders devices undiscoverable.

9. Turn off AirDrop Restrictions

If you can’t find the AirDrop icon, you or someone else might have blocked it using your device’s Restrictions feature.

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings → Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
   
   
3. Select Allowed Apps. Make sure that AirDrop is enabled.
   
   

On your Mac:

1. Open System Settings → Screen Time.
2. Click Content & Privacy. You don’t need to proceed if you have Content & Privacy turned off.
   
   
3. Select App Restrictions.
   
   
4. Toggle AirDrop on and Select Done.
   
   

10. Sign In to your Apple Account

Signing out and signing back in on your Apple ID can get your AirDrop to work again.

• On your iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings → Tap your account and choose Sign Out.
• On your Mac: Go to System Settings → select your account and Sign Out.

Wait for some time, and sign back in.

11. Check storage on your devices

AirDrop saves files received in the Downloads folder by default. So, ensure your system has enough space to store them.

To check storage space:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → iPhone storage. If you don’t have enough space, free up some.
• On Mac: Go to System Settings → General → Storage. Free up disk space on your Mac if you don’t have enough.

Additionally, if you received a file on your device via AirDrop and you can’t find it, don’t immediately assume that your AirDrop is malfunctioning. Try to check your Downloads folder.

• On iPhone, open the Files app and look for a Downloads folder.
• Meanwhile, you can usually find the Downloads folder on your Mac by opening a new Finder window and pressing Option + Cmd + L.

12. Turn off VPN

Some users reported that their AirDrop didn’t work until they turned off their VPN. If you’re using a third-party VPN app, turn it off. Here’s how to disable VPN on your device’s settings.

• On your iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings → Toggle off VPN. If you are using a third-party app, disconnect the service from there.
• On your Mac: Go to System Settings → Select VPN on the sidebar and disable the service. If you can’t see it, VPN is not enabled on your Mac or you must be using a third-party app. If it’s the latter, disable the service from the app.

13. Update your OS

Make sure to keep your device/s running on the latest OS. Beta OS versions are also notorious for their glitches and bugs.

So, if you’re using a beta version, revert to the older, most stable OS for your iPhone or Mac; this might be the reason behind your AirDrop not working after an update.

14. Reset Network Settings

Resetting your Network Settings can help fix all network and connectivity issues, such as Wi-Fi and AirDrop problems. However, resetting these settings will also cause your device to forget your saved passwords, requiring you to reconnect and enter them again.

 On your iPhone or iPad:

1. Go to Settings → General. 
2. Select Transfer or Reset [device] → Tap Reset
   
   
3. Tap Reset Network Settings and Enter your passcode.
   
   

Sadly, Macs don’t have a dedicated button for resetting your Network Settings. However, you can use some workarounds mentioned in our guide to reset network settings on Mac.

Wrapping up…

These were the tested solutions to fix the AirDrop issue on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. I hope one of the solutions here fixed the problem for you.

If none of these fixes helped resolve the issue, it might be a hardware problem. You should contact Apple Support to get a resolution.

For several people and organizations (like ours), AirDrop is an essential tool. We use it daily to share article screenshots, office celebration videos, and more. How often do you use it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Read more:

• Can’t share passwords with AirDrop on iPhone? 9 Real fixes
• How to change AirDrop name on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

The post How to fix AirDrop not working on iPhone, iPad, or Mac appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

Just to recap: The process to share passwords is pretty straightforward. Start by opening the iPhone Settings app, tap Passwords, choose a password, long press on it, and tap AirDrop.

Now, let us get right in to fix can’t share passwords with AirDrop on iPhone!

1. Make sure iCloud Keychain is enabled on your iPhone
2. Add the person to your contact list
3. Enable AirDrop visibility
4. Make sure Personal Hotspot is off
5. Ensure AirDrop is not restricted
6. Ensure Do Not Disturb is off
7. Restart both devices
8. Update to the latest OS
9. Turn off Firewall on Mac

1. Make sure iCloud Keychain is enabled on your iPhone

iCloud Keychain must be enabled to share passwords with AirDrop on iPhone. To quickly check this, follow the steps below.

1. Open iPhone Settings and tap your name at the top.
2. Tap iCloud.
3. Scroll down, and you should see ‘On >‘ next to Keychain. If not, tap and enable it.
   
   

2. Add the person to your contact list

Apple explicitly mentions on its support page that for AirDrop password sharing to work on your iPhone, the person should be in your contact list. This means you cannot share passwords with strangers (though you can AirDrop photos, videos, etc., with anyone using an Apple device.)

