9 Easy Ways to Fix AirDrop When It's Not Working

Get AirDrop working again on all Apple devices

Co-authored by Bryzz Tortello and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 Fact Checked

Is AirDrop not finding the other device? Whether you're trying to send or receive files via AirDrop, you'll need to make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Here's what to do if AirDrop is not working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device with expert tips from Electronics Repair Specialist Bryzz Tortello.

Getting AirDrop to Work

If your AirDrop is not working, make sure both devices are connected to both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Restart both devices, and make sure Receiving is set to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.

1

Enable AirDrop on both devices.

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Make sure AirDrop is turned on with both devices. "Make sure the feature is on and ready for sharing," Tortello advises.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Bryzz Tortello
Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Interview} Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. Long-press the Wi-Fi button to expand the menu. Make sure AirDrop is set to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on with both devices for AirDrop to work.^{[2]
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  Research source}
- Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.

2

Bring the devices closer.

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When trying to AirDrop files, make sure the two devices aren't too far apart. To rule out distance as an issue, try to send files when the devices are right next to each other.

3

Check for compatibility.

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Make sure both devices support AirDrop. AirDrop is only available on Apple devices with specific models:
- iPhone 5 or newer
- iPad (4th Generation) or later
- iPad Mini (1st Generation) or later
- iPod Touch (5th Generation) or later
- Macs (2012) or later running Yosemite or newer

4

Restart your devices.

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Turn off your devices and turn them on again. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix software bugs.
- You can restart your iPad or iPhone.

5

Check AirDrop settings.

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Make sure your AirDrop settings are correct. You can check by doing the following:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Make sure receiving is on.
- Optional: toggle on Use Cellular Data if your Wi-Fi is spotty.

6

Check your device's battery.

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Charge your device's battery. If you have low power, you may have trouble receiving or sending AirDrops. Charge your device to at least 75% before trying to AirDrop.
- If you have Low Power Mode enabled, turn it off by going to Settings > Battery > toggle off Low Power Mode.

7

Check your storage.

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Make sure you have enough storage. If you're receiving a bunch of files over AirDrop, you may not have the storage to fully download them.
- Check your storage in Settings > General > [device] Storage.
- If you need to clear up some storage, consider storing your files and videos in a cloud service such as iCloud or Google Drive.

8

Turn off any VPNs.

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A VPN can block the connection with Apple's servers. Turn it off, and then try to AirDrop again.

9

Disable Personal Hotspot.

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Turn off your Hotspot. If you're using your Personal Hotspot, you'll need to turn this off before you can use AirDrop. Do the following:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Personal Hotspot.
- Toggle off Allow Others to Join.