Airdrop is a function in Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac that allows you to transmit media wirelessly between them. It scans and transfers files without the usage of WiFi or the internet using a strong Bluetooth connection.
It creates a strong and secure link between the two devices. The security level is indicated by the requirement to approve the connection via a pop-up dialogue box, even if it is made accessible to everyone.
What To Do If AirDrop Isn’t Working
Overall, it’s a fantastic feature, however it can malfunction and fail to transfer data at times. You must know how to make it function in such situations. This post will teach you how to address the problem in a few simple steps.
Which Devices Are Airdrop Compatible?
AirDrop is only compatible with Apple products such as the iPhone, Mac, and iPad touch. It is not supported by non-Apple devices. Even previous versions are unable to handle this feature.
You must select devices for AirDropping across Macs.
- Launched in 2009 or later, the iMac
The Mac mini was first released in 2010 or later. - Late 2008 or later saw the release of the MacBook Pro.
- Late 2010 or later saw the release of the MacBook Air.
- All iMac Pro Mac Pro variants released in early 2009 or later
For transferring files between Mac and iPhone, iPod, or iPad, the iPhone, iPad, or iPod must be running iOS 7 or later, and the Mac model must have been released in 2012 or later.
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1. Adjust The AirDrop Settings
You can also alter the setup options if your AirDrop is unable to complete the file transfer process between the two devices. To refresh it, try turning it off and then on again. Accessibility can be changed from Contacts only to Everyone.
Follow these steps to update the settings:
Step 1: From the Control Centre or menu, go to the Settings panel. Select General from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Click the option to open the AirDrop settings. Select ‘Everyone’ from the drop-down menu.
If you are unable to establish a connection between your Mac and your iPhone or iPad, you can alter the settings by following these steps:
Step 1: Go to your Mac’s Finder and open it. On the sidebar, you’ll see the ‘AirDrop’ button. To adjust the accessibility, select Contacts Only or Everyone from the drop-down menu.
Check for a connection once more.
2. Toggle Radios
You don’t need to connect to WiFi or use Bluetooth for AirDrop to work, although it can help if you connect both devices to the same WiFi network. This should not be a mobile hotspot connection.
Bluetooth and WiFi must be enabled. The problem can be solved by just turning them off and on. Follow these steps to turn on WiFi or Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad:
Step 1: Navigate to the Settings menu. Select WiFi/Bluetooth from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Disable and then enable WiFi/Bluetooth. For each radio, repeat the process.
Airplane mode can also be used to toggle them off and on from the notification bar or settings. Follow these steps to connect your Mac to WiFi or Bluetooth:
Step 1: Go to the menu in the top left corner and select WiFi/Bluetooth. Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth.
Step 2: Go back to the WiFi/Bluetooth icon and click it once more. Turn them back on. Rep the procedure.
3. Perform a Hard Reset
Hard resets, sometimes known as factory resets, are a function that allows you to erase all of your phone’s memory and data. There are various methods for resetting the phone depending on the model. The following are some examples:
For iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPad Pro (iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPad Pro) (2018)
Step 1: Press and immediately release the Volume Up key. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Step 2: Hold the sleep/wake button down. Even after the phone has shut down, keep pushing the Side button.
Apple iPhone 7
Step 1: On the right side, press and hold the On/Off button. Press the Volume Down key on the left side of your phone at the same time.
Step 2: The screen will turn off if you hold both of these buttons down. Continue tapping them until the screen returns to normal.
iPhone 6s and previous models
Step 1: Press and hold the right side or top of your phone’s On/Off buttons. Hold down the home and power buttons at the same time.
Step 2: Continue holding them until the screen turns off and on.
On a Mac, pick Reset from the apple icon in the left corner of the Menubar. After then, double-check to see if the connection has started working.
4. Keep Updates
If the software on your device is not updated on a regular basis, problems may arise. This causes your programmes to sluggish and the functionality to malfunction. Updating the programme could solve your problem with AirDrop not working.
The ways to upgrade your device’s existing software are listed below:
Step 1: Navigate to the Settings menu. Go to the General tab. The ‘Software Update’ option can be found here. Select it by clicking on it.
Step 2: Select Install from the drop-down menu. Check to see if AirDrop is working.
Hold down the command and R keys on a Mac until it turns on and the Apple logo appears.
5. Restart The Networks
Although no one likes to change the numbers that have already been set for various functions, restarting the network could be useful in resolving the AirDrop issue. The steps to resetting your iPhone or iPad are as follows:
Step 1: Go to the Settings panel in the first step. Select the General tab.
Step 2: Go to the bottom of the page and click the Reset button. Reset the network settings by pressing the Reset Network Settings button. Put your passcode in here. To confirm, tap ‘Yes.’
This resets all of the features to their default values, and you must reconnect all of the features. Check to see whether the issue has been resolved.
6. Make Contact With Apple
If none of the other options work, the last option is to contact Apple customer service. Sometimes you won’t be able to address the problem on your own, and it will need to be handled by pros.
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Conclusion
AirDrop is a terrific tool that allows you to link your smartphone to another Apple device wirelessly and share files without needing to connect to a WiFi network or use Bluetooth. There are times when it is ineffective.
Resetting networks, toggling radios, tweaking settings, hard reset, and other approaches are just a few of the things you can do to fix the problem. However, if none of the above techniques work, you must have it checked at an Apple store in order for AirDrop to resume operating.
