Learn how to use AirDrop to transfer files between your Apple devices seamlessly. Follow these simple steps for fast and secure file transfers!
AirDrop is one of the most useful functions that Apple offers its users, as it simplifies the sharing of files between devices belonging to its ecosystem. This technology allows you to transfer photos, videos, documents, and much more quickly and without having to resort to the use of annoying cables. All you have to do to use it is activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and share documents and files to nearby Apple devices. Period. In this article we explain in more detail how to use AirDrop to transfer files to iPhone , iPad , and Mac and how to resolve any problems with its operation.
How to Use AirDrop on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
To start using AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad , you need to make sure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on. AirDrop does not require an active and working Internet connection, but it does require both of these two protocols to proceed with the data exchange.
Once you have activated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi from the iOS/iPadOS Control Center or from your device settings, you can open the file you want to share (for example a photo or a document), and tap the share icon, which is the square symbol with an upward arrow . As you can see, among the available sharing options, you will find AirDrop . By tapping this item, you will see a list of nearby devices that have AirDrop active. Choose the recipient, by tapping the name of the correct device , and the transfer will begin in a few moments. The recipient (for example your device or the device of an acquaintance) will receive a notification and through this they can accept or refuse to receive the file.
If you have an iPhone updated to iOS 17 or later, you can also share files with AirDrop by holding the top of your device close to another person’s device (if you can’t do this, make sure you’ve turned on the Bring Devices Closer option in Settings > General > AirDrop .
If you need to receive a file on your device, however, make sure that the latter has the correct AirDrop visibility settings. You can do this by opening the Control Center and tapping on the AirDrop icon or by going to Settings > General > AirDrop . After that, you need to make sure that the Receiving Off option is not set (but Contacts Only ) or that, if the file sharing must take place with a user who is not among your contacts, that the Everyone for 10 minutes option is specifically active . Of course, these steps should be done on your device (if you are receiving the file from another user or another device in your possession) or on that of the person with whom you want to share content.
On Mac , the process is just as simple and works similarly to what we saw for iPhone and iPad. In this case, make sure that Bluetooth and Wi -Fi are active by clicking on the Control Center icon (top right, in the macOS menu bar). Next, open the file you want to share in the application that hosts it (e.g. the Photos app or a Finder folder). Next, right-click on the document you want to share and select the items AirDrop > [name of the device with which to share the file] .
If you need to receive a file on your Mac via AirDrop, however, make sure that the visibility settings are correct. To do so, go to System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff and select Contacts Only or Everyone from the AirDrop menu (depending on the device you are receiving the file from).
How to Fix AirDrop Not Working Problems
If, despite having carefully followed the steps we have provided in the previous lines regarding the use of AirDrop, you encounter problems with the functioning of this technology, try to resolve them by following these suggestions.
- Activate the necessary connections on both Apple devices: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be active for both people involved in the file exchange. If Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth is not active on one of them, file exchange will not be possible.
- Restart your devices: If you’ve set up both devices correctly but still can’t use AirDrop, try turning both of them off and on again and trying again.
- Update your devices: To avoid software compatibility issues, make sure the devices involved in exchanging files are updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS available.