AirDrop Not Working on Mac/iPhone/iPad? Fixed with 10 Tips

AirDrop allows you to wirelessly transfer files between Apple devices such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads. However, if AirDrop isn’t working on your device, try the 10 tips below to fix the issue.

Fix 1. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

AirDrop relies on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files between devices. Make sure both are enabled on your Mac and iOS devices.

Try turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again. You can also restart your router and modem to refresh your network connection, which may help resolve AirDrop issues.

Related: How to Forget a WiFi Network on Mac

Fix 2. Turn AirDrop Off and On

Check whether AirDrop is enabled correctly.

On Mac: Open Finder, click AirDrop in the sidebar, and set “Allow me to be discovered by” to Everyone or Contacts Only. You can also turn AirDrop on via System Settings or Control Center: Turn on AirDrop on Mac.

On iOS devices: Swipe up (or down on newer models) to access Control Center, then tap the AirDrop icon and select Contacts Only or Everyone.

If the person you’re sending files to isn’t in your Contacts, select Everyone. Try toggling AirDrop off and on again to see if this resolves the issue.

Fix 3. Restart Your Devices

Restarting your Mac and iOS devices can often fix connectivity issues. Turn the devices off and back on, then try AirDrop again.

Fix 4. Make Sure Your iPhone/iPad Is Unlocked

To receive files via AirDrop, your iPhone or iPad must be powered on and unlocked. If your iPhone is locked or turned off, it won’t appear as an available device.

Fix 5. Keep Devices Close

Ensure the devices are within 10 meters of each other and that there are no obstructions, which could interfere with the signal.

Fix 6. Disable Personal Hotspot

Personal Hotspot can interfere with AirDrop. Disable it by opening Control Center on your iPhone, pressing and holding the section containing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons, and tapping the green Personal Hotspot button to turn it off.

Fix 7. Update Your Devices

Ensure your Mac or iOS devices are running the latest software updates, as updates often include bug fixes for AirDrop.

On Mac: Click Apple > System Settings > General > Software Update and install available updates.

On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Fix 8. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Security Software

Third-party firewalls or security software may block AirDrop. Temporarily disable them to see if AirDrop works.

Fix 9. Turn Off Do Not Disturb / Focus Mode

Do Not Disturb or Focus mode can prevent AirDrop from working.

On iOS: Open Control Center and turn off Do Not Disturb.
On Mac: Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, select Focus, and disable Do Not Disturb.

Alternatively, you can adjust these settings in the main Settings menu.

Fix 10. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions work, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Bottom Line

These 10 solutions should help you fix AirDrop not working on Mac, iPhone, or iPad, allowing you to transfer files smoothly between Apple devices.

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