9 Easy Ways to Fix AirDrop When It's Not Working

PDF download Download Article
Get AirDrop working again on all Apple devices
PDF download Download Article

Is AirDrop not finding the other device? Whether you're trying to send or receive files via AirDrop, you'll need to make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Here's what to do if AirDrop is not working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device with expert tips from Electronics Repair Specialist Bryzz Tortello.

Getting AirDrop to Work

If your AirDrop is not working, make sure both devices are connected to both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Restart both devices, and make sure Receiving is set to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes .

1

Enable AirDrop on both devices.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    "Make sure the feature is on and ready for sharing," Tortello advises. Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. Long-press the Wi-Fi button to expand the menu. Make sure AirDrop is set to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes .
    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on with both devices for AirDrop to work. [1]
    • Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
    2. Advertisement
2

Bring the devices closer.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When trying to AirDrop files, make sure the two devices aren't too far apart. To rule out distance as an issue, try to send files when the devices are right next to each other.
3

Check for compatibility.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    AirDrop is only available on Apple devices with specific models:
    • iPhone 5 or newer
    • iPad (4th Generation) or later
    • iPad Mini (1st Generation) or later
    • iPod Touch (5th Generation) or later
    • Macs (2012) or later running Yosemite or newer
    2. Advertisement
4

Restart your devices.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes, a simple restart can fix software bugs.
5

Check AirDrop settings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can check by doing the following:
    • Open Settings .
    • Tap General .
    • Tap AirDrop .
    • Make sure receiving is on.
    • Optional: toggle on Use Cellular Data if your Wi-Fi is spotty.
    2. Advertisement
6

Check your device's battery.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have low power, you may have trouble receiving or sending AirDrops. Charge your device to at least 75% before trying to AirDrop.
    • If you have Low Power Mode enabled, turn it off by going to Settings > Battery > toggle off Low Power Mode .
7

Check your storage.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're receiving a bunch of files over AirDrop, you may not have the storage to fully download them.
    • Check your storage in Settings > General > [device] Storage .
    • If you need to clear up some storage, consider storing your files and videos in a cloud service such as iCloud or Google Drive .
    2. Advertisement
8

Turn off any VPNs.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A VPN can block the connection with Apple's servers. Turn it off, and then try to AirDrop again.
9

Disable Personal Hotspot.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Airdrop-Not-Working-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're using your Personal Hotspot, you'll need to turn this off before you can use AirDrop. Do the following:
    • Go to Settings .
    • Tap Personal Hotspot .
    • Toggle off Allow Others to Join .
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add an App Back to Home Screen: Tips for Finding Apps
      6 Ways to View Your Apple ID Password—No Resetting Required
      How to
      AirPlay to a Fire Stick from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
      App Store Missing? 3 Easy Methods to Restore It on iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Record Calls on iOS 18: Everything You Need to Know
      4 Simple Ways to Fix iPhone iOS 16 "Update Requested"
      iOS 18 Guide: How to Use Genmoji + What Genmoji Is
      How to
      Turn Off Screen Time: 4 Simple Methods You Can Try
      No Location Found Error in Find My: Meaning and Solutions
      Is Your iPhone Hacked? How to Tell and What to Do
      How to
      Downgrade and Restore Older Versions of iOS on iPhone
      Everything You Need to Know about Game Mode in iOS 18
      Why Is My iPhone Going Straight to Voicemail?
      How to
      Connect and Access a USB Drive on iPhone or iPad
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/119857

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 543 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement