How to AirDrop: Complete Guide for iPhone, iPad & Mac (2025)

AirDrop is Apple's wireless file-sharing magic—when it works. Send photos, videos, contacts, and files between iPhone, iPad, and Mac instantly without cables, apps, or internet connection.

This complete 2025 guide covers everything: how to AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone, iPhone to Mac, troubleshooting "AirDrop not working," and privacy settings to control who can send you files.

Quick Start (Most Common Use Case):

1. Open photo/file you want to share
2. Tap Share button
3. Tap recipient's name/icon
4. They tap Accept
5. Done!

Let's dive into the details.

What is AirDrop?

AirDrop uses Bluetooth and WiFi to create a peer-to-peer connection between Apple devices for instant file sharing.

What Makes AirDrop Special

No internet required:

• Doesn't use cellular data
• Doesn't need WiFi network
• Works on airplane mode (if WiFi/Bluetooth enabled)

Maintains quality:

• Photos: Full resolution (not compressed)
• Videos: Original quality (not downgraded)
• Files: Exact copy transferred

Fast and secure:

• Transfers happen at WiFi speed (up to 300 Mbps)
• Encrypted connection
• No cloud upload required

Compatible devices:

• iPhone 5 and newer
• iPad (4th generation) and newer
• iPod touch (5th generation) and newer
• Mac (2012 and newer) with OS X Yosemite or later

How to Turn On AirDrop (iPhone & iPad)

Before you can AirDrop, it must be enabled.

Method 1: Control Center (Fastest)

iPhone with Face ID (iPhone X and newer):

1. Swipe down from top-right corner
2. Long-press the connectivity card (top-left with WiFi/Bluetooth)
3. Long-press AirDrop icon
4. Select:
   • Receiving Off - Can't receive files
   • Contacts Only - Only people in your contacts can AirDrop you
   • Everyone for 10 Minutes - Anyone nearby can send (times out automatically)

iPhone with Home button (iPhone SE, iPhone 8 and older):

1. Swipe up from bottom of screen
2. Long-press connectivity card
3. Long-press AirDrop
4. Choose visibility setting

iOS 18 update: "Everyone for 10 Minutes" is now default (instead of "Everyone" staying on forever). This improves privacy.

Method 2: Settings Menu

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap AirDrop
4. Choose:
   • Receiving Off
   • Contacts Only (recommended)
   • Everyone for 10 Minutes

Also configure:

• Bringing Devices Together - Toggle ON to start sharing by holding devices close

Which Privacy Setting Should You Use?

Contacts Only (Recommended):

• ✅ Prevents strangers from AirDropping you
• ✅ Secure for public spaces
• ✅ Friends/family can still send
• ❌ Both people must have each other in Contacts

Everyone for 10 Minutes:

• ✅ Useful when receiving from someone not in contacts
• ✅ Auto-expires after 10 minutes
• ❌ Anyone nearby can send during that window

Receiving Off:

• ✅ Maximum privacy
• ❌ Can't receive anything via AirDrop

Pro tip: Keep on "Contacts Only" normally. Switch to "Everyone for 10 Minutes" only when needed.

How to AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone

Step-by-Step: Sending Photos

1. Open Photos app
2. Select photo(s) you want to send
   • Tap Select in top-right
   • Tap photos (can select multiple)
3. Tap Share button (square with up arrow)
4. Wait 2-3 seconds for AirDrop to scan for devices
5. Tap the recipient's name or photo (appears at top of share sheet)
6. Recipient gets notification: "Would you like to accept 'Photo' from [your name]?"
7. They tap Accept
8. Transfer completes in seconds

Recipient's view:

• Notification appears at bottom of screen
• Shows sender's name and type of file
• Tap Accept or Decline
• Accepted files go to Photos app automatically

Sending Multiple Photos/Videos

Select up to 1,000 items at once:

1. Photos app → Select
2. Tap first photo
3. Drag finger across photos to multi-select quickly
4. Or tap individual photos one by one
5. Share → AirDrop → Select recipient

