AirDrop Troubleshooter
AirDrop not working? Select your issue, devices, and current settings to get a prioritized list of fixes tailored to your specific problem. Check off each step as you go until AirDrop starts working again. This troubleshooter covers all common AirDrop issues between iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
How AirDrop Troubleshooter Works
AirDrop not working? Use this interactive troubleshooter to diagnose and fix AirDrop issues on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. prioritized checklist of fixes. Use the tool above to get your results instantly — everything runs in your browser with no data sent to any server.
Why AirDrop Stops Working
AirDrop uses a combination of Bluetooth and WiFi to discover nearby devices and transfer files. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) handles device discovery — finding and identifying other Apple devices in range — while WiFi Direct creates a peer-to-peer connection for the actual data transfer. This dual-technology approach means that both Bluetooth and WiFi must be functioning correctly on both the sending and receiving devices for AirDrop to work. If either technology is disabled, blocked, or malfunctioning on either device, AirDrop will fail.
One of the most common causes of AirDrop failure is the discovery setting. AirDrop offers three visibility modes: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone for 10 Minutes. The "Contacts Only" setting requires that both users have each other saved in their contacts with the email addresses or phone numbers associated with their Apple IDs. If the contact information does not match exactly, devices will not see each other even when in range. Switching to "Everyone for 10 Minutes" bypasses this requirement and is the fastest way to test if contact matching is the issue.
Personal Hotspot creates a direct conflict with AirDrop because it uses the WiFi radio for its own peer-to-peer connection. When Personal Hotspot is active, the WiFi hardware is dedicated to serving internet to connected devices and cannot simultaneously create the WiFi Direct connection that AirDrop requires. This is one of the most overlooked causes of AirDrop failure. Simply turning off Personal Hotspot on both devices often resolves the issue immediately.
Distance and physical barriers affect AirDrop range. While Bluetooth can technically reach up to 30 feet, AirDrop works best within 10 feet with clear line of sight between devices. Walls, furniture, and other obstacles reduce effective range. Additionally, electromagnetic interference from other wireless devices, microwaves, or crowded WiFi environments can degrade the connection. Moving devices closer together is always worth trying when AirDrop cannot find the other device.
AirDrop Compatibility Requirements
AirDrop between Apple devices requires an iPhone 5 or later, iPad (4th generation) or later, iPad mini, iPod touch (5th generation) or later, or a Mac from 2012 or later. Both devices must be running relatively recent software — iOS 7 or later for iPhone and iPad, OS X Yosemite or later for Mac. AirDrop between a Mac and an iOS device requires the Mac to be from 2012 or later. Older devices may support AirDrop only between devices of the same type, such as Mac to Mac or iPhone to iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I not see the other device in AirDrop?
The most common reasons are: AirDrop is set to Receiving Off or Contacts Only (and you are not in their contacts), Bluetooth or WiFi is turned off on either device, Personal Hotspot is active, or the devices are too far apart. Set both devices to Everyone for 10 Minutes, ensure Bluetooth and WiFi are on, disable Personal Hotspot, and move within 10 feet.
Does AirDrop work without WiFi or internet?
AirDrop requires WiFi hardware to be enabled but does not need an internet connection or WiFi network. It creates a direct peer-to-peer WiFi connection between devices. However, the WiFi toggle in Control Center must be on (blue) — even if not connected to any network. Similarly, Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices for discovery.
Why is my AirDrop transfer very slow?
AirDrop transfer speed depends on the WiFi capabilities of both devices. Newer devices with WiFi 6 or 6E transfer much faster than older WiFi 5 devices. Large files like videos naturally take longer. Interference from other WiFi networks, distance between devices, and background network activity can all reduce speeds. Move devices closer together and minimize other wireless activity.
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone or Windows PC?
No, AirDrop is an Apple-only feature that works exclusively between Apple devices. For cross-platform sharing, use alternatives like Nearby Share (Android), Snapdrop (web-based), email, messaging apps, or cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud links. Intel Unison also enables some wireless sharing between iPhones and Windows PCs.
Does AirDrop work in airplane mode?
By default, airplane mode disables both WiFi and Bluetooth, which prevents AirDrop from working. However, you can manually re-enable WiFi and Bluetooth while in airplane mode. Once both are back on (toggled in Control Center or Settings), AirDrop will function normally even with airplane mode technically active. The cellular radio will remain off.