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In this article I will look at the reasons why your iPhone does not see your MacBook/iMac via AirDrop and how to establish communication between devices.
This article is suitable for all iPhone Xs/Xr/X/8/7/6/5 and Plus models running iOS 12. Older versions may have different or missing menu items and hardware support listed in the article.
AirDrop Limitations
AirDrop is a secure and convenient file sharing system. If the option is activated, a secure network is created, data within which will move in encrypted form. When using a Wi-Fi network, the exchange is really fast. Despite this, AirDrop has a number of limitations.
AirDrop technology can only be used to exchange information between Apple devices. The function is not available to every i-gadget. The technology is supported only by iPhone 5 and newer phones. The screenshot below shows a list of Apple computers that work with this option.
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Not all content can be transferred using AirDrop. While photos can be sent, music files cannot. This is due to copyright protection. If users need to exchange contacts, they must go to iCoud.
Using Airdrop on iPhone
To transfer a file via AirDrop using an iPhone, do the following:
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Using Airdrop on Mac and other Apple computers
- Select “Transition”, then AirDrop in the section line in the Finder. You can also select AirDrop in the sidebar of this window.
- The AirDrop window will display nearby system users. Drag the necessary files in the window onto the recipient’s image, then click on the “Send” button.
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You can also use the “Sharing” function:
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Receiving files
In a situation where the recipient is logged into your iCloud account, the sent file will be automatically accepted and saved. Otherwise, the recipient will need to confirm receipt of the file before saving it to the device.
- On a Mac computer, files are saved in the Downloads folder.
- On iOS devices, the file is shown in the appropriate program. For example, a website is displayed in the Safari browser, photos are displayed in the Photos program.
AirDrop Problems and Troubleshooting
At release, AirDrop had numerous glitches. Now the software is more streamlined, but we cannot say that the technology functions perfectly. Very often, when trying to transfer a file, the iPhone does not see the “destination”, and AirDrop may disappear from the control center altogether.
To resolve the problem, you need to make sure that the errors are not related to the limitations of the option. For example, on an iPhone 4S there is no point in looking for AirDrop, since the gadget simply does not support this technology.
Then you need to make sure that the devices between which you plan to exchange:
- Connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- They are located no more than 9 meters from each other.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are active. When you turn on AirDrop, they should be activated automatically, but it's worth checking.
You also need to check that i-devices are not blocked, Apple computers are not in sleep mode, and the “Bluetooth”/”System Preferences” window is open.
Recipient not visible
If the connection fails, then turn AirDrop off and on on all devices and reconnect. If this method does not help, then disable the option again, reboot the devices and try to establish a connection.
"For everyone" mode
Very often, AirDrop does not see the device when the “Contacts Only” mode is used and the recipient is in the sender’s contact list. You need to try activating the “For everyone” mode for a while and check if the situation has returned to normal.
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Changing settings
There are common situations when, due to device settings, data transfer does not occur.
For iPhone, check the following:
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For Apple computers:
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Pairing
When AirDrop is activated, Bluetooth pairing should happen automatically, but sometimes it doesn't. In this situation, we act according to the algorithm:
For Apple computers:
Like many built-in features for iOS and macOS, AirDrop is both fast and easy. Similar to sending messages or E-mail, you can use the technology to send photos, videos, music, and even PDF files. This is very convenient when you are close to the person you want to send the desired file to, since AirDrop only works for users who are close to each other.
Moreover, from a security perspective, AirDrop surpasses both E-mail and SMS technologies, using Bluetooth to create a Wi-Fi connection with your iOS and MacOS devices, creating an encrypted firewall.
Another benefit of the feature is that it supports some standard iOS apps. The option is available directly from Photos, Notes, Safari, Contacts and Maps. Due to this, there is no need to open a new window or copy and paste the necessary information. However, there is one condition - you must know how to use AirDrop.
If not, then this article contains all the necessary information on how to enable AirDrop and transfer files to iPhone, iPad and Mac.
AirDrop - what is it and how to use it on iPhone in iOS?
Starting with Mac OS X Lion and iOS 7, AirDrop uses a high-speed, low-latency protocol. This works for two nearby devices using enabled Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi.
To use the above feature, your Mac does not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or another Mac, as is the case with . Moreover, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are automatically turned on when AirDrop is active.
Also, AirDrop doesn't require iCloud to work unless you need to send something to one of your contacts. Then you both must be signed up for iCloud. The volume of transmitted content is unlimited.
For security, AirDrop encrypts files during transfer.
AirDrop works between iPhone (5, 6, 7, 8, X), iPod touch and iPad running iOS 7 or later and Mac running OS X Mavericks and later, and between Mac running OS X Yosemite and iPhone, iPod touch and iPad on iOS 11 or later.
