How to fix AirDrop Not Working

Are you tired of encountering issues with AirDrop not working when you're trying to seamlessly share files between your Apple devices? Fear not, as we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix AirDrop issues. In this friendly and easy-to-follow guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions to get your AirDrop back up and running smoothly.

Adjust Visibility Settings

The first step in troubleshooting AirDrop issues is to ensure that your visibility settings are correctly configured. On your iOS device, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center and tap on "AirDrop." From there, you can choose either "Contacts Only" or "Everyone" depending on your preference. By setting your visibility preferences, you can control who can send you files via AirDrop.

Prepare Devices for Requests

Before initiating an AirDrop transfer, it's essential to make sure that both the sending and receiving devices have their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Additionally, it's important to keep both devices unlocked and awake during the transfer process to ensure a smooth file exchange.

Turn Off Restrictions

Check if any restrictions are enabled on your device that might be preventing AirDrop from functioning properly. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and ensure that AirDrop is allowed. By enabling AirDrop in your content and privacy settings, you can ensure that it's not being restricted by any device limitations.

Enable Overcellular Sharing

If you're attempting to use AirDrop over cellular data, it's important to ensure that the option for "Allow me to be discovered by" is set to "Everyone" under Settings > Personal Hotspot > Allow Others to Join. This setting allows for broader discovery and connectivity when using AirDrop over cellular data.

Turn Off Do Not Disturb Mode

Sometimes, having Do Not Disturb mode enabled can interfere with AirDrop transfers. To avoid any potential disruptions, simply disable this mode by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen and tapping on the crescent moon icon to turn it off.

Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If you're still experiencing issues, a simple yet effective troubleshooting step is to turn off both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your devices, wait a few seconds, and then turn them back on. This quick reset can often resolve connectivity issues and create a fresh connection for AirDrop transfers.

Use AirDrop From a Third Device

If you're encountering problems between two specific devices, consider using a third device as an intermediary for the transfer. This workaround can sometimes bypass direct connectivity issues between two specific devices and enable a successful file transfer.

Send Single Files Instead of Multiple

When sending files via AirDrop, try sending one file at a time instead of multiple files together to avoid potential complications. By sending files individually, you can reduce the chances of encountering transfer errors or delays.

Check Downloads Folder for Missing Files

After receiving files via AirDrop, it's important to check your device's Downloads folder, as transferred files may end up there instead of in their intended location. By checking the Downloads folder, you can ensure that all received files are easily accessible and not overlooked.

Turn Off VPN

If you have a VPN enabled on your device, try turning it off temporarily as it could be impacting AirDrop functionality. Disabling the VPN can potentially resolve any conflicts and allow for smooth file transfers via AirDrop.

Open Mac's Firewall

On a Mac, it's important to ensure that incoming connections are allowed for AirDrop. Navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and make sure that the firewall settings allow for incoming connections related to AirDrop. By adjusting the firewall settings, you can facilitate seamless file sharing between your Mac and other Apple devices.

Sign In to Your Apple ID Account

Some features of AirDrop require you to be signed in with your Apple ID account for seamless operation. By ensuring that you are signed in with your Apple ID account, you can unlock the full functionality of AirDrop and maximize its file sharing capabilities.

Update the Operating System

Outdated operating systems can sometimes cause compatibility issues with AirDrop. Therefore, it's crucial to check if there are any pending software updates for your devices. Keeping your devices' operating systems up to date can resolve potential compatibility issues and ensure smooth AirDrop functionality.

Restart Both Devices

A simple restart can often resolve many technical glitches. Before attempting an AirDrop transfer again, try restarting both the sending and receiving devices to refresh their systems and potentially resolve any lingering connectivity issues.

Reset Network Settings

As a last resort, if you're still experiencing persistent connectivity issues with AirDrop, consider resetting network settings on your device. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. It's important to note that this action will erase all network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, but can help resolve stubborn connectivity issues and restore AirDrop functionality.

We sincerely hope that this friendly and comprehensive guide has helped you troubleshoot any issues you were experiencing with AirDrop not working properly. By following these detailed steps systematically, we're confident that you'll be able to enjoy seamless file sharing using AirDrop once again. With these troubleshooting tips in your arsenal, you can confidently tackle any AirDrop issues that may arise and continue to benefit from the convenience of wirelessly sharing files across your Apple devices. Happy sharing!