Screen mirror and record iPhone on PC.8 Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone/iPad/Mac Easily
When you plan to transfer some files through AirDrop, why and how to fix if it suddenly not working on your iOS devices? AirDrop is a fast way to share files like music, videos, and documents between iOS devices. It may be caused by a network or system issue. Continue to read the post to know the reason and learn 7 proven ways to fix this problem.
Guide List
Why Airdrop is Not Working on an iOS Device 7 Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone/iPad Effective Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on Mac Best Alternative to AirDrop to Safely and Quickly Transfer FilesWhy Airdrop is Not Working on an iOS Device
Related settings are not enabled
- 1. AirDrop is not enabled: It's not enabled in "Control Center" or "Settings". Then find "General" and "AirDrop".
- 2. Receiving Permission Restrictions: AirDrop can be set to "Off," "Contacts Only," or "Everyone." If the recipient isn't in your contacts and is set to "Contacts Only," the device won't be discoverable.
- 3. Airplane Mode/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth is not enabled: AirDrop relies on Bluetooth for connections and Wi-Fi for file transfers.
Network and Signal Interference
- 1. Unstable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals can cause transfer failures or prevent devices from discovering each other.
- 2. AirDrop may not work when using a Personal Hotspot.
Distance and Environmental Factors
- 1. AirDrop may also show no people found; the reason is the same as not working. The distance is too far, or substantial interference, which may cause these two issues. Its effective range is generally around 9 meters
7 Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone/iPad
Reset network settings
First, you can try resetting your network settings to fix an AirDrop issue. This will clear all network-related caches and configurations, fixing underlying network configuration errors. And this method only resets network-related settings and won't delete other data like contacts and photos.
Check AirDrop settings
First, make sure AirDrop is enabled. AirDrop has three options: Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone for 10 Minutes. AirDrop discoverability must be set to "Everyone." This setting allows others to find your device and transfer data easily.
Step: Swipe up/down to open the "Control Center", and hold on to the AirDrop until a window pops up to choose "Everyone for 10 Minutes". You can also find this setting in "Settings", "General".
Turn off the personal hotspot
AirDrop usually works over a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. When Personal Hotspot is enabled, the iPhone/iPad's Wi-Fi module is locked into hotspot sharing mode. The device can no longer simultaneously enable Wi-Fi Direct to connect directly to other iOS devices in this mode.
Step: Swipe down to open the "Control Center", tap Personal Hotspot so it's grey and undiscoverable, then turn on Wi-Fi.
Remove the restrictions of AirDrop
Another reason AirDrop isn't showing or is grayed out on your iPhone is that it is disabled in Content & Privacy Restrictions. You can fix this issue by checking and allowing the restrictions on your iPhone/iPad.
Step: Go to "Settings", tap "Screen Time", and find "Content & Privacy Restrictions". Click "Allowed Apps" and open AirDrop.
Turn on your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
AirDrop is based on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Before connecting, ensure you have opened the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your iPhone/iPad.
Update your iOS system
Sometimes iOS system updates may fix issues like AirDrop not working. So you need to check your system version and update it in time to resolve this issue.
Step: Open "Settings" and tap "General." Then tap "Software Update" to check your system version.
Restart your device
Restarting the phone can clear the abnormal status of the network module, forcibly terminate and restart the system background service process, and thus restore AirDrop to normal.
Effective Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on Mac
• Check the AirDrop settings on your Mac
Open "Finder" and select "AirDrop". Then click "Enable Discoverable" and select "Everyone".
• Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on both devices
Click "Control Center" and enable the "Bluetooth" and "Wi-Fi" panels.
• Check Mac’s firewall
Finally, because your Mac's firewall may be blocking connections with other devices, disabling it can fix AirDrop not working on your Mac.
Step: Click the Apple logo, go to System Preferences > Select Security & Privacy > Click the lock icon > Click Firewall and turn it off.
Best Alternative to AirDrop to Safely and Quickly Transfer Files
If your AirDrop still frequently stops working after repeated repairs and debugging, AnyRec PhoneMover is a good alternative. It can transfer photos and other files from iPhone to PC, between iOS devices, and from iOS to Android. It supports one-click transfer of selected or all data, and can cover a wide range of file types, such as photos, music, e-books, and more. It can retain and edit relevant data based on your file type, such as retaining music cover and lyrics, video supports 4K, 5K, and 8K quality transmission, while contacts can edit and synchronize group data, and can also scan and merge duplicate contacts.
Quickly and reliably transfer all or part of a selected file between devices with one click.
Transfer more file types, including music, PDFs, e-books, and more.
Keep your files safe and secure; it won't erase your device.
There's no file size limit; files like photos can be transferred without losing quality.
Secure Download
Step 1.Launch AnyRec PhoneMover and connect your two iPhone devices to the computer with USB cables.
Step 2.Choose the files you need to transfer, such as photos, music, etc. You can also click "Plus" to add files on your computer and move them to your iPhone.
Step 3.Finally, click "Export to device" at the top to transfer the data to your new device. You can also click "Trash" to delete unwanted data.
Conclusion
These are the standard solutions to fix the AirDrop not working issue on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Many users have encountered the problem of AirDrop not working after updating the system, so you can consider using AnyRec PhoneMover as an alternative. It can transfer multiple file types with one click and can also pre-process files based on the file type. There is no file size limit. If you are still troubled by the AirDrop problem, download it and try it.
Secure Download
Secure Download
