How to Turn On AirDrop on MAC and iDevices

AirDrop is designed for local sharing in quality and quickly, when devices are in close to each other. Additionally, AirDrop requires compatible Apple devices with recent versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.

The detailed information about how to turn on AirDrop in various apple devices is shown below, take a look.

What is AirDrop?

AirDrop is a feature available on all Apple devices, it is used to share files, photos, videos, contacts, and other darta in wirelessly.

It uses the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to transfer the files. AirDrop eliminates the need of cables, email attachments, or third-party apps to transfer files between devices.

AirDrop simplifies the process of transferring files and content between the Apple devices, to avoid the need of cables, emails, or other methods of sharing. It gives a quick and quality way to send items to others.

To use AirDrop, both the sending and receiving devices need to have an AirDrop turned on and be within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range of each other.

Once a connection is established, you can select the desired content and choose the recipient’s device from the available options. The recipient will receive a notification asking if they want to accept the incoming file or content.

How to Turn On Airdrop on iPhone and iPad

To turn on AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps

1. Open your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open Control Center in your device and find the AirDrop icon.
3. Press the AirDrop icon to open the AirDrop settings.
4. Select AirDrop visibility, and You will see three options for AirDrop visibility, they are
   • Receiving Off: This option will disable the AirDrop completely.
   • Contacts Only: This option allows only your contacts to see and send you AirDrop requests.
   • Everyone: This option enables AirDrop visibility for all nearby devices with AirDrop turned on.
5. Choose your preferred visibility option.
6. Tap on OK to confirm your selection.

Once AirDrop is turned on, you can easily share files, photos, and other content with nearby devices that also have AirDrop turned on.

Remember that both devices need to have AirDrop enabled and be within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range of each other to establish a connection for sharing.

How to Turn on AirDrop on Mac

To turn on AirDrop on your Mac, follow the steps below.

1. Check that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on and active on your Mac.
2. Click on the Finder icon in the Dock or Applications folder.
3. In the Finder window, find the Favorites section in the left sidebar and Click on AirDrop to open it in Favorites.
4. Set AirDrop visibility in the AirDrop settings and Click on the visibility setting you prefer.
5. If this is the first time you’re using AirDrop on your Mac, enter your Apple ID and password to authenticate your account.
6. By default, AirDrop is set to allow connections from “Contacts Only” on your Mac. If you want to receive files from anyone, go to the AirDrop window and click on the “Allow me to be discovered by” option at the bottom.
7. After the successful setup Exit the AirDrop window.

How to Turn on AirDrop in the macOS Control Center

There is no Control Center in macOS like there is on iOS. AirDrop on macOS is accessed through the Finder.

What to do if AirDrop Not Working

If AirDrop is not working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can try the following steps to resolve the issue.

1. Check that your devices meet the compatibility requirements for AirDrop.
2. Check your settings and Enable the AirDrop option if it is in the off position.
3. Check that the visibility settings on your devices are properly configured or not. On iOS, when AirDrop is enabled, choose who can see your device by tapping on ‘Contacts Only’ or ‘Everyone’ in the AirDrop settings. On a Mac, you can adjust the visibility by clicking on ‘Allow me to be discovered by’ in the AirDrop window.
4. AirDrop requires both Bluetooth and WiFi to be turned on. Check that they are enabled on all devices.
5. Check that the devices you’re trying to use AirDrop between are within a small distance from each other.
6. Check that all devices involved in these have the latest software updates installed.
7. Try to restart the device you’re using for AirDrop, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac.
8. Reset network settings iPhone or in your iOS device
9. If your Personal Hotspot is in the turn-on position, try to disable it temporarily, as it can interfere with AirDrop functionality.
10. On a Mac, check your firewall settings to ensure that AirDrop is not blocked.
11. Contact Apple Support for further assistance

For detailed information of Airdrop not working issues, please check