5 Simple steps to Fix AirDrop Not Working?

The article explains How to fix AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Many Apple users reported that they are not able to AirDrop on iOS 11/12/13. This issue can be observed across various iPhone devices such as iPhone 11 pro, XS Max, and Macbook Pro and iMac.

There are many reasons for airdrop not working and the most common is the Bluetooth issue. Now that you know some of the causes of this issue, the following are just some of the actions you can take to fix the problem once and for all:

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What Is AirDrop and How to activate it?

AirDrop is an Apple feature that gives you the option to share files between any iOS device. This function uses the WiFi network and the Bluetooth connection to send files.

To activate it, you just have to turn on your WiFi and Bluetooth and send the files you want to the user that appears in the list. iOS 7 and later supports AirDrop. And for Mac, models manufactured after 2012 with OS X Yosemite and later supports AirDrop.

Quick Tips

• AirDrop is compatible with iPhone 5 and later, iPad 4th generation and later, iPad mini and later, and iPod touch 5th generation with iOS 7 and Mac OS X Yosemite or later.
• The devices should not be too far from both devices.
• Check if the app you are using is AirDrop compatible. To check tap on the Share button > check if there is an AirDrop option or not.
• Check if the AirDrop option is enabled on both devices.
• Check discoverable in AirDrop on your Mac: Finder > Go > Airdrop > ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting > “Everyone” or “Contacts Only”.
• Change firewall settings. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy. 

After checking above quick tips, if still your AirDrop doesn’t work, then you can check the following solutions.

How to Fix AirDrop not working on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Here are steps to fix your AirDrop not working on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Check the new update

You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

First activate wi-fi and Bluetooth on your iPhone, iPad, or mac. AirDrop will only work when Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is connected to the devices.

Restart the device

For iPhone 8 and older models:

1) Press and hold the on/off button until you get the slider “slide to power off”.
2) turn off the iPhone or iPad by sliding.
3) Wait a few seconds till the phone is fully turned OFF.
4) Now turn ON your device

For iPhone x and later models:

1) Press and hold the on/off button and volume button until you get the slider “slide to power off”.
2) turn off the iPhone or iPad by sliding.
3) Wait a few seconds till the phone is fully turned OFF.
4) Now turn ON your device

Reset network settings

Resetting your network settings will remove any software issue. Go to Settings> General> Reset> Reset network settings.

Sign out and then sign in to iCloud

If still, your airdrop doesn’t work on Mac, you need to sign out and then sign in to iCloud. Go to Settings> iCloud, sign out of the iCloud account, and sign in again.

Video: AirDrop Not Working

Try contacting Apple Care

At the end of every article, I recommend my users to contact Apple Care. You can also reserve your Genius Bar reservation. If this guide helped you, please share it and Subscribe to our Newsletter.

FAQs: AirDrop Not Working

Why is my AirDrop not working?

Check discoverable in AirDrop on your Mac: Finder > Go > Airdrop > ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting > “Everyone” or “Contacts Only”.

Why is my AirDrop not working on Mac?

Change firewall settings. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy. 

How to turn on AirDrop for iPhone or iPad?

To activate it, you just have to turn on your WiFi and Bluetooth and send the files you want to the user that appears in the list.