How to enable AirDrop on iPhone and iPad in two ways in iOS?
How to use AirDrop on iPhone to transfer files to other iOS devices nearby? Follow the steps below to enable the feature on iPhone/iPad and Mac. If you need to sync iPhone/iPad and Mac files and send them to other devices nearby.
Enable AirDrop from Control Center on iPhone and iPad
You can share AirDrop with both your contacts and everyone nearby. The first option requires more conditions to be met, since you both must be authorized in iCloud and be in each other's contact list.
With the “For Everyone” settings it is much easier, but then any strangers will be able to send you anything.
Of course, select “For Contacts Only” and make sure you're signed in to iCloud.
If you can’t select the AirDrop icon, then you probably turned it off in the “Restrictions” menu in Settings. So change your settings to take advantage of AirDrop on iOS 11 and later.
Enable AirDrop from the settings menu on iPhone and iPad
Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your iPhone. AirDrop is available starting in iOS 7.0 and is activated through Control Center.
Then go to Settings > General > AirDrop to choose who can see your iPhone in the feature and who can share content with you. Of course, you can set other AirDrop settings in Control Center: swipe from the upper right corner, hold the network settings card and select AirDrop. Three options will appear: “Reception Off”, “For Contacts Only” or “For Everyone”.
- Reception Off: You will not receive requests from AirDrop.
- Contacts Only: Only people in your contacts list can see your device.
- For Everyone: Any iOS device or Mac that uses AirDrop can see your device.
- To send files, select the Contacts Only or Everyone option and make sure AirDrop is not blocked by your device: Settings > General > Restrictions.
Now you know how to enable this option on your iPhone.
How to transfer photos, videos, music via AirDrop on iPhone to iOS?
Once you've activated AirDrop on iOS, you can share content with other iOS devices and Macs. With AirDrop, you can share photos, videos, notes, contacts, music and other files.
If you're going to AirDrop content to someone with multiple devices, their avatar will appear in the list multiple times. You will see the names of the devices under the avatars so you can select the one you need.
How to transfer a file via AirDrop on Mac? (Photo, music, video)
To send a file via AirDrop from a Mac, first click on the “Finder” icon. In the Finder window, you should notice “AirDrop” in the list of options on the left. Click on “AirDrop” and your computer will begin searching for devices with the feature enabled.
When the available devices are shown, simply drag and drop the file you want onto the name of the device you want to send the file to. For convenience, move the file to your desktop in advance.
Files sent to a device authorized in your iCloud account (for example, if you send photos from your iPhone to your Macbook) will be automatically received. However, when you send files to someone else, the recipient will see a pop-up asking permission to transfer the file.
How to change the name in AirDrop on iPhone and iPad?
You might be wondering how to change your name in AirDrop. It is tied to your Apple ID, not your device name.
Go to Settings > iCloud > Mail (under Add-ons) and change the name in the corresponding field, but do not forget that the name in iCloud mail may also change.
Do you use AirDrop to send photos and videos using iPhone or iPad to Mac? Do you have any tips or questions about enabling AirDrop and transferring files between iOS and Mac OS? Write to us in the comments.
"I can't AirDrop photos on my iPhone 6s."
"What to do if iPhone 8 AirDrop does not work between iPhone, iPad, Mac."
You may want to know what AirDrop is and what AirDrop can do. But when you plan to transfer some files from iPhone to MacBook or iPhone to iPhone via Airdrop, you may encounter the “AirDrop not working” problem. Don't worry. Read the article and try the methods below to fix iPhone AirDrop not working in iOS 12 errors.
Things You Should Know Before Using Airdrop on iPhone or iPad
If you want to use AirDrop, your devices must be running iOS 7, Mac OS X lion (10.7) or newer systems, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on iOS devices. Additionally, you should make sure that the distance between the two devices is not too far (less than 30 feet, about 9 meters).
6 Ways to Fix AirDrop Not Working on iPhone 6/7/8/X/XR/XS
There are a few basic methods you can try when your AirDrop won't work on iPhone as well as iPad/iPod touch.
Method 1: Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Turn Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and then on. Check your network, turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and then turn them on.
Method 2: Reboot your devices
Hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen. For iPhone 7 users, press the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button to do this. For iPhone8/X users: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, finally press and hold the Side (Sleep/Wake) button until the Apple logo appears.
Method 3: Sign out and then sign in to iCloud
Go to Settings > Your Account, sign out of your iCloud account, and sign in to your iCloud.
Method 4: Update iOS to the latest version
This problem may be due to some bugs in the iOS operating system that you cannot fix. So just wait until the new iOS fixes it. You'd better back up your device to avoid data loss during the update. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install the latest OS.
Method 5: Network reset
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Method 6. Change settings
What to do if airdrop does not see the device? Change the settings (activate “for everyone” instead of “only for contacts” and vice versa).
