AirDrop sends photos, videos, documents, and other items between nearby iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, keep them within 10 metres, and make sure the recipient is set to accept AirDrop from you. The recipient can accept or decline a transfer; if both devices use the same Apple Account, Apple says it is accepted automatically.
What you need to use AirDrop
AirDrop is designed for sharing between nearby Apple devices; it is not a general way to transfer files between an iPhone and an Android device. Both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on and should be within 10 metres of each other. They do not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Apple describes the technology as using Bluetooth Low Energy to discover nearby devices and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi for the transfer; that direct Wi-Fi connection is encrypted with TLS. See Apple’s AirDrop security overview.
A VPN configuration that blocks local networking can interfere with some Continuity features, including AirDrop. If you use Personal Hotspot on an iPhone or iPad, Apple says to disconnect it before sharing. Interface wording can vary by device and software version.
Set the recipient’s AirDrop visibility
The receiving device’s setting determines who can discover it and send an AirDrop request. Set this on the recipient’s device before sending.
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On iPhone or iPad
- Open Control Center. On an iPhone with Face ID or an iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner; on an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom.
- Touch and hold the connectivity controls—the group that includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Tap AirDrop, then choose a receiving option.
On Mac
Open Control Center from the menu bar, select AirDrop, and choose who can discover the Mac. You can also open Finder and select AirDrop in the sidebar to view nearby recipients.
Choose who can send to the device
- Receiving Off: The device is not available for incoming AirDrop transfers.
- Contacts Only: The device is discoverable to people in the recipient’s contacts. For this to work, the sender’s Apple Account email address or phone number must be listed on the recipient’s contact card.
- Everyone for 10 Minutes: People nearby can find the device during the temporary window. On iPhone and iPad, Apple says the setting reverts after ten minutes to Contacts Only if the user is signed in to an Apple Account, or to Receiving Off if signed out.
Apple’s iPhone and iPad instructions for these settings are in Use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad. Contacts Only is supported on devices with iOS 10, iPadOS 13.1, and macOS 10.12 or later, according to Apple’s personal-safety guidance.
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- The USB-C to USB Adapter lets you connect iOS devices and many of your standard USB accessories to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
- Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, and then connect your flash drive, camera, or other standard USB device.
- You can also connect a Lightning to USB cable to sync and charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
Send an item with AirDrop
- Open the photo, document, link, or other item you want to share.
- Tap or click Share, then choose AirDrop. On a Mac, you can also drag a file from Finder’s AirDrop view onto the intended recipient.
- Select the nearby person or device. If it does not appear, check the recipient’s visibility setting and the troubleshooting steps below.
- The recipient accepts or declines the transfer, unless both devices are signed in to the same Apple Account; in that case, Apple says the transfer is accepted automatically.
Received items usually open in the app they came from. On iPhone or iPad, some files go to the Files app; on Mac, files may appear in Downloads or prompt you to choose where to save them. Apple’s step-by-step instructions are in Use AirDrop to send items to nearby Apple devices.
Optional: bring compatible iPhones together
On supported models running iOS 17 or later, bringing two iPhones close together can initiate an AirDrop transfer. This is an optional way to start sharing, not a replacement for choosing AirDrop from the Share menu.
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AirDrop to someone who is not in your contacts
The recipient can temporarily choose Everyone for 10 Minutes to allow nearby people to find the device. They should change the setting back when they are finished if they do not want to remain discoverable to everyone nearby.
On iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, or macOS 26.2 and later, Apple says a person who is not in the recipient’s contacts may need an AirDrop code. The recipient chooses to continue and shares the displayed code; the sender enters it to proceed. After authorization, the devices can share for 30 days without another code. The recipient can end that relationship sooner by using Contacts to forget the person. These requirements and steps are described in Apple’s iPhone and iPad AirDrop instructions and current AirDrop guide.
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AirDrop privacy and safety
Visibility settings control who can discover a device and send it an AirDrop request; they do not change whether a recipient has to approve an ordinary incoming transfer. Apple says AirDrop transfers are encrypted and that recipients can accept or decline each one. In Contacts Only mode, the receiving device compares a short AirDrop identity hash from the sender with hashes of contacts. Organizations may restrict AirDrop on managed devices or within apps. See Apple’s security documentation.
Choose the receiving option that fits the situation. Contacts Only limits discovery to people whose contact details match; Everyone for 10 Minutes is useful when sharing with someone outside your contacts, but makes the device discoverable to nearby people during that window.
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- Design: The adapter is gathered with zinc alloy metallic minimalist design and delicate embossment for not slipping; Please note they cannot fit side by side on macbook or mac mini
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Fix common AirDrop problems
If the recipient does not appear or a transfer will not start, check these in order:
- Confirm both devices are supported types. AirDrop sharing here is between iPhone, iPad, and Mac—not Android devices.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- Move the devices closer. Apple recommends a distance of 10 metres or less.
- Check the receiving setting. The recipient must allow receiving from the sender, either through a matching contact card or a temporary Everyone setting.
- Disconnect Personal Hotspot on iPhone or iPad if it is active.
- Check VPN settings. A VPN that blocks local networking may interfere.
- Restart the devices if the basic checks do not resolve the problem.
Apple also says a transfer can continue over the internet after it has started if the devices leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range. Cellular data charges may apply. On iPhone or iPad, you can turn off Use Cellular Data under Settings > General > AirDrop. Apple documents the setting in its AirDrop guide.
When to use another transfer method
AirDrop is best suited to a small selection of files shared between nearby Apple devices. For many files, Apple points to alternatives such as transferring to a storage device or server, or using cloud syncing. Which option is appropriate depends on whether the devices are nearby, the number and size of files, internet access, and who should be able to access them; Apple’s guidance does not establish comparative costs, speeds, or privacy rankings for those alternatives.
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