AirDrop is, without question, one of the best and most helpful features Apple offers. It was made to let you send media, links, and documents to other Apple devices within a specific range via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It’s a powerful tool for anyone who uses an iPad, iPhone, or Mac. But is the Airdrop not working for you?
Airdrop, a widely known feature found on Apple devices, has got immense popularity owing to its seamless ability to facilitate sharing various files, including photos and more, among nearby devices. But, many users have recently complained that their Airdrop is not working. There can be many reasons behind it. In this article, we’ll discuss why your Airdrop not working and how to solve the issue.
Airdrop Not Working- Possible Causes:
Several factors can contribute to Airdrop not working correctly. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot the issue more effectively. Some possible reasons for Airdrop not working include:
- Device compatibility issues: Airdrop requires compatible hardware and software to function correctly. Older devices or devices running outdated software may not support Airdrop or may experience compatibility issues.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings: Airdrop relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to establish a connection between devices. If either of these settings is disabled or not functioning correctly, Airdrop may not work as expected.
- Network interference: Wi-Fi networks with high interference levels can disrupt the Airdrop connection. Other devices or nearby networks operating on similar frequencies may interfere with the Airdrop functionality.
- Software glitches: Occasionally, software glitches or bugs can cause Airdrop to stop working. These issues may arise from conflicts with other applications or corrupted system files.
- VPN or proxy settings: If a virtual private network (VPN) or proxy is enabled on your device, it may interfere with Airdrop’s functionality. Disabling or adjusting these settings can help resolve the issue.
How To Fix Airdrop Not Working Issue?
Now that we know the possible reasons behind the issue, let’s move on to the solution part. Make sure to follow all the methods mentioned below to solve the issue.
1. Check Device Compatibility:
For AirDrop to function seamlessly, both the sender and receiving devices must be compatible. Given that AirDrop was released in 2011, your iPhone, iPad, or Mac probably supports this feature, but it is always better to be sure. Here’s the minimum device compatibility for Airdrop to work.
To ensure the smooth functioning of AirDrop, it is essential to verify whether your devices adhere to the specified compatibility criteria. AirDrop is supported on iPhone models starting from the iPhone 5 and onwards.
The feature is available for iPad users on the 4th generation iPad or any subsequent models, including the iPad mini. iPod touch devices from the 5th generation onwards also support AirDrop. Macs introduced in 2012 or later, running OS X Yosemite or a recent version, are compatible with AirDrop.
2. Bluetooth And Wi-Fi Connectivity:
Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices. Airdrop uses both technologies to establish a connection. Restarting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices can often resolve connectivity problems. Here’s how to enable Bluetooth and WiFi on iPhones and iPads.
- Open the settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Toggle on the WiFi and Bluetooth options on the next page.
3. Disable Personal Hotspot:
The Airdrop feature will not work correctly if you use your iPhone as a hotspot. To solve the issue, disable your hotspot temporarily, specifically while you’re using AirDrop. You can enable it once you’re finished with file sharing. Here’s how to disable personal hotspots on iOS devices.
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Select Personal Hotspot.
- Slide the “Allow Others to Join” button towards the left on the screen’s top section.
- By doing so, your hotspot will be disabled, allowing you to attempt AirDrop once more.
4. Turn Your Device On:
If your device is locked or turned off, it won’t be visible to others as an available device for receiving AirDropped files. If you wish to receive any files through AirDrop, ensure that your iPhone or iPad is powered on and unlocked, with the display turned on.
5. Put Your Device In the Range:
When there is no shared Wi-Fi network accessible, AirDrop exclusively utilizes Bluetooth to locate devices and transfer files. Bluetooth typically ranges approximately 33 feet (10 meters) on modern iPhones. Therefore, ensure that the two devices you intend to use AirDrop between are within this range. If they are too far apart, AirDrop may not function properly.
6. Check AirDrop Settings:
Your AirDrop settings must be accurate. The AirDrop app on iPhone has three settings i.e. Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone.
- Contacts Only: You can enable Airdrop by selecting this option. This option ensures that only people you have saved as contacts on your device can see your device and send you data through AirDrop. It requires their email address or phone number to be stored in your device’s contacts.
- Everyone: If you want anyone to see your device and send you data through AirDrop, you can tap “Everyone.” It’s important to note that this choice carries the risk of receiving data from random strangers. However, if you’re experiencing difficulties with AirDrop because a device isn’t appearing, temporarily selecting “Everyone” may resolve the issue.
- Receiving Off: To make your device undiscoverable for AirDrop purposes again, you can tap on “Receiving Off.” This action will hide your device, and you won’t be able to receive any data via AirDrop on that particular device until you change the setting again.
7. Reset The Device:
A hard reset is probably the only resort if your Airdrop is still not working after performing the above steps. Before resetting, you can take your device to the service centre to ensure the issue is not with the device. Each model has its resetting manual. Refer to the official website on how to reset your specific iPhone mode.
Conclusion:
Airdrop is a valuable feature that simplifies file sharing among Apple devices. However, encountering issues where Airdrop is not working can be frustrating. By following the troubleshooting solutions provided in this guide, you can resolve common Airdrop problems and enjoy the seamless file transfer experience it offers. In case of any doubt, do let us know in the comment section below.