Speed:

• 10 photos: ~5 seconds
• 50 photos: ~30 seconds
• 100 photos: ~2 minutes
• Videos: Depends on size (1GB video = ~1-2 minutes)

AirDropping Contacts

Share contact card:

1. Open Contacts app
2. Find contact to share
3. Scroll down and tap Share Contact
4. Tap recipient in AirDrop section
5. They receive VCF file (contact card)
6. They tap notification to add to their Contacts

Share your own contact:

1. Open Contacts
2. Tap My Card at top
3. Tap Share Contact
4. AirDrop to recipient

AirDropping Notes, Files, and Documents

Notes app:

1. Open note
2. Tap ⋯ (three dots) in top-right
3. Tap Send a Copy
4. Choose format (PDF or Note)
5. Select AirDrop recipient

Files app:

1. Open Files app
2. Long-press file
3. Tap Share
4. Select AirDrop recipient

Safari webpage:

1. Browse to page
2. Tap Share button
3. AirDrop the link

Location (from Maps):

1. Open Maps
2. Long-press location or tap location card
3. Tap Share
4. AirDrop to recipient

How to AirDrop from iPhone to Mac

Enable AirDrop on Mac First

1. Open Finder
2. Click Go in menu bar → AirDrop (or press Shift+Cmd+R)
3. At bottom of AirDrop window, set Allow me to be discovered by:
   • Contacts Only (recommended)
   • Everyone
   • No One (off)

Also check:

• WiFi is enabled (top-right menu bar)
• Bluetooth is enabled
• Firewall allows AirDrop (System Settings → Network → Firewall → Options → uncheck "Block all incoming connections")

Send from iPhone to Mac

1. On iPhone: Select photo/file
2. Tap Share
3. Wait for Mac to appear in AirDrop section
4. Tap Mac's name (shows Mac's computer name)
5. On Mac: Notification appears "AirDrop from [iPhone name]"
6. Click Accept on Mac
7. File downloads to Downloads folder (by default)

Where files go on Mac:

• Photos/Videos: Downloads folder (can drag to Photos app)
• Contacts: Imports directly to Contacts app
• Notes: Downloads as PDF or Note file
• Files: Downloads folder

Can't See Your Mac in AirDrop List?

Troubleshooting checklist:

1. Mac and iPhone signed in to same Apple ID
2. Both have WiFi and Bluetooth ON
3. Mac's AirDrop set to "Everyone" or "Contacts Only" (not "No One")
4. Devices within 30 feet of each other
5. Mac not in sleep mode
6. Try toggling WiFi off/on on both devices

How to AirDrop from Mac to iPhone

Send from Mac

Method 1: Finder AirDrop Window

1. Open Finder → Go → AirDrop (Shift+Cmd+R)
2. Wait for iPhone to appear in window
3. Drag file onto iPhone icon
4. On iPhone: Accept notification
5. File transfers

Method 2: Right-Click Share

1. Right-click file in Finder
2. Select Share → AirDrop
3. Click recipient's iPhone
4. Confirm send

Method 3: Share Button

1. Open file (photo, PDF, document)
2. Click Share icon in toolbar
3. Select AirDrop
4. Choose iPhone from list

Sending Photos from Mac Photos App

1. Open Photos app on Mac
2. Select photos (Cmd+Click for multiple)
3. Click Share button in toolbar
4. Select AirDrop
5. Click recipient's iPhone
6. Photos appear in iPhone Photos app

How to AirDrop from iPad

Same process as iPhone:

1. Enable AirDrop in Control Center:
   • Swipe down from top-right (iPads with Face ID)
   • Swipe up from bottom (iPads with Home button)
2. Select content to share
3. Tap Share → AirDrop → Recipient
4. Recipient accepts

iPad-specific tips:

• Split View: AirDrop works even with multiple apps open
• Apple Pencil: Markup a screenshot, then instantly AirDrop it
• Files app: Drag and drop files directly onto AirDrop contact

AirDrop Between Two Macs

Fastest Mac-to-Mac file transfer:

Sending Mac:

1. Finder → Go → AirDrop (Shift+Cmd+R)
2. Drag file onto recipient Mac's icon
3. Or right-click file → Share → AirDrop

Receiving Mac:

1. AirDrop window open (not required but helpful)
2. Accept notification
3. File appears in Downloads folder

Pro tip: AirDrop between Macs is faster than USB drives for files under 1GB.