So, make sure you have the person’s phone and email in your iPhone contact list. Once done, restart your iPhone and also ask the other person to restart his/her Apple device. Now, try sharing the password via AirDrop.

If you are sharing a password using AirDrop with one of your devices having the same Apple ID, this should not be a problem.

3. Enable AirDrop visibility

AirDrop must be enabled and visible. Ask the person to enable AirDrop on their Apple device using the steps below.

On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Open Control Center and press the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth area to expand it. Tap AirDrop and choose Contacts Only or Everyone. Alternatively, you may also open the Settings app → General → AirDrop and choose the right option.

On Mac: Open Finder and click AirDrop from the left sidebar. Click ‘Allow me to be discovered by‘ and select Contacts Only or Everyone.

After the person enables AirDrop, it should be visible on your iPhone, and you can share the password.

4. Make sure Personal Hotspot is off

Personal Hotspot must be switched off for AirDrop to work. Follow the steps below on your and the person’s iPhone or cellular iPad to turn off the Hotspot.

1. Open the Settings app and tap Personal Hotspot.
2. Turn off the toggle for Allow Others to Join.
   Note: For some users, this Personal Hotspot setting may be under Cellular (or Mobile Data).
   
   

5. Ensure AirDrop is not restricted

With Screen Time, you (or your guardian) can set restrictions on apps and services, including AirDrop. Before proceeding to other fixes, take a minute to make sure AirDrop is not restricted. If you are a child, ask your parents to follow the steps below.

On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Open the Settings app → Screen Time (if it is already off, you do not need to follow the next steps)→ Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps → make sure AirDrop is enabled.

On Mac: Click the Apple logo at the top left and choose System Preferences. Click Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Apps → make sure AirDrop is checked.

6. Ensure Do Not Disturb is off

Even when DND is enabled and your iPhone is unlocked, or the lock screen is lit, you get the AirDrop request (see the image below).

However, to untwist things, make sure Do Not Disturb is not enabled on a person’s device.

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Bring the Control Center and make sure the crescent moon icon is white (and not purple).

On Mac: Click the rightmost icon at the top menu bar (three dots with three lines). Make sure DO NOT DISTURB is off. If you are on macOS Big Sur, you can find DND in the new iOS-inspired macOS Control Center.

7. Restart both devices

This is an important step, and you must not overlook it. If none of the fixes above work for you, go ahead and restart both devices (receiver’s and yours).

To restart iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Use the buttons like you usually do. Or, inside the Settings app, tap General and from the bottom choose Shut Down. After a minute, switch it on.

To restart Mac: Click the Apple logo at the top left and choose Restart.

8. Update to the latest OS

For smooth sharing of passwords via AirDrop, it is vital to ensure both devices are running the latest version of the respective operating systems.

To update iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Open the Settings app → General → Software Update. Tap Download and Install. If the file was already downloaded, tap Install Now.

To update a Mac: Open System Preferences → click Software Update.

9. Turn off Firewall on Mac

If you are trying to share a password via AirDrop to a Mac, consider turning off its Firewall. Open System Preferences → click Security & Privacy → Select Firewall and click Turn Off Firewall.

These are some of the solutions to fix the ‘cannot accept passwords’ error. I hope it was helpful. If you need more assistance, please contact Apple Support.

Have any other related queries? Share them in the comments below.

More helpful posts for you:

• AirDrop not working? Here are six possible solutions to fix it
• Best password manager iPhone apps
• How to change AirDrop name on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• How to change Keychain password on Mac: 3 Ways explained

The post Can’t share passwords with AirDrop on iPhone? 9 Real fixes appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

However, you need to tweak a few settings to maintain photo and video resolution when using AirDrop. Let’s understand out what’s involved.

How to send photos and videos via AirDrop in original quality on iPhone

1. Launch the Photos app.
2. Find the photos and videos you want to share.
3. Tap the photo and tap the Share icon at the screen’s bottom.
   If you wish to share multiple photos/videos, tap Select at the top right, select photos, and tap the Share icon.
4. Next, tap Options.
   
   
5. Toggle on All Photos Data, if not already, and tap Done.
6. On the share sheet, select AirDrop and select the device to send to.
   
   

How to maintain video resolution when sharing videos via AirDrop on iPhone

Along with the above method, there’s another setting to tweak if you want to send videos via AirDrop in their original resolution.

1. Go to Settings → Photos and scroll all the way down.
2. Under Transfer to Mac and PC, select Keep Originals.
   
   

Well, that’s all you need to know about sending a photo or video via AirDrop without losing the quality.

