How to use Apple's AirDrop over a cellular connection (2024)

FAQs

How to use Apple's AirDrop over a cellular connection? ›

Once cellular data for AirDrop is enabled, initiate an AirDrop transfer as you normally would. If you move out of Wi-Fi range during the transfer, the file will continue to transfer seamlessly using cellular data, provided that both devices have a strong cellular connection.

Once cellular data for AirDrop is enabled, initiate an AirDrop transfer as you normally would. If you move out of Wi-Fi range during the transfer, the file will continue to transfer seamlessly using cellular data, provided that both devices have a strong cellular connection.

Can you airdrop without Wi-Fi? - The answer is yes. You can AirDrop files between Apple devices without an internet connection, but you have to turn the Wi-Fi option on anyway.

Range: The maximum range for AirDrop transfers is about 30 feet (10 meters). Speed: The transfer speed will vary depending on the size of the file and the capabilities of the devices involved. Apple-Exclusive: AirDrop is only available on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and iPod touches.

With AirDrop, you can share content without sending it as an attachment in an email or text message. You can send photos, videos, websites, locations, and more to a nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the devices' wireless connections. You can send files to nearby users even if you're not on a wireless network.

Therefore, in most cases, AirDrop requires either a Wi-Fi connection or cellular data to function properly. You, and the person you're sending to, need to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. You also need to be within Bluetooth or WiFi range of each other.

There is no limit to file size, and files transfer as fast as their individual hardware allows. Since you're not transferring files over a network, you don't share bandwidth with anyone.

Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on

AirDrop relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® to transfer files. Make sure both are turned on by going to your phone settings. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open your Control Center. They're off if the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi icons are not illuminated blue.

AirDrop doesn't require a cellular connection or SIM card. It also doesn't require a WiFi connection or an internet connection. All that is required is for Bluetooth to be enabled for discovery of nearby Apple devices.

Check your network connection. To send a message as iMessage, RCS, or MMS, you need a cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. To send an SMS message, you need cellular network connection. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, you can send SMS messages over Wi-Fi.

Can AirDrop work between iPhone and Android? ›

You cannot directly AirDrop from an iPhone to an Android device. However, you can use alternative methods such as cloud storage services, third-party file transfer apps, USB cables, or email attachments to transfer your photos.

AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. That means you don't need to be connected to your router or even the internet in order to have an AirDrop connection. You do have to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, however.

This seamless media-sharing function uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to quickly transfer files between two nearby devices. However, the catch is that Airdrop is only available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

The only "requirement" is that both devices are within 30 feet of each other and have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. So far as I can tell, there isn't a limit to the size of the file you AirDrop. Just know that the bigger the file, the longer it will take to transfer.