In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can troubleshoot AirDrop issues that you may experience on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to troubleshoot common AirDrop problems, including the following:
- can’t see the other device in AirDrop.
- AirDrop is not working as expected.
- AirDrop doesn’t show up.
- AirDrop saying “waiting”
- AirDrop saying “failed”.
- AirDrop saying “declined”
What is AirDrop
AirDrop
is a handy feature that allows users to quickly and easily share files between iPhones, iPads and Macs.
AirDrop
allows you to wirelessly share photos, videos, contacts, documents, map locations, and more.
Minimum AirDrop requirements
For Airdrop to work, both devices (sender and receiver) must meet the following conditions:
- Ensure that both devices are near each other. If not, move nearer.
- If one of the devices is a Mac, ensure that it was launched in 2012 or later. In addition, make sure it is using the latest version of macOS (minimum OS requirement is OS X Yosemite). You can check which macOS your Mac is running by heading over to the Apple menu > About This Mac. You can check for updates if you go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
- If one of the devices is an iPhone or iPad, ensure that it is rrunning the latest version of the iOS or iPadOS (minimum iOS requirement is iOS 7). You can check which iOS your iPhone or iPad is running by heading over to Settings > General > About. To check for updates, simply head over to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If one of the devices is an iPad or iPhone, ensure that Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad is turned off. You can do this by heading over to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. To turn on Bluetooth on the iPad or iPhone, simply head over to Settings > Bluetooth. Here is how you can
troubleshoot Bluetooth on your Mac. - Alternatively, you can turn on Bluetooth on your Mac by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.
- Ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on. Check this article if your
Wi-Fi won’t turn on - Finally, ensure that Do Not Disturb is disabled. On your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > Do Not Disturb and on your Mac click the Apple menu > System preferences > Notifications.
Be Discoverable in AirDrop
Ensure that your iPhone, iPad or Mac is discoverable to receive AirDrop. To check this, simply follow these steps:
- On your Mac, head over to Finder and click Go and select Airdrop. Then check the ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting. If the “No One” option is selected change it to “Everyone” or “Contacts Only”.
- In addition, on your Mac, adjust your Firewall settings. Head over to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Click the Firewall tab and ensure that “Block all incoming connections” is not selected.
- On your iOS or iPadOS device, tap Settings > General > AirDrop. If the “Receiving Off” is selected, change it.
Troubleshoot AirDrop problems
Whenever I experience AirDrop problems, I do one of the following to fix the issue. Complete the steps below on both devices (sender and receiver). And lastly, after each step check to see it AirDrop starts working again:
- Turn off Bluetooth and wait for about 20 seconds and then turn it back on. This is the first thing I do when AirDrop is not working, and almost always fix my problem.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and wait for about 20 seconds and then turn it back on.
- Turn on Airplane Mode and wait for about 20 seconds and then turn it back off.
- Restart your device.
- There could be a connection problem. You may want to reset your network settings. Please note, this will erase your network settings such as your Wi-Fi passwords. Simply follow these steps:
- On your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- On your Mac, click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network. And remove the Wi-Fi settings and then re-add.