Method 7: Use the ReiBoot tool
If the methods above did not work, try using some alternative tools such as to solve AirDrop not seeing iPhone, iPad, Mac.
Step 1: Click the "Solve All iOS Freezes" button on the main window to enter system recovery.
Step 2: Click “Fix Now” and begin the process.
Step 3: Download the firmware package
Tenorshare ReiBoot offers a firmware package for your iOS device. Your device will be updated to the latest version after recovery. Click the "Download" button and start downloading the software package online. If you have problems downloading, click “Copy” and download through your browser.
The internal memory of the package is 2.5 GB, and takes some time.
Step 4: Start restoring iOS system
Once booted, click “Start Recovering” and begin restoring the system. This process takes less than 10 minutes and you cannot turn off the device during this process.
Step 5: iPhone/iPad/iPod system restored successfully
When the restore is complete, your iOS device turns on. The data and settings are saved and the problem is fixed.
Tenorshare ReiBoot not only can enter and exit recovery mode, but also can fix problems such as frozen screen, iOS frozen, iTunes errors and other problems.
I hope these methods will help you solve the problem.
In addition, Reiboot helps solve errors such as the blue screen of death, or the iPhone does not respond to your button presses at all.
Service AirDrop appeared not so long ago, and became relevant only after updating not only iOS, but also OS X to versions 8.1 and Yosemite, respectively. As a result, some users experienced excellent interactions and interchangeability between Mac, iPad and iPhone, but not all.
Those who did not update for a number of reasons, bugs or shortcomings of the new iOS, were left without these functions. However, even those who have everything up to date are faced with gaps in the smooth operation of the new service. We have already told you how to set up AirDrop, and now we will explain what to do if AirDrop does not see your device.
1) Make sure your devices are connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Handoff is enabled on all devices, the System Preferences -> Bluetooth page on your Mac is open and minimized, and that you are signed in to the same account and pairing is enabled on all devices keys;
2) Check the list of supported devices:
MacBookPro (Late 2008 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)
iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)
3) If all the settings are made correctly, but the Mac still does not want to work in conjunction with the iPhone, then check the Bluetooth module and its version. HCI must be 0x6, otherwise the module will have to be changed;
4) Now correct the permissions in Mac Disk Utility;
5) Create your contact card through the menu “Programs -> Contacts -> Create” and mark it “This is my card”, and then restart the device;
6) Use a special tweak that allows you to use AirDrop on iOS7, it is called AirDrop Enabler iOS7. By jailbreaking, downloading and installing it, you will receive the coveted function, which can be enabled in the usual way, but only works in conjunction with Mac and iPad 3rd generation;
AirDrop is a modern, fast and completely intuitive way to transfer files over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, developed by Apple and introduced with iOS 7. Once you enable AirDrop on iOS 11 (and others), you will be able to share a variety of data - from records to in the phone book and photos to videos and pages from the Safari browser. And, if there are no problems with choosing the content you need to transfer, then interaction with AirDrop is unlikely to raise at least a few questions - everything is too easy and convenient.
Ways to enable AirDrop
Was there a photo or video shared? So, the right place for such content is “Gallery”. If links were exchanged, either the Safari browser will open and a recommended bookmark will appear, or the contents of the Apple digital store will be displayed. In cases where data is transferred between different devices of the same owner (for example, between a smartphone and a Mac with the same Apple ID), the “Accept” or “Decline” request will not appear in principle and the data transfer will begin automatically.
The technology is, in general, really intuitive, but only for those who are happy to share information. The rest will have to enable AirDrop on iOS (all actions will take no more than a few seconds), and make sure that the sender is really close. If yes, then the procedure will take only a few seconds, you just need to understand the settings:
Enabling AirDrop via Control Center
Through settings
The second option is in case there are problems with the first. The procedure is as follows - call “Settings”, find the “General” item, select “AirDrop”, check the box next to the most suitable option (again, by default the technology is turned off for receiving files, and therefore the recipient must first activate everything).
How to transfer files via AirDrop
To call the process of transferring files via AirDrop something complicated and inconvenient does not make things too intuitive and predictable. Moreover, the order of data transfer works the same everywhere - both when interacting with entertainment content and when surfing the Internet. You need to do this:
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Problems when interacting with AirDrop technology occur extremely rarely, and if a problem does arise, it’s worth figuring out three things (it couldn’t be otherwise!):
- Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be turned on;
- The recipient should be nearby, even if not a few steps away, but certainly no further than 20-25 meters;
- If the transfer option “Only for contacts” is selected in the settings, but the recipient still does not appear in the transfer list, then you should select the “For everyone” option and try again.
If the above methods do not work, then the last two options remain - reboot both devices or try to switch the systems to Airplane mode and back.