How to Use AirDrop on iPhone

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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AirDrop is a very useful feature available on iPhone, allowing you to share files, photos, website links, and more with other nearby Apple devices. Understanding how to use AirDrop can make sharing easier and faster, especially when working with other Apple ecosystem users. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the information you need to effectively use AirDrop on your iPhone.

What is AirDrop?

AirDrop is Apple's proprietary technology that enables the wireless sharing of files and data between iPhones, iPads, Macs and other Apple devices. Using both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, AirDrop ensures quick and secure file transfers without the need for email, messaging or other apps. Data is encrypted, ensuring your files are transferred securely.

Requirements for using AirDrop

Before you start using AirDrop, it's important to make sure your devices support the feature. Here are the basic requirements:

• Devices: AirDrop is supported on iPhone 5 and later, iPad 4th generation and later, iPad Pro, iPad Mini and later, iPod Touch 5th generation and later.
• iOS version: Make sure your iPhone is running on iOS 7 or later.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth need to be enabled for AirDrop to work.

How to enable AirDrop

To use AirDrop, you must first enable it from the Control Center on your iPhone. Follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the upper-right corner of your screen (iPhone X or later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone 8 or earlier) to open Control Center.
2. Press and hold the network settings card in the upper left corner (it contains the Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth icons).
3. You will see the AirDrop icon. Tap on it.
4. You'll see three options: No Receiving, Contacts Only, and Everyone. Choose Contacts Only to share with only your contacts or choose Everyone to share with anyone nearby who has an Apple device.

How to share content using AirDrop

Once AirDrop is enabled, you can start sharing content with other devices. Here's how you can do it:

Sharing photos and videos

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Select the photo or video you want to share.
3. Tap the Share button at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
4. You will see the AirDrop icon along with the available devices nearby. Select the device you want to share with.
5. A notification will appear on the recipient's device, asking if they want to accept the AirDrop. Once accepted, the files will be transferred.

Sharing files from other apps

Regardless of the type of file, the process for using AirDrop is pretty similar:

1. Open the app where the file you want to share is located (e.g., Notes, Files, Safari).
2. Select the file or content you want to share.
3. Tap the Share button, which usually looks like a square with an arrow pointing out of it.
4. AirDrop will appear as one of the sharing options along with a list of nearby devices. Select the device you want to share with.
5. When the recipient accepts the AirDrop, the content will be transferred.

How to receive content using AirDrop

Receiving files via AirDrop is easy. If someone is sharing content with you:

1. A notification will appear on your iPhone with a preview of the content.
2. You'll be asked to accept or decline the AirDrop. Tap Accept to receive the content.
3. Received content will open in the appropriate app. For example, photos will open in the Photos app, and files will be accessed within the Files app.

Troubleshoot AirDrop problems

If you’re experiencing issues with AirDrop, you can try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check compatibility: Make sure the devices you're trying to use AirDrop with are compatible and meet the requirements mentioned earlier.
• Check AirDrop settings: Verify that you have selected the correct option to receive AirDrops (Contacts Only or Everyone).
• Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Make sure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. If necessary, try turning them off and on again.
• Restart the device: Sometimes, restarting your iPhone can solve many problems.
• Keep devices close together: AirDrop works best when devices are within a few feet of each other.
• Sign in to iCloud: Make sure both devices are signed in to iCloud, especially if you selected Contacts Only as an option to receive AirDrop.

Advanced AirDrop settings

AirDrop also has some advanced settings that you might find useful:

Restricting AirDrops

To make sure only specific contacts can send you AirDrop files:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Select AirDrop.
4. Select Contacts Only to limit AirDrop to your contacts.

Turning off AirDrop

To stop receiving AirDrop requests:

1. Open Control Center.
2. Touch and hold the network settings card.
3. Tap the AirDrop icon.
4. Select Receiving Off to turn off AirDrop.

Practical examples of AirDrops

Here are some practical examples of how you can use AirDrop:

Example 1: Sharing photos with friends

Imagine you're at a family gathering and you've taken some amazing photos with your iPhone. You can instantly share these photos with other iPhone users around you using AirDrop:

1. Open the Photos app and select the pictures you want to share.
2. Tap the Share button.
3. Select a close family member's device from the AirDrop options.

Your selected photos will be easily transferred to their device after accepting the AirDrop request.

Example 2: Sharing a website link

While browsing the web you come across an interesting article and want to share the link with your colleague:

• Open Safari and go to the article.
• Tap the Share button.
• Select your colleague's device from the AirDrop options.

They will receive the link and be able to open it directly in Safari on their iPhone.

Example 3: Sending a contact

Sharing contact information is also simple with AirDrop:

1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want to share.
2. Tap the Share contact option.
3. Select the recipient's device from the AirDrop options.

The recipient will receive the contact details and will be able to add it to their Contacts app.

Conclusion

AirDrop is a powerful and versatile feature that makes sharing between Apple devices quick and easy. Whether you need to send photos, documents, website links, or other files, AirDrop can make the process seamless. By following the steps in this guide, you can make the most of AirDrop and enhance your productivity and sharing experience on your iPhone.

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