Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (2024)

Want to transfer data from one iPhone to another or from iPhone/iPad to Mac? Using Airdrop is always a good way that immediately comes into our minds to transfer data between iOS devices. What if Airdrop is not working when there is a need for it? If you have this problem, here a guide that presents six tips to solve the "Airdrop now working" problem is that you may find useful. Among the six tips, five of them are the tips you can try to fix AirDrop, while the last one is the tip you can try to transfer data between iOS devices in an alternative way.

By the way, if you have other problems like "Apple ID is not active," or "Face ID is not working," you can check our previous guide to fix it.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (1)

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My iPhone passcode expired, and I have no idea how to fix it. Try these simple and quick solutions to get into your locked iPhone without fuss.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (2)

Matters Need Attention

There are several matters you need to pay attention to before you use Airdrop. Those matters enable you to exclude the factors that cause the issue of Airdrop not working properly. Check it with your iPhone or iPad.

  1. 1. Make sure that your devices are in iOS 7/ Mac or X lion (10.7) or later versions.
  2. 2. Before you turn on Airdrop, start up both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iDevices.
  3. 3. To secure the transfer, the optimal distance between the two devices should be within 30 feet.

How to fix AirDrop not working on iPhone/iPad

The following six tips are common ways to fix the "Airdrop not working" problem on iPhones ranging from the earliest iPhone 4s to the newest iPhone 7 in iOS 7 or later versions.In addition, when your iPad says it's unavailable, clickiPad Unavailableto fix this issue.

TipsEffectiveness
Reset network settingsUsing AirDrop requires turning on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. (When the Internet goes wrong, go to tip 1.)
Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Re-sign in iCloud

Other basic tips to solve AirDrop not working issue:

  • To check if there is something wrong with your Apple account, re-sign into iCloud.
  • To fix minor software glitches, restart your device.
Restart your device
Update iOSUsing a toolkit to upgrade your iOS and repair the issues within your operating system.
iPhone data transfer toolAn alternative way to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone or iPhone to Mac. (Utilize a professional tool to transfer data safely and without losing the original quality.)

Tip 1: Reset network settings

As you may know, using AirDrop requires you to turn on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your devices. If there is a Wi-Fi connection problem on your iPhone, that could be the cause of your "AirDrop not working" problem. The method you can try to fix your Wi-Fi connection is to reset the network settings on your device. The steps are shown below.

Step 1: Open "Settings" App and Click "General"

Step 2: Choose "Reset" and tap on "Reset Network Settings"

Tip 2: Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

As introduced in Tip 1, turning on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is inevitable to use AirDrop. When AirDrop can't work properly, you can try to reopen Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to have a try. The way to make it is to swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen and tap on the Wi-Fi icon and Bluetooth icon to turn them off, then click the icons again to switch the services on.

Tip 3: Re-sign in iCloud

In addition to restarting the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can re-sign into your iCloud to fix the problem. Open the "Settings" App, tap on your name, and then goes to "iCloud." Sign out from your iCloud first, then sign in again.

Tip 4: Restart your device

The common way to restart an iOS device is to press "Home" and "Power" buttons simultaneously. By this simple way, you may not only solve the "AirDrop not working" problem but also problems like "Bluetooth not working."

Tip 5: Equip your device with the latest iOS version

When Airdrop isn't working, it might be caused by the integration defections within the old iOS system; with the latest iOS version, some old defections might have been repaired. EaseUS MobiXpert, an expert in system repair, can help you update your iPhone successfully without issues like an update getting stuck or an update taking forever. It allows you to upgrade your iOS to the latest iOS 17 beta. Also, whenever you find the newer version is not comfortable as you expect, you can downgrade your iPhone to any version that Apple has supported your iPhone model to downgrade to. Most important, this software is available on both iPhone and iPad.

Step 1.Open EaseUS MobiXpert on your computer. Select "System Repair."

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (3)

Step 2.Then select "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade."

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (4)

Step 3.Select "iOS/iPadOS Upgrade" option.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (5)

Step 4.Then you will be prompted to connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (6)

Step 5.Confirm your device model and then click "Next" to download the firmware for an upgrade.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (7)

Step 6.Once the firmware is verified, click "Upgrade Now" to start.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (8)

Step 7.Wait for the process to complete. Then click "Done" to close it.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (9)

If updating iOS can not solve the problem, you can try the deep system repair option within MobiXpert to fix errors embedded in the operating system.

Tip 6: Use the iOS data transfer tool to transfer files

As mentioned above, what's convenient with AirDrop is its data-sharing feature. For example, you can transfer photos from one iPhone to another with AirDrop. Your intention to share data between iOS devices will fail if it doesn't work properly. But don't worry. There is another option for you to choose to transfer data between two iOS devices, which is to use EaseUS MobiMover Pro. MobiMover is a professionally designed iPhone data transfer tool for data sharing. You can transfer files between a PC and iPhone/iPad or between two iOS devices. MobiMover can bring more conveniences for you when it comes to data transfer.

Also, read the article on how to fix iPhone stuck on the loading circle if you encounter such an issue.

Conclusion

There are various reasons that can cause your AirDrop on iPhone or iPad not working issue. You can choose these solutions based on your own situation. However, there is an efficient way to help you transfer data between iPhones. EaseUS MobiXpert, a powerful system repair tool, enables you to upgrade your iPadOS and iOS without data loss or the problem of updates getting stuck. If you don't want to encounter AirDrop not working issue anymore, use an alternative to AirDrop for data transfer.