AirDrop Privacy & Security Settings

Who Can See Your AirDrop Name?

Your AirDrop name is:

• Your iPhone/iPad name (Settings → General → About → Name)
• Your Mac computer name
• Visible to anyone within 30 feet when AirDrop is enabled

To change AirDrop display name:

iPhone/iPad:

1. Settings → General → About → Name
2. Change to something generic (don't use full real name)

Mac:

1. System Settings → General → Sharing
2. Edit computer name

Privacy recommendation: Use first name only or nickname, not "John Smith's iPhone"

Prevent Strangers from AirDropping You

Problem: People in public (coffee shops, trains, events) AirDropping inappropriate content

Solution:

1. Set AirDrop to Contacts Only (not "Everyone")
2. Or set to Receiving Off in public spaces
3. iOS 18 auto-expires "Everyone" to 10 minutes now (improvement)

Block specific person:

• You can't block AirDrop from specific Apple ID
• Only solution: Set to "Contacts Only" or "Off"

AirDrop Notifications Settings

Control notification style:

1. Settings → Notifications → AirDrop
2. Choose:
   • Banners (temporary notification at top)
   • Alerts (requires action)
   • None (silent, but still receive files)

iOS 18 improvement: Notifications now show file preview before accepting (for safety).

Troubleshooting: AirDrop Not Working

Problem 1: Can't See Recipient in AirDrop

Checklist (both devices):

1. ✅ WiFi enabled (doesn't need to be connected to network, just ON)
2. ✅ Bluetooth enabled
3. ✅ AirDrop receiving set to "Contacts Only" or "Everyone"
4. ✅ Personal Hotspot OFF (interferes with AirDrop)
5. ✅ Do Not Disturb OFF (can block AirDrop on some iOS versions)
6. ✅ Within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other
7. ✅ Not in airplane mode (or if in airplane mode, manually enable WiFi + Bluetooth)

Quick fix that works 80% of the time:

1. Toggle WiFi OFF then ON (both devices)
2. Toggle Bluetooth OFF then ON (both devices)
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Try again

Problem 2: "Declined" or No Response

Possible causes:

Recipient's AirDrop is off:

• They need to enable receiving (Contacts Only or Everyone)

You're not in their Contacts:

• If set to "Contacts Only" and you're not saved in their phone, they won't see your AirDrop
• Solution: Add each other to Contacts, or they temporarily switch to "Everyone"

Old software:

• iPhone/iPad needs iOS 7 or later
• Mac needs OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later
• Update devices if outdated

Problem 3: Transfer Stuck or Failing

If progress bar stops:

1. Cancel transfer (tap X)
2. Move devices closer together (within 5-10 feet)
3. Close other apps using Bluetooth (headphones, speakers)
4. Retry transfer

For large files (videos over 1GB):

• Keep screens awake on both devices
• Don't lock either device during transfer
• Disable Low Power Mode (can throttle transfer speed)
• Plug both devices into power

Problem 4: Mac Not Appearing in AirDrop

Mac-specific fixes:

1. Check Firewall:

   • System Settings → Network → Firewall
   • If enabled, click Options
   • Uncheck "Block all incoming connections"
   • Check "Enable stealth mode" is OFF

2. Reset Bluetooth module (Mac):

   • Hold Shift+Option
   • Click Bluetooth icon in menu bar
   • Select "Reset the Bluetooth module"
   • Restart Mac

3. Use correct Apple ID:

   • Mac and iPhone signed in to same iCloud account
   • Or both have each other's email in Contacts