Please note that when sending from Mac to an iPhone or iPad, the quality is maintained by default, so you don’t need to adjust any settings. Here’re some questions to answer your queries.

Got more questions? Let me know in the comments below.

You might want to read these posts as well:

• AirDrop Not Working? Here are 6 Possible Solutions to Fix It
• How to change AirDrop name on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• How to Use AirDrop on iPhone and iPad
• How to reverse a video on iPhone

The post How to share original quality photos or videos using AirDrop on iPhone appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

• How Does AirDrop Work?
• How to Turn On AirDrop on iPhone and iPad
• How to Use AirDrop on iPhone and iPad
• How to Accept Airdrop on iPhone and iPad
• How to Stop AirDrop with Screen Time

How Does AirDrop Work?

AirDrop creates a peer to peer network between devices. But you do need to take care of the following points.

• Ensure that devices are near, within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices
• Personal Hotspot must be off on both the sender’s and receiver’s devices
• The person receiving the files via AirDrop has three visibility options: Everyone, Contacts Only, and Receiving Off.
• If Contacts Only (or Receiving Off) is selected, that means AirDrop is restricted for unknown people (or all). And, your email or phone number is in the Contacts on the receiver’s iPad or iPhone, you can send files even when their AirDrop visibility is Contacts Only. If not, ask them to set AirDrop to Everyone.

How to Turn On AirDrop on iPhone and iPad

1. Open Control Center.
   • On your iPad running iOS 12 and later, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen
   • On iPad running iOS 11 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen
   • On your iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, Xs Max, Xs, XR, and iPhone X swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen
   • On iPhone SE 2020, 8 Plus, and earlier, swipe up the screen from the bottom
2. Long press on the top right box with icons for Airplane mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.
3. The box will expand
4. Now, Tap on AirDrop icon and select Contacts Only or Everyone to turn on AirDrop.

Now, let us see how to use it to send and accept files. You must know that you are not limited to photos and videos. Pretty much everything that is visible on a Share Sheet can be shared using AirDrop. This means you can AirDrop a website link, note, Apple Maps location, and more.

How to Use AirDrop on iPhone and iPad

1. Open an app (like Photos). Select one or multiple items, if applicable.
2. Tap on Share or the Share icon.
3. Next, tap on AirDrop.
4. Finally, tap on the person’s name.

If the person is in your contact list, you will see their name and image. If a person is not in your contact list, you will only see the name. You can also AirDrop between your own Apple devices.

With iOS 13 and iPadOS, recent AirDrop contact is also shown on the top row of Share Sheet.

How to Accept Airdrop on iPhone and iPad

When somebody shares anything with you via AirDrop, a popup appears on your device screen. It has two options – Accept or Decline.

For most files, when you tap Accept, it will save and open in the same app it was sent from.

Like, images shared via AirDrop will appear in the Photos app on your device. Website links will open in Safari, and App links will automatically open in the App Store. But for some file types like PDF, you may get an option to save it to Books, Files app, or other apps. You will see a popup after AirDrop transfer is complete. Tap on the app name as desired.

If you tap Decline, the AirDrop is canceled. No file is received.

When you AirDrop to one of your own Apple devices (devices with same Apple ID), then you will not see the option to Accept or Decline. It is automatically sent (and received.)

AirDrop is amazing. Like iMessage, it is one of the things that makes Apple ecosystem seamless and worth sticking to. But, there can be situations when you may want to stop or block AirDrop. Let us talk about it in the subsequent section.

How to Stop AirDrop with Screen Time

If you are in the subway, bus, or public, you may want to change AirDrop settings so that you do not get requests to accept unsolicited pictures, videos, and files. The easiest option is to set AirDrop receiving to Contacts Only or Receiving Off. You can do this from Control Center as explained above.

1. Open the Settings app on the device
2. Tap on Screen Time. Turn on Screen Time, if not already
3. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Tap Allowed Apps. Enter the Screen Time passcode.
5. Turn off the toggle for AirDrop.

The steps to enable AirDrop again are the same. In step 5, turn on the toggle for AirDrop.

The second method is to use the Settings app to disable AirDrop.

1. Open the Settings app → General.
2. Then tap on AirDrop and select Receiving Off to disable AirDrop.

Signing Off…

This is how you can use AirDrop on your iOS and iPadOS devices. The basic instructions for Mac are the same. You will find AirDrop settings in Finder’s left sidebar on Mac.

You may also read more:

• AirDrop Does Not Working on iPhone or iPad
• How to change AirDrop name on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

The post How to Use AirDrop on iPhone and iPad appeared first on iGeeksBlog.