Use AirDrop on iPhone to send items to nearby Apple devices (2024)

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Copyright

With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and more to other nearby devices and Mac computers.

Transfers are encrypted for security, and the recipient can accept or decline each transfer as it arrives.

Note: If you leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range after an AirDrop transfer is initiated, the transfer continues over the internet.

Before you begin

Make sure that the recipient you’re sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth range and that you both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
Check that the recipient you’re sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only.
If you’re not in their Contacts, have them set their AirDrop receiving setting to Everyone in order to receive the file.
If you’re in their Contacts and they set AirDrop to receive from Contacts Only, they need to have your Apple ID email address or phone number included in your contact card for AirDrop to work.

Send an item using AirDrop

Open the item on your iPhone, then tap , Share, AirDrop, , or another button that displays the app’s sharing options.
Tap , then tap the AirDrop user you want to share with. (You can also use AirDrop to share between your own devices.)
Tip: If you’re within close range of someone in your contacts, you can initiate a transfer by opening the file you want to share, then moving your iPhone close to your contact’s iPhone (on supported models with iOS17 or later).

To use AirDrop to securely share app and website passwords with someone using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, see Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop on iPhone.

Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop

Open Control Center, touch and hold the top-left group of controls, then tap .
Tap Contacts Only or Everyonefor10Minutes to choose who you want to receive items from.
Note: The Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes options are available only on devices with minimum system requirements.

Turn off cellular data for AirDrop

Cellular data charges may apply when you use AirDrop.

If you don’t want to use cellular data when you’re out of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range, go to Settings> General> AirDrop, then turn off Use Cellular Data.

Typically this is a one-time setting, but you might want to change it if, for example, you’re traveling and want to avoid roaming charges.

To quickly share your contact information, see Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact information.

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Use AirDrop on iPhone to send items to nearby Apple devices (2024)

FAQs

Does AirDrop only work with nearby devices? ›

Once you tap or click the AirDrop icon, you'll see a list of any nearby devices you can share with, labeled People or Other People. If there are no devices close enough to AirDrop to, you won't see anything. Move closer or check both devices' Bluetooth and AirDrop settings.

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What is the difference between AirDrop and Nearby Share? ›

Apple AirDrop is exclusive to iOS and macOS devices, while Google Nearby Share is available on Android, Chrome OS, and some Windows devices.

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Do you have to be on Wi-Fi to use AirDrop? ›

You do not need to be on a WiFi network to use AirDrop. You need to turn WiFi on, but you don't need to connect to a network. AirDrop uses point-to-point WiFi to send the data. This is a direct wireless link between the two devices.

How does AirDrop work on Apple devices? ›

AirDrop transfers data using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to discover nearby devices and Wi-Fi to transfer data between devices. If the devices leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range of each other after you initiate an AirDrop transfer, the transfer can continue over the internet.

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Does AirDrop work from far away? ›

Range: The maximum range for AirDrop transfers is about 30 feet (10 meters). Speed: The transfer speed will vary depending on the size of the file and the capabilities of the devices involved. Apple-Exclusive: AirDrop is only available on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and iPod touches.

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How does Nearby Share work? ›

Nearby Share is an easy and simple way to send files between two Android devices. This particular feature is handy when you are close to a person you would like to send across files. Keep in mind that the feature only works when users are in close proximity.

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What are the disadvantages of Nearby Share? ›

There are some limitations to be aware of. Tom's Guide states in their report, “Nearby Share has a 1,000-file limit”, so folders can't be too big. Another piece from Android Police reveals the upgrade is exclusive to Google Files as it doesn't seem to work properly with Samsung's own file manager.

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Why you should turn AirDrop off? ›

The Risks of AirDrop. While AirDrop is a very convenient way to share files, children whose devices have it enabled are at risk of receiving inappropriate content without asking for it. This convenience also means that anyone with an Apple device can send files to your child's Apple device, even if they don't know them ...

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What is better than AirDrop? ›

Snapdrop. For people looking for AirDrop alternatives that work online, Snapdrop is also a great choice. The open-source software lets you share files with multiple devices across the same network. However, you can also install it on your Windows devices.

Is AirDrop just Bluetooth? ›

AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. That means you don't need to be connected to your router or even the internet in order to have an AirDrop connection. You do have to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, however.

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What needs to be turned on for AirDrop? ›

Check that you and the person you're sending to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either of you have Personal Hotspot on, turn it off. Check if the person you're sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Contacts Only.

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Is AirDrop better than Bluetooth? ›

However, the primary goal of Airdrop is speed. It is significantly faster than Bluetooth since it delivers data via Wi-Fi Direct technology. It's the greatest choice for massive data transfers between iPhones, but it's not very practical for connecting things like speakers.

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Can I AirDrop to someone not near me? ›

Make sure that the recipient you're sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth range and that you both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Check that the recipient you're sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only.

Get More Info Here ›

Can you AirDrop to someone not near you? ›

AirDrop uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit the content you want to send (or receive), so you need to ensure that the person you're sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.

Why can't I AirDrop to others? ›

Check that you and the person you're sending to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either of you have Personal Hotspot on, turn it off. Check if the person you're sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Contacts Only.

Why is AirDrop not working on any devices? ›

Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on

AirDrop relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® to transfer files. Make sure both are turned on by going to your phone settings. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open your Control Center. They're off if the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi icons are not illuminated blue.

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