4. Disable "Allow Handoff":

   • Sometimes conflicts with AirDrop
   • System Settings → General → AirDrop & Handoff
   • Temporarily disable to test

Problem 5: AirDrop Transfers Very Slowly

Speed optimization:

1. Restart both devices (clears network cache)
2. Disable VPN (can interfere with local transfer)
3. Move closer (ideal distance: 3-10 feet)
4. Remove obstacles (walls, metal objects reduce signal)
5. Close unnecessary apps (free up system resources)
6. Update iOS/macOS (newer versions have transfer improvements)

Expected speeds:

• 10 photos (20MB total): 5-10 seconds
• 1-minute 4K video (400MB): 30-60 seconds
• 1GB file: 1-2 minutes

If still slow: Use cable transfer or cloud upload instead.

Problem 6: "No People Found" Error

Causes:

• Recipient's device is asleep
• Recipient has AirDrop set to "Receiving Off"
• Bluetooth/WiFi disabled on either device
• Devices not compatible (iPhone 4s doesn't support AirDrop)

Fix:

1. Wake recipient's device
2. Ask them to enable AirDrop
3. Verify both have WiFi + Bluetooth on
4. Check device compatibility

AirDrop Tips & Tricks

1. AirDrop to Yourself

Yes, you can AirDrop from iPhone to your own Mac (or vice versa)!

Uses:

• Quickly move photos from iPhone to Mac for editing
• Send web links from Mac to iPhone
• Transfer screenshots between devices

Works automatically if both devices signed into same Apple ID.

2. AirDrop Live Photos as Videos

Problem: Sharing Live Photos via text/email loses the motion

Solution:

1. AirDrop Live Photo to Mac
2. Recipient gets both still image AND video file
3. Motion preserved perfectly

3. Markup Before AirDropping

1. Screenshot or photo open
2. Tap thumbnail (bottom-left)
3. Use Markup tools to annotate
4. Tap Done
5. Share → AirDrop marked-up version

Great for: Adding arrows/text to explain something visually

4. AirDrop Full-Quality Videos

Unlike Messages or email which compress videos, AirDrop maintains 4K quality.

Comparison:

• Messages: 1080p max, heavy compression
• Email: Compressed to 10-25MB limit
• AirDrop: Original 4K quality, no size limit

For videographers: Always AirDrop, never text videos.

5. Quick Share with Bring Devices Together

iOS 17+ feature:

1. Settings → General → AirDrop → Bringing Devices Together (ON)
2. To share: Hold top of iPhone near top of recipient's iPhone
3. Share sheet opens automatically
4. Tap AirDrop
5. Transfer starts

Works up to 3 inches apart. Super fast for quick photo sharing.

6. AirDrop Multiple File Types at Once

You can mix photos, videos, files in one AirDrop:

1. Photos app: Select photos + videos
2. Files app: Select multiple documents
3. Or use Share Sheet from compatible app
4. All items send in single transfer

Recipient gets all files in appropriate apps (photos to Photos, PDFs to Files).

7. AirDrop Password-Protected Files

For sensitive documents:

1. Create password-protected ZIP (Mac: right-click → Compress → Encrypt)
2. AirDrop the ZIP file
3. Share password separately (Messages, call, etc.)

Not built-in, but effective workaround for added security.

8. Continue AirDrop in Background

iOS 18 improvement: AirDrop transfers continue even if you:

• Lock your phone
• Switch apps
• Close share sheet

Previously: Had to keep screen on and share sheet open.

