AirDrop allows for Apple’s proprietary data-sharing setting, rapid and easy file transfers between Apple devices. It allows you to quickly and securely transfer data from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS to other AirDrop supported devices.
The AirDrop protocol does this by combining Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as TLS encryption, to provide a close-range, secure cordless connection between devices. While this approach is normally trouble-free and AirDrop does not have any complications, there are times when it encounters connectivity and transmission troubles. Here’s a checklist to help you out in these situations.
What Is AirDrop?
Apple’s exclusive way of transmitting files or data locally between two devices is known as AirDrop. When it comes to file transfers, the devices connect using Bluetooth at first, with Wi-Fi handling the majority of the work.
In 2008, the feature was initially available on Macs. With the release of iOS 7 in 2013, it was extended to iOS devices. When AirDrop works, it’s fantastic, but if you have older gear, you’re more likely to run into problems. The most common difficulty users have with AirDrop is that the recipient does not always appear, no matter how hard you try.
One of the reasons Apple included the new U1 chip with ultra-wideband technology in the iPhone 11 is to address this issue. The U1 is intended to increase device discoverability while also addressing issues that have plagued AirDrop for years. However, it will be some time before the majority of individuals have such a chip installed in their device. For the time being, we’re stuck attempting to make AirDrop operate the old-fashioned way.
How to Fix AirDrop Issues on iPhone/iPad & Mac
The fixes for a handful of the most frequent AirDrop issues you might encounter on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, as well as how to restore their AirDrop performance, are listed below.
Check AirDrop Status
To begin, make sure AirDrop is enabled on the devices you want to transfer files between. Examine the AirDrop distribution setting if it is enabled. No One/Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone are the three shades of AirDrop. Depending on who you’re sharing files with, choose between Contacts Only and Everyone. Use Contacts Only if the person is still in your contact list. If not, make use of Everybody.
On iPhone/iPad
- Select Settings then General then AirDrop
- Select Contacts Only or Everyone as the discoverability option.
- To select an alternative, pull down the nerve centre, long-press the connectivity box in the top-left, and tap on AirDrop.
If this does not work, choose Receiving Off instead of steps 1-2 to turn off AirDrop.
On Mac
- From the left sidebar, select AirDrop.
- In the AirDrop box, select an AirDrop exposure option from the dropdown arrow next to Permit me to be detected by.
- Select Nobody from the discoverability options to turn off AirDrop.
Disable Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disrupt is known to cause problems with AirDrop connections, preventing your games from being discovered. Damage Do Not Interrupt on your devices to ensure this isn’t a problem with you.
- Go to the Settings menu.
- If it’s on, go to Do Not Interrupt and turn it off.
- Alternatively, if it is permitted, remove the control centre and tap the Do Not Interrupt symbol.
On Mac
- Go to the System Preferences menu.
- Go to Notifications, select Do Not Interrupt from the left sidebar, and disable it.
- Alternatively, launch Alert Center and check the Do Not Disturb status by clicking the top-right corner of the screen. If it’s on, turn it off.
Disable VPN Connection
When you try to share files using AirDrop, a VPN might sometimes cause interruption. As a result, if you have a VPN enabled on your devices, turn it off and attempt delivering the data over AirDrop again.
On iPhone and iPad
- Public Setting Option
- Go to VPN and turn off the option next to Status.
On Mac
- Go to the System Preferences menu.
- Go to System, then click the VPN service’s name in the left-hand column, then click Disconnect.
Change Firewall Settings
If you’re having trouble with AirDrop on your Mac, it could be because of macOS’ firewall software restrictions. Firewall programme restrictions are usually in place to prevent the computer from interacting with (unidentified) inbound connections. However, AirDrop connections are frequently disrupted as a result of this.
- Go to the System Preferences menu.
- Select Security & Privacy > Firewall software from the Security & Privacy menu.
- Click the padlock and enter the official password for your Mac.
- Select the Firewall application from the drop-down menu.
- Select Firewall programme Options if the Firewall programme is allowed.
- Uncheck the item next to Block all incoming connections in the Firewall environments.
- Press the OK button.
Reset Network Settings
If none of the above mentioned fixes work, you’ll need to do a network reset on your devices. This clears the setup profile, which contains all of your previously used networks and settings, and restores them to their original configuration. Before you proceed with this operation, make a note of your setup settings or passwords.
On iPhone and iPad
- Public Setting Option
- Next Go to General and scroll to Reset.
- Enter your iPhone/iPad password after clicking Reset Network Settings.
On Mac
The technique for resetting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on a Mac is a little more involved. To reset your Wi-Fi network, follow the steps outlined below.
- Go to Finder.
- Go to Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ and hit return after pressing command+ shift+ G.
- Copy the following files to another location on your Mac and save them temporarily.
- Delete the data mentioned above and restart your Mac.
Use the steps below to re-enable Bluetooth.
- While holding down the shift key, click on the Bluetooth model in the menu bar.
- Select Reset the Bluetooth module and confirm that the sound is working properly.
- Restart your Mac.
All of the AirDrop remedies on this page address the vast majority of the common issues that can cause AirDrop to malfunction on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. With these fixes, you should be able to fix AirDrop issues on your iDevices and get them back to normal performance.
