How to Use AirDrop: a Guide for iPhone, Mac, and iPad

The Contacts Only option is available on devices that support iOS 10 and later, iPadOS, or macOS Sierra 10.12 and later. If AirDrop is set to Contacts Only on your device with an earlier software version, you’ll need to adjust AirDrop settings to the Everyone option in Settings or from Control Center. You can select the Everyone option while using AirDrop and disable it when not in use. Finally, you can use the shortcut menu. Find the item you want to send, then right-click and choose Share. You’ll then be shown nearby AirDrop-enabled devices which you can share to.

1. The Contacts Only option is available on devices that support iOS 10 and later, iPadOS, or macOS Sierra 10.12 and later.
2. When receiving an AirDrop, a pop-up will appear on the receiving device with the option to Accept or Decline the AirDrop.
3. You can select the Everyone option while using AirDrop and disable it when not in use.
4. The items will automatically be shared.
5. To successfully AirDrop, you’ll need to turn on AirDrop on the devices you wish to transfer files between — you only need to do that once per device— and then you can send files between them.
6. Even if you select Everyone, you can choose to reject an AirDrop you don’t want to receive when it’s sent to you.

All the files sent are encrypted, and the sending and receiving devices create a firewall around the connection and communicate directly by using Bluetooth. AirDrop looks for nearby devices to create this network with, and can look relatively far; if you’re a couple of rooms away from someone, you’ll probably still be able to AirDrop them files. Despite using a Bluetooth connection to make this work, AirDrop is incredibly fast.

Enable AirDrop on Your iPhone

If you’re still having trouble getting AirDrop to work correctly, try switching off both radios completely on your device, then turn them back on again. Now, by default, Apple makes sure AirDrop is only set to receive file transfer requests from people in your contacts–so by default, you’ll know who an AirDrop transfer is coming from. Enabling Everyone, is a quick way to fix AirDrop as you may be trying to send files to an unknown contact. You can put your AirDrop receiving setting to Contacts Only or Receiving Off at any time to control who can see your device and send you content in AirDrop.

Make Sure Your iPhone or iPad is Unlocked

You now know how to share files using AirDrop. Check out how to share files between Android and iPhone. Looking to transfer all your data to a new iPhone?

On your iPhone, open the app that you want to AirDrop from. To send a photo, for example, open Photos. AirDrop uses a combination of both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit files, so your iPhone, iPad, or Mac have to be within about 30 feet of each other.

AirDrop does not require an internet connection. You’re now ready to start sending and receiving files via AirDrop. AirDrop is one of the coolest features you get from being in Apple’s ecosystem. At its most basic, it allows you to send files between your devices–or to your friends, without needing an internet connection. Today it’s easier than ever to share files and photos across devices. With Apple devices, you can use AirDrop to send files – even ones too big for email – between an iPhone, Mac, or iPad with just a tap, as long as they are in range.

To successfully AirDrop, you’ll need to turn on AirDrop on the devices you wish to transfer files between — you only need to do that once per device— and then you can send files between them. The file-sharing system is one of the quickest and easiest ways to transfer files on Apple devices, so when it stops working it can be incredibly frustrating. If you want this option, make sure to enable Use Cellular Data on the AirDrop settings page. Tap Contacts Only to ensure your device is only visible to contacts. what is other identify of financial institution reconciliation assertion Or tap Everyone to allow your device to be seen by any compatible devices nearby (you still have to accept any file transfers). NameDrop allows you to share contact information quickly by simply placing devices near each other and activating them.

AirDrop: How To Send A File

Choose Accept or, if it’s a photo, you can also choose Open in Photos. If you choose Accept, the file will appear in your Downloads folder; choosing Open in Photos, will open the file in the Photos app. John-Anthony has years of experience working at Apple’s Genius Bar and has seen many AirDrop issues over the years.

James is a staff writer and general Jack of all trades at iMore. With news, features, reviews, and guides under his belt, he has always liked Apple for its unique branding and distinctive style. Originally buying a Macbook for music and video production, he has since gone on to join the Apple ecosystem with as many devices as he can fit on his person.

It’s popular with them because AirDrop does not tell you the actual name of the person sending you the file–only the name of their device–which they can change to anything. To receive files on your iPhone via AirDrop, simply ask the sender to select your iPhone on their AirDrop device list. If you’d like to use AirDrop to share files, first, launch the app in which the file you want to share is located. For the example, we’ll use the Photos app.

When you AirDrop media, it will alert the other person immediately, and they’ll be able to accept what you’ve sent. AirDrop in iOS 17, has become even more convenient thanks to adding more features like NameDrop. NameDrop lets you quickly send contact information to others allowing you to unlock the capabilities of AirDrop in mere seconds. Tapping on the AirDrop icon will show nearby Apple devices that have AirDrop enabled—just tap the name of the device or person you want to send to.

How to toggle Bluetooth on and off on iPhone or iPad

For this example, we’ll show how to AirDrop photos from an iPhone to Mac. You could also AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone, or to iPad, whether yours or someone else’s that’s nearby. When a shared Wi-Fi network isn’t available, AirDrop relies exclusively on Bluetooth to find devices and transfer files.