How to Resolve Airdrop Not Working Issue? Here’s How to Fix It

AirDrop is a built-in feature on Apple devices that allows users to share files such as photos, videos, documents and more between devices quickly and easily. It uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies to transfer files. This makes it a convenient way to share content without the need for cables or internet connection. 

However, sometimes users may encounter issues with AirDrop not working properly. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to transfer important files or share content with others. Additionally, there can be many reasons for AirDrop not working issue. 

In this article, we will discuss some common reasons why AirDrop may not be working and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them. We will also provide some additional information on AirDrop compatibility and troubleshooting tips to help you resolve any issues you may be experiencing with the feature.

How to fix AirDrop not working on your #iPhone, #iPad, or #Mac #MacRumors Here’s How to Fix It https://t.co/5fy8Mb5Kyw via @ApzoMedia

— Apzo Media (@apzo_media) January 13, 2023

Methods to Resolve AirDrop Not Working

It’s important to understand the basics of how the feature works. AirDrop uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies to transfer files between Apple devices. The device that initiates the AirDrop sends a “discovery” signal via Bluetooth to nearby devices, which then respond with a signal of their own. Once a connection is established, the transfer of files is done via a direct Wi-Fi connection between the devices.

The AirDrop feature can be used to share files between different types of Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, it’s important to note that AirDrop is only available on devices that support it and that run on iOS 7 or later, or MacOS X Lion (10.7) or later. Here are the methods you can use to resolve this issue.

Method 1: Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

This is the first step to check when AirDrop is not working. AirDrop uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files, so it’s important to ensure that both are enabled on your device.

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on “Bluetooth” to turn it on. (the switch should turn green)
3. Ensure that the Bluetooth icon appears in the status bar of your device, indicating that it’s turned on.
4. Tap on “Wi-Fi” to turn it on. (the switch should turn green)
5. Ensure that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network. 
6. If not, select a network from the list and enter the password, if prompted.

Method 2: Change AirDrop Setting to Receive Files from Everyone

If you are trying to AirDrop a file to someone who is not in your contacts, you may need to change the setting to “Everyone.” This allows anyone to send you files via AirDrop, not just people in your contacts.

1. Open the “Control Center” on your device by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. (or down from the top right corner on iPhone X and later)
2. Long-press on the “AirDrop” icon.
3. Select “Everyone” from the options. 
4. This will allow anyone to send you files via AirDrop, not just people in your contacts.

Method 3: Check Firewall Settings

Firewall settings can sometimes block AirDrop from working properly. Besides that, checking your firewall settings and making sure that AirDrop is not blocked can help resolve this issue.

1. Go to the “System Preferences” on your Mac.
2. Click on “Security & Privacy”.
3. Click on the “Firewall” tab.
4. In the “Firewall options” section, check the box next to “Block all incoming connections” to enable the firewall or uncheck the box to disable it.
5. Click on the lock icon in the lower left corner to make changes. 
6. Enter your admin password when prompted.
7. Make sure that AirDrop is not blocked.

Method 4: Disable Personal Hotspot

If you have Personal Hotspot enabled on your device, it can interfere with AirDrop. Disabling Personal Hotspot can help resolve this issue.

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on “Personal Hotspot”.
3. Check that the switch next to “Personal Hotspot” is in the “Off” position. 
4. If it is not, tap it to turn it off.
5. Try using AirDrop again and see if it works.

Method 5: Update System Software

Outdated software can sometimes cause AirDrop to not work properly. Additionally, updating your device’s software to the latest version can help resolve this issue.

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on “General”.
3. Tap on “Software Update”.
4. Check if there is an update available for your device. 
5. If there is, tap on “Download and Install” to update your device.
6. Wait for the update to be downloaded and installed.
7. Try using AirDrop again and see if it works.

Method 6: Restart Your Device

A simple restart can sometimes fix AirDrop issues.

1. Press and hold the “Side” or “Top” button until the “Slide to power off” slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your device.
3. Wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the “Side” or “Top” button again until you see the Apple logo.
4. Wait for your device to boot up, and then try using AirDrop again and see if it works.

Method 7: Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can help resolve various network-related issues, including those that affect AirDrop.

1. Firstly, open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Secondly, tap on “General”.
3. Now, tap on “Reset”.
4. Also, tap on “Reset Network Settings”.
5. Confirm the action by entering your device passcode.
6. Wait for your device to restart and for the network settings to be reset.
7. Try using AirDrop again and see if it works.

Method 8: Check AirDrop Compatibility

AirDrop only works between Apple devices that have AirDrop enabled. Checking the compatibility of the device you are trying to AirDrop to is an important step to ensure the feature works properly.

1. Check the operating system version: AirDrop is available on devices running iOS 7 or later, or MacOS X Lion (10.7) or later. To check the operating system version of your device, go to “Settings” > “General” > “About”. Now look for the “Software Version” or “OS Version”.
2. Check the device type: AirDrop is available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. If you are trying to use AirDrop between an iPhone and an iPad, or between a Mac and an iPhone. Besides that, make sure that both devices are compatible with AirDrop.
3. If you’re trying to use AirDrop to share files with someone else’s device. Make sure that their device is also compatible with AirDrop and that the feature is enabled.

It’s worth noting that even if both devices are compatible with AirDrop and have the feature enabled, certain factors such as distance, interference, and network congestion can also affect the AirDrop.

Also, some of these steps may vary slightly depending on your device’s specific model and iOS version, but the overall process should be similar. Similarly, if you have tried all of these solutions and AirDrop is still not working, you may want to consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Conclusion

AirDrop is a convenient feature that allows users to share files between Apple devices quickly and easily, but sometimes it may not work as expected. If you are facing this same issue then don’t worry. In this article we have listed all the methods and their step by step instructions to troubleshoot AirDrop not working issue. Therefore, read till the end and see if this helps.

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