How to Use AirDrop on iPhone, iPad & Mac?

AirDrop lets you wirelessly share photos, videos, documents, and more between Apple devices in seconds—no internet required! To use AirDrop, turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, set your device visibility, and tap "Share" to send files. Here’s exactly how to use AirDrop on iPhone, iPad & Mac.

What You Need to Use AirDrop

Before sharing, make sure:

  1. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on (even if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi).
  2. Both devices are within 30 feet (Bluetooth range).
  3. Personal Hotspot is turned off (Settings > Personal Hotspot).

How to Use AirDrop on iPhone, iPad & Mac

1. Turning On AirDrop

Follow these steps to activate AirDrop on your device:

On iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Control Center:
    • iPhone with Face ID: Swipe down from the top-right corner.
    • iPhone with Home Button/iPad: Swipe up from the bottom.
  2. Press and hold the network settings card (top-left box with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth icons).
  3. Tap AirDrop.
  4. Choose who can send you files:
Visibility Setting What It Means
Contacts Only Only people in your contacts can see your device.
Everyone Any nearby Apple device can send you files (automatically reverts to "Contacts Only" after 10 minutes).
Off No one can send you files.

On Mac

  1. Click the Finder icon (smiley face in your Dock).
  2. Select AirDrop from the sidebar.
  3. At the bottom, click Allow me to be discovered by and choose Contacts Only or Everyone.

2. Sending Files with AirDrop

AirDrop works with photos, videos, notes, website links, and even large files.

Step 1: Open the File You Want to Share

  • Photos/Videos: Open the Photos app and select the file.
  • Links: Open Safari and go to the webpage.
  • Documents: Open the Files app and select the document.

Step 2: Tap the Share Button

Look for the Share icon in the app. For example:

  • In Photos: Tap the Share icon at the bottom-left.
  • In Safari: Tap the Share icon at the bottom (iPhone) or top (iPad/Mac).

Step 3: Select the Recipient’s Device

  1. Tap AirDrop from the sharing menu.
  2. Nearby devices will appear under People (contacts) or Other Devices(non-contacts).
  3. Tap the recipient’s device name.

Tip for iOS 17 Users: Bring your iPhone close to the recipient’s device to automatically share files in apps like Photos.

Step 4: Accept or Decline the Transfer

  • If you’re sending to a contact, the file will send automatically.
  • If you’re sending to a non-contact, the recipient must tap Accept on their device.

3. Receiving Files with AirDrop

  1. Ensure AirDrop is set to Contacts Only or Everyone.
  2. When someone sends you a file, a pop-up will appear. Tap Accept.
  3. The file will open in the correct app:
    • Photos go to the Photos app.
    • Links open in Safari.
    • Documents save to the Files app.

Troubleshooting AirDrop Issues

If AirDrop isn’t working, try these fixes:

Devices Not Showing Up?

  1. Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.
  2. Ensure AirDrop visibility is set to Everyone for non-contacts.
  3. Turn off Personal Hotspot (Settings > Personal Hotspot).
  4. Restart both devices.

Transfer Stuck or Failed?

  1. Move devices closer (within 30 feet).
  2. Update to the latest iOS/macOS version (Settings > General > Software Update).

AirDrop Tips & Tricks

  1. Share Multiple Files at Once:
    • In Photos, tap Select, choose multiple items, then tap Share.
    • On Mac, drag and drop files into the AirDrop window.
  2. Send Files to Yourself: Use AirDrop to move files between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
  3. Use iCloud as Backup: If you leave Bluetooth range, transfers finish over Wi-Fi or cellular data (requires iCloud sign-in).

Why AirDrop is Safer Than Other Sharing Methods

  • Encrypted Transfers: Files are securely sent between devices.
  • No Internet Needed: Works offline using Bluetooth.
  • Control Over Visibility: Choose who can send you files.

For more security tips, see How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone in 2025.

FAQ: 5 Common AirDrop Questions Answered

  1. Q: How far can devices be for AirDrop to work?
    A: AirDrop works best when devices are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other. Walls, furniture, or other obstacles can reduce this range. For the strongest connection, keep devices in the same room. If you’re having trouble, check out our iPhone Bluetooth guide to ensure your settings are optimized.

  2. Q: Is there a file size limit for AirDrop?
    A: No! AirDrop can handle large files like 4K videos or multi-gigabyte documents. However, make sure both devices have enough storage space. If transfers fail, review your iPhone storage settings to free up space.

  3. Q: Can I AirDrop to multiple people at once?
    A: Yes! Select multiple files (like photos), tap the Share button, then choose multiple recipients from the AirDrop list. Note: Each person will need to accept the files individually.

  4. Q: Why does my iPhone say “No Devices Found” in AirDrop?
    A: This usually means:

    • The recipient’s AirDrop is set to Receiving Off or Contacts Only(and you’re not in their contacts).
    • Bluetooth/Wi-Fi is off on either device.
    • The devices are too far apart.
      For step-by-step fixes, visit our connectivity troubleshooting guide.

  5. Q: Can I use AirDrop while on a phone call?
    A: Yes! AirDrop uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, not cellular data, so it won’t interrupt calls. However, if you’re using Wi-Fi for the call (like FaceTime), large AirDrop transfers might slow it down.

Conclusion

AirDrop is a game-changer for sharing files between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Whether you’re collaborating on a project, sending memes to friends, or backing up precious memories, this tool makes it fast and secure. Just remember to:

  • Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
  • Use Contacts Only mode in public places.
  • Double-check storage space for large transfers.

For more tips on customizing your iPhone experience, explore our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide.