How to Fix Airdrop on iPhone and iPad: Step-by-Step Guide

Airdrop is a powerful feature that enables seamless file transfer between compatible iOS devices and Mac computers. However, sometimes you may encounter issues where Airdrop does not work properly. Don't worry! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to fix Airdrop on your iPhone and iPad.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before we dive into the solutions, here are some important points to keep in mind:

Ensure that all devices are running the latest version of iOS (7 or later). Make sure your Mac is running macOS (X Lion 10.7 or later). Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be enabled before you use Airdrop. Keep the distance between devices to within 30 feet for optimal data transfer.

Methods to Fix Airdrop

If Airdrop is not working as expected, you can try the following methods to restore its functionality:

Airdrop Settings

There are different levels of Airdrop: Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone. The most secure option is Contacts Only, as it needs to verify contacts on both devices. If Airdrop is not working, you can try the following:

Go to Settings > General > Airdrop. Select the Airdrop option that you want to try (e.g., Off or Everyone). Alternatively, you can try turning off Airdrop and then turning it back on.

If your Mac is not showing in the Airdrop list, you can try the following on your Mac:

Open Finder on your Mac. Go to Airdrop within Finder. Follow the steps to reset Airdrop settings (as mentioned above).

Toggling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If Airdrop still doesn’t work after adjusting the settings, you can try toggling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:

iPhone/iPad

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Turn Wi-Fi off and then turn it back on.

MAC

Click on the Wi-Fi symbol in the Menu Bar. Turn Wi-Fi off and then turn it back on.

The same process can be applied to Bluetooth:

iPhone/iPad

Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth off and then turn it back on.

MAC

Click on the Bluetooth symbol in the Menu Bar. Turn Bluetooth off and then on again.

If you prefer a faster method, you can also turn on Airplane Mode and then turn it off again.

Resetting Network Settings

If the above methods do not resolve the issue, try resetting your network settings:

Go to Settings > General > Reset. Select Reset Network Settings.

This will remove all network configurations and force your device to reconfigure them, which might help fix Airdrop-related problems.

Re-signing in to iCloud

If resetting network settings does not work, try signing in and out of iCloud:

Go to Settings > Your name. Go to iCloud and sign out. Sign back in with your credentials.

Hard Reset

If all else fails, perform a hard reset of your device:

For iPhone 6.0 or earlier/ iPads:

Press and hold the on-off button. Simultaneously press the Home button. Keep holding the buttons until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7:

Press the on-off button and hold it. Press the lower-volume button while holding the on-off button. Keep holding both buttons until the screen turns off and the Apple logo appears.

Updating iOS

Ensure that your iOS device is running the latest software version, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements:

Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it.

Contacting Apple Support

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, consider contacting Apple Support. They can provide you with further assistance:

- Apple Support

Remember, Airdrop is a valuable feature that can save you time and effort in file transfer. By following these steps, you should be able to get Airdrop working again on your iPhone and iPad.

Conclusion

Airdrop is an incredibly useful feature for iOS devices and Mac computers. By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to resolve any issues you may encounter with Airdrop. If you continue to experience problems, don't hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.