6 Ways to Fix AirDrop If It’s Not Working (with Photos)

Not much beats Apple’s AirDrop feature. Open an image in your Photos app, and with the tap of a finger, it’s now in your friend’s gallery. Need to send an important document to your Macbook for review? Just use AirDrop! Don’t let an inability to fix AirDrop when it isn’t working slow you down!

Are you unable to find the other person’s device? Or does the circle keep spinning, never sending any data? The AirDrop feature uses a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect with other devices and transfer your data.

When the connection fails, or you can’t see the other person’s device on the sending list, there’s an issue with someone’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or your operating system. No matter the cause, we’ll help you overcome those issues. Work through the steps below to fix your AirDrop woes and quickly send data between Apple devices.

How to Use Apple’s AirDrop

Before we dive into our tutorial to fix AirDrop, let’s ensure you’re using it properly. It’s possible you need to tweak a few settings or get closer to the receiving device. Of course, sometimes, the issue arises from a lack of knowledge or general user error. So, we’ll start there.

Step 1: Locate a File You Want to Send

The first thing to do is locate your file. You can send a file, picture, video, or nearly any file you want. You can also select multiple files, then AirDrop them.

Is it a picture in your device’s gallery? Perhaps you want to send an address from Apple Maps. Nonetheless, open the file’s application and locate the information you want to send.

Step 2: Tap on Apple’s Share Icon at the Top

When your file is ready to go, tap the Apple Share icon.

Remember that this icon’s location varies in different applications. Sometimes, it’s somewhat elusive. If you can’t find the Share icon, try tapping on a menu first, then look for Share.

Step 3: Select the AirDrop Icon

When AirDrop works correctly, you’ll see a list of devices to AirDrop your file, a text and email option, and others. Look for your friend’s profile picture or the name of the Apple device where you’ll send it.

If you don’t see any AirDrop options, skip to the next section.

Step 4: Wait for the Sent Notification

You can watch the blue circle fill around the other device’s profile picture. Underneath, it will say “Waiting.” When the transfer completes, you’ll hear a confirmation tone, and the circle will display “Completed.”

Now, the other Apple device will have the file.

You will hear a confirmation sound, and the ring will complete.

Steps to Fix AirDrop When It’s Not Working

Now that you know you’re using AirDrop properly, let’s take some steps to fix it when AirDrop isn’t working. Regardless of which Apple device you’re using, these steps will work.

Device Restart

The first step to troubleshooting is a device restart. What works for us is to restart the sending device. Once it’s powered back on, try again. If it still doesn’t work, restart the receiving device.

A device restart often works because it clears any data stuck in an outgoing status. So, you will need to try sending your files again after restarting your Apple device.

Check Bluetooth

Your AirDrop feature will not work without a Bluetooth connection. If a device restart didn’t work, it’s time to check your device’s Bluetooth status.

To check your Bluetooth on an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch), do this:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Bluetooth.
3. Toggle the switch if it isn’t already green.

If you’re using a Mac, do this:

1. Click the Apple icon in the far upper left corner of your Mac.
2. Open System Preferences.
3. Click on Bluetooth (next to the Network icon).
4. Ensure the status shows Turn Bluetooth off.

Enable Wi-Fi

Perhaps your Bluetooth malfunctioned, and we need to rely on Wi-Fi to help push the file along. Enable the same Wi-Fi network on the sending and receiving devices.

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap on Wi-Fi.

If you’re using a MacBook or Mac, click the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner and select System Preferences. From here, click Network and ensure the Wi-Fi networks match.

Then, try using AirDrop again.

Enable Everyone in Settings

One of the more common issues with AirDrop is when users can’t see another device. When this problem arises, the profile icon or device you’re looking for never appears. The fix, however, is quite simple. You can change your AirDrop contact settings to “Everyone.”

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on AirDrop.
4. Tap Everyone, so the checkmark appears.

Here is a brief, step-by-step video for further reference:

Get Closer

One really neat trick you can do to fix your AirDrop is pointing the phones (camera end) toward each other. But, the devices must be within 30 feet of each other. Get the two closer together and try sending it again.

Another fun tidbit about sending and receiving information; sometimes, materials like walls and roofs can interfere with the signal. Try getting closer outside.

To AirDrop, Or Not to AirDrop

AirDrop is such a helpful feature. It’s no surprise that this Apple feature came about; the company’s goal is to let your transfer all sorts of information and data between devices. Along with Siri and FaceTime, AirDrop is an Apple-exclusive function allowing users to interact more efficiently with their devices.

Fortunately, you can send nearly any file type using AirDrop as long as it’s working. When AirDrop fails, you may become frustrated quickly. But the good news is there’s a pretty simple fix. Check your device’s settings, power-cycle the devices, and try again.

If you continue to experience issues, don’t forget that Apple Support is an excellent way to get help quickly.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Aleksey H/Shutterstock.com.