Why is My AirDrop not Working? How to Fix Airdrop Not Working?
by Venkatesh P
Updated Jul 17, 2023
What is Airdrop?
AirDrop is a proprietary wireless ad hoc service incorporated into Apple Inc.'s iOS and macOS operating sysaltems. It was introduced in Mac OS X Lion (Mac OS X 10.7) and iOS 7, lowing the transfer of files between supported Macintosh computers and iOS devices through close-range wireless communication.
This communication is facilitated by Apple Wireless Direct Link, utilizing "Action Frames" and "Data Frames" that employ generated link-local IPv6 addresses instead of the Wi-Fi chip's fixed MAC address.
In previous versions of the operating systems, such as OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks (OS X 10.7–10.9), the AirDrop protocols in macOS and iOS were not compatible with each other, rendering interoperability impossible.
However, starting with OS X Yosemite, the iOS AirDrop protocol has been adopted in macOS, enabling transfers between Mac and iOS devices, as well as between newer Mac computers introduced in 2012 or later.
These transfers utilize both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. While a legacy mode for the previous AirDrop protocol (which only uses Wi-Fi) remains available for transfers between older Mac computers or those running OS X Lion through OS X Mavericks, it is no longer supported in macOS Mojave.
Apple has not specified any limitations on the file size that can be transferred using AirDrop.
Why is My Airdrop Not Working?
If you are encountering difficulties with AirDrop functionality, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to address the issue. Here are some recommended fixes to try:
Verify device compatibility:
Ensure that your devices are compatible with AirDrop. If they are, activate and unlock your devices, and confirm that AirDrop is enabled.
Check settings:
Confirm that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your devices, and ensure that your Apple devices are up to date with the latest software. After adjusting the settings, restart your devices and attempt to use AirDrop again.
Adjust device proximity:
If your devices are too far apart, bring them closer to establish a stronger connection for AirDrop.
Disable Focus mode:
If you have activated Focus mode on your device, disable it to allow AirDrop functionality.
Review firewall settings:
If you are attempting to AirDrop to a Mac, examine your firewall settings to ensure they permit new connections. Adjust the firewall settings to allow the reception of AirDrops by making them less restrictive.
Perform a device reset:
If none of the previous solutions resolve the issue, consider performing a device reset as a troubleshooting measure.
Contact Apple support:
If you are still encountering difficulties with AirDrop, reach out to Apple's customer support for further assistance and guidance.
By following these steps, you should be able to address any problems you are experiencing with AirDrop and enjoy seamless file sharing between your Apple devices.
How to Fix Airdrop Not Working?
If you are facing difficulties with AirDrop and it is not working as expected, here are six helpful tips to resolve the problem. These tips cover various troubleshooting steps that can be performed on different iOS devices, from older models like iPhone 4s to the latest iPhone 7 running iOS 7 or later versions.
Reset network settings:
If you are experiencing Wi-Fi connection problems, resetting the network settings on your device can help. Access the "Settings" app, go to "General," select "Reset," and tap on "Reset Network Settings."
Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Reopening Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can often resolve AirDrop issues. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen to access the Control Center, toggle off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons, and then toggle them on again.
Re-sign in to iCloud:
Another step to try is signing out of your iCloud account and signing back in. Open the "Settings" app, tap on your name, go to "iCloud," and sign out. Then sign in again.
Restart your device:
A simple restart of your iPhone or iPad can fix not only AirDrop problems but also other issues like Bluetooth not working. Press and hold the "Home" and "Power" buttons simultaneously until the device restarts.
Update to the latest iOS version:
Keeping your device updated with the latest iOS version can address any integrated defects or bugs that may be affecting AirDrop. Ensure that your device is running the most recent iOS version available.
Use iOS data transfer software as an alternative:
If AirDrop continues to malfunction, you can try using third-party iOS data transfer software like EaseUS MobiMover. This software allows you to transfer data between iOS devices and your computer effortlessly.
It provides convenient options for sharing files, such as transferring photos from one iPhone to another. The software's user-friendly interface makes the process quick and easy.
How to Use Airdrop to Transfer Files Between Apple Devices?
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to address any AirDrop issues you are encountering and enjoy seamless data sharing between your iOS devices.
how to use AirDrop to transfer files between Apple devices
Using AirDrop, a wireless file transfer feature, you can seamlessly share files between your Apple devices. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to utilize AirDrop for file transfers:
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Ensure that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are activated on both the sending and receiving devices.
Verify device compatibility:
Confirm that your device is compatible with AirDrop and meets the system requirements.
Check AirDrop settings:
On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, navigate to the Control Center or Finder and review the AirDrop settings. Set AirDrop to either "Everyone" or "Contacts Only" based on your preference.
Share the file:
On an iPhone or iPad, locate the file you wish to share and tap the Share icon. On a Mac, right-click the file and choose "Share" > "AirDrop." Alternatively, drag and drop the file onto the AirDrop icon in the Finder sidebar.
Select the recipient:
From the list of available devices, choose the device to which you want to send the file.
Accept the file:
On the receiving device, a notification will prompt you to accept the file. Tap "Accept" to initiate the file transfer.
Verify the file: Once the file transfer is complete, ensure that the file has been received accurately.
By following these instructions, you can efficiently utilize AirDrop to swiftly exchange files between your Apple devices.
Airdrop Security and Privacy
AirDrop prioritizes security and privacy by employing TLS encryption during file transfers over a dedicated peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection established by Apple. This direct connection ensures that communication occurs solely between the source and target devices without the need for an internet connection or Wi-Fi Access Point.
The technical intricacies of AirDrop and its underlying proprietary peer-to-peer Wi-Fi protocol, Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL), have been subject to reverse engineering. Consequently, open source implementations such as OWL and OpenDrop have been developed and made available to the public.
During the initial handshake process, AirDrop facilitates the exchange of full SHA-256 hashes of users' phone numbers and email addresses. While this mechanism enhances security, it is important to note that attackers may potentially infer users' phone numbers and, in some cases, email addresses based on this information.
AirDrop has also been utilized in the context of protests, as evidenced by its usage following the 2022 Beijing Sitong Bridge protest in China. Users leveraged AirDrop to distribute protest-related posters and slogans. It is worth mentioning that Apple reportedly imposed restrictions on AirDrop in China shortly before the 2022 COVID-19 protests, a move that triggered a hunger strike at Apple's headquarters.
Why Is My Airdrop Not Working - FAQ
AirDrop is a wireless file transfer feature for Apple devices.
To fix AirDrop issues, try these steps: check device compatibility, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, adjust settings, move devices closer, and contact Apple support if needed
To use AirDrop, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, verify device compatibility, adjust AirDrop settings, share the file, select the recipient, and accept the file on the receiving device.
AirDrop uses TLS encryption and establishes a direct peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection for file transfers, ensuring security and privacy.
AirDrop has been used in protests for distributing posters and slogans, as seen in the 2022 Beijing Sitong Bridge protest. However, Apple reportedly imposed restrictions on AirDrop in China during the 2022 COVID-19 protests.