AirDrop is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to share files between iOS devices. It allows users to quickly transfer photos, videos, documents, and more without the need for a Wi-Fi network or cellular data. However, like any technology, it’s not immune to glitches and bugs. If you’re experiencing issues with AirDrop on your iPhone, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll troubleshoot common AirDrop problems on iPhone and provide practical solutions to overcome them.
Problem 1: AirDrop not working at all.
If AirDrop isn’t working on your iPhone, there could be a few possible reasons for that. One of the most common causes is that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are not turned on. Since AirDrop utilizes a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files, both need to be enabled.
First, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on by going to Settings > Bluetooth and Settings > Wi-Fi. If they are already on, toggle them off and on again to reset the connections. You can also try turning on Airplane Mode for a few seconds and then turning it off as this can also help reset the network settings and fix the issue.
Problem 2: AirDrop not working with a specific device.
You may encounter a problem where your iPhone can’t discover other devices when using AirDrop. This issue could be due to several factors, but the most common cause is that one of the devices involved has AirDrop set to “Contacts Only” instead of “Everyone.” This setting restricts AirDrop to only devices that are signed in to iCloud with a phone number or email address registered on your device’s Contacts list.
To change this setting, go to Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top right corner of your screen (for iPhone X or later), or swiping up from the bottom of the screen (for iPhone 8 or earlier). Press and hold on the network settings box until it expands, then click on “AirDrop.” From there, select “Everyone” to allow your iPhone to discover and be discovered by all nearby devices.
Problem 3: Unable to see AirDrop recipients.
If you can’t see the recipient’s device when trying to send a file via AirDrop, it’s likely that they also have the wrong AirDrop settings. Make sure both devices have AirDrop set to “Everyone” and are within range of each other. If the issue persists, try restarting both devices and attempting the transfer again.
Problem 4: Randomly receiving AirDrop files from unknown senders.
This problem occurs when you have AirDrop set to “Everyone” and discoverability on. It’s essential to be careful when using this setting, especially in public places. To avoid receiving unexpected AirDrop requests, make sure to turn off the feature by going to Control Center and selecting “Receiving Off.”
Problem 5: Unable to send large files or multiple files at once.
AirDrop makes file sharing convenient, but it does have limitations. If you’re having trouble sending large files or multiple files at once, try compressing the files into a ZIP archive. By compressing the files, you can send multiple files or larger files with ease.
To compress files, use an app like iZip or WinZip, and select the files you want to send. Then, click on the “Share” or “Export” button and choose AirDrop as the method of sharing. The receiving device will then need to unzip the files to access them.
In conclusion, AirDrop is a great tool for transferring files between iOS devices, but it’s not without its challenges. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to overcome common AirDrop problems on your iPhone. If you’re still experiencing issues, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance. Remember to always stay cautious when using AirDrop in public and be mindful of the settings you have enabled. Happy sharing!