Many users have complained that they could not Airdrop their pictures, even after trying multiple times. This problem started to occur after they updated their phones to iOS 11.
Before we dive into the tips on troubleshooting the problem, let us help the user understand that they know how it works and whether their Airdrop not working is a genuine problem or is it an outcome of them not knowing the procedure.
Introduction to Airdrop
Airdrop is an ad-hoc service in Apple Inc.’s macOS and iOS operating systems, introduced in Mac OS X Lion and iOS 7. It uses Bluetooth LE to broadcast, discover, and negotiate connections, and point-to-point Wi-Fi to transfer information. Isn’t it amazing how technology can simplify our lives?
Understanding the Importance of Airdrop
Airdrop’s significance cannot be overstated. It offers a seamless and quick way to share files across Apple devices, eliminating the need for cables or complicated file sharing protocols. Ever wanted to share a bunch of photos with a friend? Airdrop makes it as easy as a couple of taps.
Common Issues with Airdrop
However, with the simplicity and convenience of Airdrop come a few issues that users might encounter. The most common one being – you guessed it – Airdrop not working.
Why Airdrop Might Not Be Working
Several reasons could explain why Airdrop isn’t working. These range from device compatibility issues to connection problems. Here’s a more detailed look.
Device Compatibility Issues
iOS Compatibility
For Airdrop to work, both devices need to be running on iOS 7 or later. If you or the person you’re trying to Airdrop to has an older version, then you’re out of luck.
macOS Compatibility
When it comes to Mac, Airdrop requires macOS X Lion (10.7) or later. If your Mac is running an older version, consider updating it.
Connection Problems
Wi-Fi Issues
Wi-Fi forms the backbone of Airdrop. If your Wi-Fi isn’t working correctly, neither will Airdrop. Always ensure your Wi-Fi is on and properly connected.
Bluetooth Problems
Alongside Wi-Fi, Airdrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. Therefore, any issues with Bluetooth could also cause Airdrop to malfunction.
Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working Issue
If you are facing problems with your Airdrop feature, try using the following troubleshooting tips and see if the ‘Airdrop not working’ problem gets resolved.
1. Try to Force Restart Your Device
Trying to force restart your phone is a good way to see if your Airdrop is working or not. Believe it or not, rebooting your iOS device tends to solve the problem 70% of the time, if not more.
Here is a way in which you could force restart your device t solve the Airdrop not working problem.
iPhone 7 or 7 Plus – You have to hold the sleep/wake button with the volume down button for about 10 seconds or until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
iPhone 6s or older – Press the Home Button and the sleep/wake button for about 10 seconds or until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
2. Choosing a Personal Hotspot
You will have to check whether your hotspot is on or not. This is because Airdrop and Personal Hotspot both need Wi-Fi to perform their respective tasks. This could cause a clash between the two, as Airdrop doesn’t work if you use a Personal Hotspot.
You could follow the steps below to turn off Hotspot so that the Airdrop feature could work. Otherwise, the Airdrop not working problem would continue.
- Go to Settings and open the option titled Cellular.
- Go to the option of Personal Hotspot and turn it off.
3. Change the Airdrop Setting
If you change the setting for Airdrop on your device, you could potentially make it work again. One of the reasons you cannot transfer files from your Mac to your iPhone or vice-versa is that your device is not visible.
You could solve this problem simply by changing the discoverability of the device by following the steps mentioned below. This is one of the reasons why the Airdrop not working was a problem.
- Swipe up on the bottom of the screen to bring up the Control Center. Click on the Airdrop option and choose one to make your device visible to them.
- Choosing everyone as an option is recommended as it is the most convenient. All the other Apple devices with the same nearby settings would pop up on your screen.
4. Turning Off Airplane Mode and Restarting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
In order for the Airdrop feature to work flawlessly, it is important that both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on.
When the Airplane Mode is turned on, it basically cuts off all sorts of wireless networks and connectivity. This includes being connected to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which stops the Airdrop from working.
Turning off Airplane Mode – Swipe up on the bottom of the Control Center and click on Airplane Mode to turn it off.
Airdrop uses Bluetooth to determine and access the proximity of the two devices, while Wi-Fi is required to transfer the data. If only one is on while the other isn’t, then the Airdrop not working problem would continue.
Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – Swipe upward to bring the Control Center, then press the icons for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth respectively to turn them off and then on again.
5. Logging into iCloud
The data that you send and receive get logged into your iCloud account if you use Airdrop with people from your contact list.
You will have to ensure that either the email ID or the person’s mobile number is saved on your device.
If it is not, then it won’t show in the logs that you used Airdrop with the person. If you are Airdropping between devices that you own, then log into both accounts using the same ID and password.
6. Resetting Network Settings
If nothing else seems to be working, then trying to reset your network would be your last resort. Resetting the network setting basically takes all the settings back to default.
Any changes that you would have made in the settings will not work and will go back to what they were. You will have to customize some of the settings, such as Wi-Fi. This should solve the Airdrop not working problem.
- Open Settings and click on General
- Tap on Reset and then click on Reset Network Settings.
7. Checking for a New Update
Some users complained that Airdrop was not working after they updated their devices to iOS 11.03 or iOS 11. 01. You could try and update it to iOS 11. 2 or above and see whether it solves the Airdrop not working problem or not.
- Go to Settings and then click on General.
- Go to Software Update and see if you have any updates that you can download.
8. Fixing the Airdrop Not Working Issue Without Data Loss
If none of the tips mentioned above seemed to work, then there is probably some problem with the iOS of your device. The only way you could make the Airdrop issue go away is by using Foneazy TinyFix.
Foneazy TinyFix (supported by iOS 16 & iPadOS) Features
- This software can repair devices without causing any loss of data whatsoever.
- It can also fix many types of iOS issues like iMessage doesn’t say delivered, iPhone stuck in recovery mode, DFU mode, or the Apple logo
- The personal information that is stored on your phone is protected. It is also simple to use.
- It is compatible with various models like the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.
FAQs
1. Why isn’t Airdrop showing up on my iPhone?
Check if both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on. Also, ensure that your iPhone is discoverable by going to Settings > General > Airdrop > Everyone.
2. Can I use Airdrop on different Apple IDs?
Yes, you can. Airdrop doesn’t require users to be logged in to the same Apple ID.
3. Why is my Airdrop not working even after resetting network settings?
It could be due to an outdated software version. Try updating your device to the latest software.
4. Is Airdrop safe to use?
Yes, Airdrop is safe. It uses encryption to securely transfer information between devices.
5. Can I Airdrop from iPhone to Mac?
Yes, you can. As long as both devices meet the minimum software requirements, you can Airdrop between them.
Conclusion
Airdrop is a great feature that is introduced exclusively for Apple users. Although some users do face problems in using it, following the simple steps mentioned above could easily eliminate the problem of Airdrop not working.
After you have read the whole article, you will have a better idea of which method would work best for you.
