AirDrop is Apple’s proprietary close-proximity file sharing solution that allows users to wirelessly transfer files between iOS devices and Macs. It utilizes Bluetooth and WiFi technology to detect nearby devices and enables seamless sharing of photos, videos, documents, and more without requiring an internet connection.
AirDrop has become an indispensable tool for iOS and Mac users given its speed, convenience and ease of use. However, many users encounter problems with AirDrop not working properly. Issues like being unable to detect or connect to nearby devices, failed file transfers, or AirDrop turning itself off are common complaints.
This article will provide an overview of the most common troubleshooting tips and solutions for fixing AirDrop connection issues and getting seamless file sharing working again between your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Mac.
AirDrop Requirements
For AirDrop to work properly between iOS and macOS devices, both devices need to meet certain compatibility and connectivity requirements. According to Apple’s support article (https://support.apple.com/en-us/102538), AirDrop requires that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on and be within 30 feet of each other.
In terms of compatibility, AirDrop is available on iOS devices running iOS 7 or later and Macs running OS X Yosemite or later according to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirDrop). For the iOS device specifically, it needs to be an iPhone 5 or newer, a fourth generation iPad or newer, any iPad mini, or a fifth generation iPod touch. On the Mac side, a MacBook Pro (late 2008 or newer), MacBook Air (late 2010 or newer), MacBook (late 2008 or newer), or Mac desktop (2012 or newer) is required as per iDownloadBlog’s compatibility guide (https://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/06/23/how-to-mac-compatible-airdrop/).
Out of Range
One of the most common reasons AirDrop is unable to share files or photos between devices is because the devices are too far apart. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to establish a connection between devices, which limits its range to about 30 feet or 10 meters under ideal conditions. Trying to AirDrop beyond this range will fail.
The 30 foot range limitation is because Bluetooth has a low power, short range wireless signal. While some Bluetooth devices can maintain connections up to 100 feet, AirDrop specifically uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) which tops out at around 30 feet.
Even within the 30 foot range, obstacles and interference can prevent AirDrop from working properly. Walls, floors, people, and other electronics can potentially block the Bluetooth and WiFi signals necessary for AirDrop. For best results, ensure devices have a clear line of sight.
To share files over longer distances, consider using alternative file sharing services like email, cloud storage, remote desktop connections, or third party apps. But for quick, convenient sharing between nearby Apple devices, AirDrop only works when your devices are in close proximity.
Incorrect Settings
One of the most common reasons AirDrop is unable to share files is if the incorrect AirDrop settings are enabled on your device. By default, AirDrop visibility is set to Contacts Only on iOS and Mac devices. This restricts AirDrop discovery to only people in your contacts, which can prevent sharing if the person you want to share with is not a contact.
To enable full AirDrop functionality, you need to change the AirDrop visibility settings to “Everyone” on both the sending and receiving devices. On an iPhone or iPad, you can do this by going to Settings > General > AirDrop and selecting “Everyone”. On a Mac, open Finder and click AirDrop in the sidebar, then select “Allow me to be discovered by: Everyone” in the AirDrop window.
With AirDrop visibility set to “Everyone”, your device will be discoverable by all nearby AirDrop users, allowing you to share files and content seamlessly. Just remember that setting visibility to “Everyone” also allows anyone nearby to send you unwanted content. But as long as both devices have AirDrop open to “Everyone”, you should be able to transfer files successfully. For more details, check out Apple’s AirDrop help guide.
Software Updates Needed
One of the most common reasons AirDrop is unable to share files or photos between devices is that the software is out of date. AirDrop requires both sending and receiving devices to be running the latest version of iOS or macOS in order to function properly.
Apple frequently releases software updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements for AirDrop. If AirDrop is failing between an iPhone and Mac for example, updating both devices to the latest iOS and macOS versions can often resolve the issue.
Check for available software updates on your devices by going to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS or System Preferences > Software Update on macOS. Install any available updates, including minor point releases, to ensure compatibility with AirDrop on other devices.
Keeping your devices up-to-date with the latest system software is key for enjoying a smooth, reliable AirDrop experience. Software updates may fix bugs that are preventing AirDrop discovery and file transfers between devices.
Insufficient Storage
One common reason AirDrop may fail to send or receive files is if there is insufficient available storage space on the receiving device (Source 1). AirDrop requires free space to temporarily save files during transfer. The amount of storage needed depends on the size of the files being sent.
If you get a “Not Enough Storage” error when trying to receive files via AirDrop, first check how much free space you have available. You may need to delete apps, photos, videos or other data to free up space (Source 2). For large file transfers, make sure the receiving device has at least a few gigabytes of available storage.
To check your available storage space on an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage. This will show you a detailed breakdown of used and available space. If storage space is insufficient, AirDrop will fail.
Connection Issues
One of the most common reasons AirDrop may be unable to share is due to connection issues between the two devices. AirDrop relies on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to function properly. If the Wi-Fi signal strength is too weak between the devices, AirDrop transfers can fail or take a long time.
According to How far can the devices be apart to use airdrop?, devices need to be within about 40 feet and on the same Wi-Fi network for AirDrop to work effectively. Weak Wi-Fi signal strength between devices can disrupt this connection.
One potential solution is to move the devices closer together to improve Wi-Fi reception. Alternatively, switching to a different Wi-Fi network may help strengthen the signal, as suggested in AirDrop while connected to a WiFi. Improving overall Wi-Fi coverage in the area where you want to use AirDrop could resolve intermittent connection problems.
Restart Devices
Sometimes a simple reboot can fix transient software issues that may be preventing AirDrop from working properly. The act of powering down and restarting your iOS device or Mac essentially clears out any temporary bugs or glitches in the system that could disrupt connections.
According to a WhistleOut guide, restarting your device is one of the first troubleshooting steps to try when AirDrop is not working. Restarting your iPhone, iPad, or Macbook can often resolve problems like AirDrop not finding contacts or giving a “waiting” status when attempting to share.
Even minor software hiccups can disrupt AirDrop’s ability to establish connections between Apple devices. Therefore rebooting clears out these errors and resets the software, potentially fixing the issues preventing AirDrop from working properly again.
Reset Network Settings
One potential fix for AirDrop issues is to reset the network settings on your iOS device. This clears out any problematic network configurations that may be interfering with AirDrop. According to iMore, resetting networks can resolve bugs related to AirDrop and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Resetting network settings erases Wi-Fi passwords, VPN configurations, and other wireless settings – but it often resolves technical issues. As explained by EaseUS, resetting networks essentially gives you a clean slate for wireless connectivity on your device. Once the reset is complete, you’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and set up VPNs again. However, clearing out old or problematic settings frequently gets AirDrop functioning properly once more.
Overall, resetting network settings is an easy fix to try if AirDrop is not working reliably. While inconvenient to reconfigure wireless networks afterwards, this method often resolves technical issues that standard troubleshooting cannot fix.
Conclusion
In summary, the main troubleshooting tips for fixing AirDrop connection issues are to ensure both devices have the latest software updates installed, reset the network settings on each device, restart the devices, and make sure AirDrop visibility is set to Contacts Only or Everyone. Additionally, moving the devices closer together and removing any obstructions can help improve the connection.
If you’ve tried all these steps and AirDrop is still not working, it’s best to seek additional technical support. An Apple technician can run diagnostics, reinstall the operating system, or determine if there is an underlying hardware issue causing the problem. Persistent AirDrop problems that cannot be resolved through basic troubleshooting likely require professional service to fix.