The short answer
Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, are close together and unlocked, and that neither is using Personal Hotspot. Then ask the person receiving to open Control Center, touch and hold the connectivity controls, tap AirDrop and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes. If it still fails, restart both devices and update them.
AirDrop is the quickest way to send photos and files between Apple devices, but when the other device doesn’t appear, it can be hard to tell why. Work through these checks on both devices. Most problems are solved in the first three.
Step 1: Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices
AirDrop uses both. On iPhone or iPad, open Control Center and check that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons are blue. On a Mac, click Control Center in the menu bar. You don’t need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network, but Wi-Fi itself must be on.
If both are already on, turn them off and on again. It’s a simple reset that often helps.
Step 2: Turn off Personal Hotspot
Apple says to disconnect Personal Hotspot before using AirDrop. On iPhone, go to Settings › Personal Hotspot and turn off Allow Others to Join.
Step 3: Check who can send you files
The person receiving decides who can AirDrop to them:
- Open Control Center.
- Touch and hold the group of connectivity controls (top left).
- Tap AirDrop.
- Choose Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes. Receiving Off blocks everything.
Contacts Only works only if the sender is saved in the receiver’s contacts with the email address or phone number they use for their Apple Account. If you’re not sure, use Everyone for 10 Minutes. After 10 minutes it switches back automatically: to Contacts Only if you’re signed in to an Apple Account, or to Receiving Off if not.
On newer versions of iOS, sharing with someone who isn’t in your contacts may ask for an AirDrop code. The receiver taps Get AirDrop Code and tells the sender the code.
On a Mac, click Control Center › AirDrop, then choose Contacts Only or Everyone. You can also open Finder and choose AirDrop in the sidebar.
Step 4: Keep the devices close and awake
- Bring the devices within about 30 feet (10 meters) of each other. Closer is better.
- Unlock both devices and keep the screens on while sending.
- If you use a VPN, make sure it doesn’t block local networking, which can interfere with AirDrop.
Step 5: Restart both devices
Turn both devices off and on again. This clears temporary glitches with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Step 6: Update the software
Old software can cause compatibility problems, especially between new and old devices. Update your iPhone and, on a Mac, choose Apple menu › System Settings › General › Software Update.
Still not working?
- Try sending a different, smaller file to see if the problem is the file itself.
- Use another method for now, such as Messages or email. For lots of photos, iCloud Photos shares them across your own devices automatically.
- If AirDrop never works on one device, contact Apple Support.
Related guides
Running out of space for the files you receive? See how to free up iPhone storage. Moving everything to a new phone? Use Quick Start to transfer your data to a new iPhone.
The bottom line
Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, turn off Personal Hotspot, and have the receiver choose Everyone for 10 Minutes. If that doesn’t do it, restart and update both devices.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I see the other person in AirDrop?
Usually because their AirDrop is set to Contacts Only and you aren't in their contacts with the email or phone number of your Apple Account, or because one device has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or AirDrop turned off. Ask them to switch to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Do I need an internet connection for AirDrop?
No. AirDrop sends files directly between nearby devices using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Both still need to be turned on, but you don't need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone or Windows PC?
AirDrop works between Apple devices. To share with Android or Windows, use another method such as email, a messaging app or a shared cloud folder.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 12, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
- Apple Support — How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad
- Apple Support — Use AirDrop to send items to nearby Apple devices
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