FAQ

1. Why does my AirDrop not work on my iPhone?

AirDrop may stop working for many reasons, such as your device doesn't support AirDrop, something goes wrong with your AirDrop settings, network or Bluetooth errors, the personal hotspot has been enabled, etc.

2. How do I reset my Apple AirDrop?

Unfortunately, you can't reset your AirDrop. But you can reset your iPhone or iPad to fix some AirDrop problems. To reset your device: go to Settings, tap General, tap Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

3. How do I turn on AirDrop on the iPhone 6s?

To turn on AirDrop on your iPhone 6s, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access the Control Center, select and hold the center of the Connectivity section, and select AirDrop.

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad (2024)

FAQs

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad? ›

If you're having issues or can't send files with AirDrop, adjust your AirDrop receiving settings in Control Center. Make sure that your devices have the latest operating system version, you have turned Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on, or you have restarted your devices.

Why is AirDrop not working on my iPhone and iPad? ›

If you're having issues or can't send files with AirDrop, adjust your AirDrop receiving settings in Control Center. Make sure that your devices have the latest operating system version, you have turned Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on, or you have restarted your devices.

How do I restore AirDrop on my iPhone? ›

AirDrop Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
  1. Check Your Device Supports AirDrop. ...
  2. Check AirDrop Settings. ...
  3. Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. ...
  4. Disable Personal Hotspot. ...
  5. Make Sure Your iPhone or iPad is Unlocked. ...
  6. Bring the Devices Closer to Each Other. ...
  7. Limit the Firewall on Your Mac. ...
  8. Hard Reset Your Device.

Why did my iPad decline AirDrop? ›

AirDrop is only compatible with Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, macOS devices, and so on. It doesn't work on Android phones. Also, AirDrop only supports iPhones running iOS 9 or later versions, so if your iOS is outdated or your device is incompatible with AirDrop, you'll see the AirDrop declined error.

Why is AirDrop failing? ›

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.

Why is AirPlay not working? ›

Make sure that your AirPlay-compatible devices are turned on and near each other. Check that the devices are updated to the latest software and are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the devices that you want to use with AirPlay or screen mirroring.

Why didn't AirDrop work? ›

If AirDrop is not working for you, it could be due to a software glitch or you have not enabled WiFi and Bluetooth. You can fix AirDrop not working by turning on Bluetooth and WiFi, checking your Mac's firewall, or resetting network settings on your device.

How do I turn AirDrop back on? ›

Apple iPhone - Turn AirDrop On / Off
  1. Open the. Settings app. on your Apple® iPhone®.
  2. Navigate: General. AirDrop. .
  3. Select the AirDrop setting: Turning on AirDrop automatically turns on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®. Receiving Off. Contacts Only. Everyone for 10 Minutes.

How to activate AirDrop on iPad? ›

Apple iPad - Turn AirDrop On / Off
  1. Open the. Settings app. on your Apple® iPad®.
  2. Navigate: General. AirDrop. .
  3. Select an AirDrop setting: Turning on AirDrop automatically turns on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®. Receiving Off. : AirDrop is turned off. Contacts Only. : AirDrop is discoverable only by people in contacts. Everyone.

Is my iPad too old for AirDrop? ›

How Do I Turn on AirDrop On an Old iPad? AirDrop is compatible with any iPad running iOS 7 or later, which includes most models. In fact, every version of the iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro support the feature. The only versions to not support AirDrop are third-generation "classic" iPads and older.

Why is AirDrop cancelling? ›

There are several reasons why AirDrop is always canceled: not enough available space, connectivity issues, inappropriate settings, device incompatibility, and an iOS 17 issue. Let's explore how to stop Airdrop from turning off without telling you accordingly: 1.

What are the requirements for AirDrop? ›

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.

Do you need Wi-Fi for AirDrop? ›

You don't need WiFi to use AirDrop, but it's recommended. AirDrop works best when both devices are connected to the same WiFi network. If WiFi is unavailable, AirDrop can use Bluetooth to establish a peer-to-peer connection between devices, but these will be noticeably slower than sharing over WiFi.

Why is AirDrop not seeing other devices? ›

If you can't see the other device in AirDrop

Make sure that both devices are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Choose Go > AirDrop from the menu bar in the Finder, then check the ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting in the AirDrop window.

Can you AirDrop between iPhone and iPad? ›

You can use AirDrop with an iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Why is my AirDrop just waiting? ›

Some of the common causes of AirDrop stuck on waiting are: Both devices are not close enough to each other to let AirDrop connect them. Your iPhone or Mac is not fulfilling the AirDrop minimum requirements. Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth is turned off on any device or a personal hotspot is enabled.

Why is AirDrop not finding anyone? ›

Check whether AirDrop Works Properly

You must go to Settings > General > AirDrop, toggle AirDrop off, and back on. Next, set your AirDrop preferences on both devices to "Everyone" to ensure the nearby devices can be detected.

Why are my AirDrop photos not showing up? ›

Sometimes, there's a software bug in the system settings or a third-party app running on your iPhone. In such a scenario, restarting the device is the quickest way to fix the issue of AirDropped photos not showing up.

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