Use AirDrop on iPhone to send items to nearby Apple devices (2024)

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Copyright

With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and more to other nearby devices and Mac computers.

Transfers are encrypted for security, and the recipient can accept or decline each transfer as it arrives.

Note: If you leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range after an AirDrop transfer is initiated, the transfer continues over the internet.

Before you begin

Make sure that the recipient you’re sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth range and that you both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
Check that the recipient you’re sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only.
If you’re not in their Contacts, have them set their AirDrop receiving setting to Everyone in order to receive the file.
If you’re in their Contacts and they set AirDrop to receive from Contacts Only, they need to have your Apple ID email address or phone number included in your contact card for AirDrop to work.

Send an item using AirDrop

Open the item on your iPhone, then tap , Share, AirDrop, , or another button that displays the app’s sharing options.
Tap , then tap the AirDrop user you want to share with. (You can also use AirDrop to share between your own devices.)
Tip: If you’re within close range of someone in your contacts, you can initiate a transfer by opening the file you want to share, then moving your iPhone close to your contact’s iPhone (on supported models with iOS17 or later).

To use AirDrop to securely share app and website passwords with someone using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, see Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop on iPhone.

Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop

Open Control Center, touch and hold the top-left group of controls, then tap .
Tap Contacts Only or Everyonefor10Minutes to choose who you want to receive items from.
Note: The Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes options are available only on devices with minimum system requirements.

Turn off cellular data for AirDrop

Cellular data charges may apply when you use AirDrop.

If you don’t want to use cellular data when you’re out of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range, go to Settings> General> AirDrop, then turn off Use Cellular Data.

Typically this is a one-time setting, but you might want to change it if, for example, you’re traveling and want to avoid roaming charges.

To quickly share your contact information, see Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact information.

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FAQs

Use AirDrop on iPhone to send items to nearby Apple devices? ›

Tip: If you're within close range of someone in your contacts, you can initiate an AirDrop transfer by opening the file you want to share, then moving your iPhone close to your contact's iPhone (on supported models with iOS 17 or later). in the toolbar, then click AirDrop. Select the recipient you want to share with.

Read On ›

What is the difference between AirDrop and Nearby Share? ›

As the name suggests, Nearby Share allows you to share files back and forth between Android devices and PCs. It's similar to Apple's AirDrop, with the key difference being that Nearby Share connects devices from two different companies, rather than iPhones and Macs.

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How does AirDrop work on Apple devices? ›

AirDrop uses Bluetooth to discover nearby devices and Wi-Fi to transfer data between devices. If the devices leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range of each other after you initiate an AirDrop transfer, the transfer can continue over the internet. Place the iPhone devices near one another.

How do I turn off AirDrop on my iPhone? ›

Press firmly or touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner. Touch and hold the AirDrop button , then choose one of these options: Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests.

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How do I share with nearby devices? ›

Open the content, like a photo or webpage from any app. ...
Tap Share. ...
Make sure the device you want to share with is nearby.
Tap the device you want to share with. ...
Wait for the other device to accept your sharing request. ...
During the transfer: ...
To select multiple receivers, you can tap more than one device.

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How do I set up nearby devices on my iPhone? ›

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Control Nearby Devices, then tap Control Nearby Devices. The device you want to control must be signed in with the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Choose the device you want to control, then tap a button.

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What are the disadvantages of Nearby Share? ›

There are some limitations to be aware of. Tom's Guide states in their report, “Nearby Share has a 1,000-file limit”, so folders can't be too big. Another piece from Android Police reveals the upgrade is exclusive to Google Files as it doesn't seem to work properly with Samsung's own file manager.

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Should I turn off Nearby Share? ›

Turning off Nearby Share can help protect your privacy and prevent unwanted file sharing. Battery Drain: Keeping Nearby Share enabled can sometimes lead to increased battery consumption, as your device is constantly scanning for nearby devices and maintaining a connection.

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Does someone have to be nearby to 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.

Can someone access my iPhone through AirDrop? ›

Due to the perception of default security among AirDrop users, malicious individuals such as hackers or scammers can exploit this trust to gain access to or inject harmful elements into a user's device, provided they find an opening.

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Is it safe to use AirDrop on iPhone? ›

AirDrop transfers are encrypted with TLS and Apple's other security measures, so using it generally poses little risk. The possible security flaw in using AirDrop comes with it being a peer-to-peer connection: human error and user behavior.

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How close do devices have to be to AirDrop? ›

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.

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Should AirDrop be on or off? ›

The Risks of AirDrop. While AirDrop is a very convenient way to share files, children whose devices have it enabled are at risk of receiving inappropriate content without asking for it. This convenience also means that anyone with an Apple device can send files to your child's Apple device, even if they don't know them ...

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Where do AirDrop files go? ›

AirDrop files are stored in the app that matches them. For example, pictures will be saved in your Photos app. A presentation will be saved in Keynote. Contacts will be saved in Contacts.

How do you tell if you airdropped something? ›

Can you see your AirDrop history? No, you can't see your AirDrop history. There is not currently a way to view a history of items that you've sent or received over AirDrop. You can, however, easily change your AirDrop name.

How do I find nearby people on AirDrop? ›

If the person you're sharing with also has an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 model, you can simply point your iPhone in the direction of their device. From there, you should see the other user's profile picture appear on-screen. If there are multiple devices nearby, you may see a red numbered badge on the AirDrop button.

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Can I AirDrop between my own devices? ›

AirDrop is limited to iOS and MacOS (Sorry, Android and PC users). When it debuted in 2012, it was one of the features that separated the iPhone from Android phones.

Why is AirDrop saying no one nearby? ›

Proximity and Signal Strength: AirDrop works best when devices are close and have a strong Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signal. Being too far from the target device can lead to this error. Software Updates:Outdated iOS firmware on your Apple devices can sometimes cause AirDrop problems.

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Why is my AirDrop not picking up other devices? ›

Causes of AirDrop Not Working

AirDrop relies on both Bluetooth to detect devices within 30 feet and Wi-Fi to perform the actual data transfer. If either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is not turned on AirDrop will not function. Perhaps the most common issue with using AirDrop is a device failing to appear because it is asleep.

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