AirDrop Alternatives (When It Won't Work)

1. iCloud Shared Albums

Best for: Sharing many photos with multiple people

How:

1. Photos app → Albums → + → New Shared Album
2. Invite contacts
3. They can view, add, and download photos

Pros: Works across Android too (web link) Cons: Requires internet

2. iCloud Drive File Sharing

Best for: Large files (over 5GB)

How:

1. Files app → Save to iCloud Drive
2. Long-press file → Share → Copy Link
3. Send link via Messages/Email
4. Recipient downloads from iCloud

Pros: No size limit (up to iCloud storage) Cons: Uses iCloud storage, requires internet

3. USB Cable Transfer

Best for: Massive files (10GB+ videos)

How:

1. Connect iPhone to Mac with cable
2. Finder → iPhone → Files tab
3. Drag and drop files

Pros: Fastest for huge files, no WiFi needed Cons: Requires cable, less convenient

4. Third-Party Apps

Cross-platform options:

• Google Photos: Auto-sync all photos
• Dropbox/Google Drive: Cloud file sharing
• Send Anywhere: Direct device-to-device (works with Android)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does AirDrop use data or WiFi? A: No cellular data, no internet required. AirDrop creates direct WiFi connection between devices (peer-to-peer). It works on airplane mode if you manually enable WiFi and Bluetooth.

Q: How close do devices need to be for AirDrop? A: Within 30 feet (9 meters) with clear line of sight. Ideal distance is 3-10 feet for fastest transfers. Walls and obstacles reduce range.

Q: Can AirDrop work without WiFi? A: WiFi must be enabled, but you don't need to be connected to a network. AirDrop creates its own WiFi direct connection.

Q: Is AirDrop secure? A: Yes. Transfers are encrypted. Only devices you approve can receive files. "Contacts Only" setting prevents strangers from sending you anything.

Q: Can Android receive AirDrop? A: No. AirDrop is Apple-only. Android alternatives: Nearby Share (Google), Send Anywhere, or cloud sharing (Google Drive, Dropbox).

Q: Why does AirDrop compress photos? A: It doesn't. AirDrop sends full-resolution originals. If photos look compressed, check recipient's iCloud Photos settings (may be downloading optimized versions from iCloud).

Q: Can I AirDrop to multiple people at once? A: No. AirDrop is one-to-one. To share with multiple people, use iCloud Shared Album or group message.

Q: Does AirDrop drain battery? A: Minimal impact. Transfer uses brief burst of WiFi + Bluetooth. Leaving AirDrop enabled (but idle) has negligible battery drain.

Q: What's the file size limit for AirDrop? A: No official limit. Users have successfully AirDropped 50GB+ files. Practical limit is patience—large files take time.

Q: Can I AirDrop from iPhone to Windows PC? A: No. AirDrop doesn't work with Windows. Use iCloud for Windows, Dropbox, Google Drive, or USB cable transfer.

Q: How to AirDrop from Android? A: You can't. AirDrop is Apple-exclusive. Android has "Nearby Share" for device-to-device transfers (Android-to-Android only).

Conclusion: Master AirDrop for Effortless Sharing

AirDrop transforms file sharing between Apple devices into a tap-and-done experience. No cables, no apps, no internet—just instant wireless transfer.

Remember the essentials:

1. Enable WiFi + Bluetooth (both devices)
2. Set AirDrop to "Contacts Only" (for privacy)
3. Share → Tap recipient → They accept (basic flow)
4. Troubleshoot by toggling WiFi/Bluetooth (fixes 80% of issues)

Pro tip: Add AirDrop to your Control Center for quick access. You'll use it daily once you get the hang of it.

Recommended Accessories for Better File Sharing

Enhance your file-sharing experience with these tools:

• iPhone Flash Drive (256GB) - Physical backup when AirDrop isn't available
• USB-C Hub for Mac - Extra ports for wired transfers
• High-Speed Lightning Cable - Fast USB transfer alternative
• Portable SSD 1TB - Store massive media libraries
• SD Card Reader (iPhone) - Transfer photos from cameras directly

Pro use case: Photographers use portable SSDs + AirDrop combination—AirDrop quick selects to Mac, then batch export full library to SSD for archiving.

Still having sharing issues? Check these guides:

• Best iPhone apps for file management
• iPhone storage solutions
• iOS 18 new features

Found this guide helpful? AirDrop it to a friend who keeps asking "how do I send you this photo?" 😉