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AirDrop is one of the many outstanding features from Apple, which allows the file-sharing between iOS devices when physically close to each other. Just like Bluetooth, AirDrop is a file-sharing service specifically for iOS devices and requires a more relative distance between devices.
But how can you share files? Does Air-Drop require Wi-Fi? Or, more specifically, do you know how to turn on AirDrop? If not, then this article is for you. Continue reading to fund out how to turn on AirDrop on any iOS device easily.
AirDrop: How Does It Work?
AirDrop is a beneficial Apple service as it doesn’t require Wi-Fi and makes it easy for the devices to share files. So, next time you do not have Wi-Fi and want to share some image, video, or document with your friend sitting next to you, all you need is to turn on the AirDrop feature on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
The best thing about AirDrop is that it is not limited to just photos or video sharing. You can use it to AirDrop a website on your friend’s device as well. Another important use of AirDrop is that people can easily use it to AirDrop the text from the ‘Notes’ app to each other’s iPhones. Even playlists, contact details, and location can be shared between two iPhones or iOS devices, thanks to AirDrop.
Working of AirDrop
All AirDrop use is a Bluetooth connection to create a solid peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection between two iOS devices. No router, no internet connection, or no data is needed by AirDrop to share files.
Then AirDrop creates a firewall around the files being shared with other devices, and the files are sent in the encrypted form, ensuring much safer file transfer than different ways. Once you turn on the AirDrop, it will locate other iOS devices (if the AirDrop of those devices is on) within 30 feet of distance.
AirDrop is most common among iPhone users because it uses Wi-Fi connectivity for file sharing, unlike other Android devices, which either use NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth. Both these are slow in their function as compared to AirDrop and often do not work in extensive file sharing.
Read More: iOS 16: Everything You Need to Know
How to Turn On AirDrop On iPhone and iPad
AirDrop can be turned on and off via the control center on your iPhone or iPad. If you have an iPhone model older than iPhone X, swipe up on your home screen to open the control center. And in iPhone X or later versions, swipe down from the top-right corner of your device. Now follow the below-mentioned steps to turn on the AirDrop on iPhone and iPad.
Step 1: Unlock your iPhone/iPad and open the control center of your device, as we mentioned above.
Step 2: Turn on the Bluetooth first.
Step 3: Tap on the ‘Wi-Fi’ icon to turn it on. Now hold it to make other options visible.
Step 4: From multiple options that appear on your screen, tap on ‘AirDrop.’
Step 5: Next, you will be prompted to choose with whom you want to share files. Choose the one you want from three options; Everyone, Contacts Only, and Receiving Off.
Contact only will allow file sharing with only the contacts saved on your iPhone or iPad. The Everyone option can enable file sharing with any other iOS device. Receiving off is the option if you want to turn off the AirDrop. That’s it. AirDrop is turned on on your iPhone and iPad, and you are ready to share files with others.
How To Turn On AirDrop From Settings?
Another easy way to turn on the AirDrop on iPhones and iPad is;
- Go to the ‘Settings’ of your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap ‘General.’
- Tap on the AirDrop option to select it.
- Tap on any of the two options; Contacts Only and Everyone to turn on the AirDrop.
How to Turn On AirDrop On Mac
AirDrop facility is not limited to just iPhones and iPad. You can also share files between Macbooks using AirDrop. Here is how to turn on AirDrop on a Mac device.
Step 1: Turn on both the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your Macbook. You can do it;
- by clicking on the Apple icon at the top left corner of your screen
- Selecting system preferences
- Select Bluetooth and turn it on
- Select Network and then Wi-Fi. Click on it to turn it on.
Step 2: After turning on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, click anywhere on the desktop of your Mac. Or you can also open Finder Window.
Step 3: The Apple Bar Menu will pop up on your desktop. Click on ‘Go.’
Step 4: Click on the ‘AirDrop’ from the multiple options list.
Step 5: A new window will open on your Mac, showing AirDrop on the screen. At the bottom of this window, you can see the “Allow me to be discovered by” option. Click on it.
Step 6: Next, select who can share files with your Macbook; Everyone, No One, or Contacts Only.
You can simply turn it off by clicking ‘Receiving Off’.
How to AirDrop From an iPhone to a Mac
Now you know how to turn on AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, and Macbooks. Let’s discuss how you can AirDrop from iPhone to Mac and how to receive the file on Mac.
Step 1: Open the app on your iPhone containing a file you want to AirDrop to Macbook.
Step 2: Now select the file or files you want to share via AirDrop.
Step 3: Tap on the share button with an icon of a box and an arrow pointing upwards.
Step 4: You will see the ‘AirDrop’ option first in the list of shares. Tap on it.
Step 5: After selecting AirDrop, you can see the different AirDrop devices on the new screen. It might take some time for the device to appear on your iPhone. Make sure AirDrop is ON on your Macbook. Tap on the icon of your Macbook after it seems.
It will show ‘Sent’ on your screen after the files are done sharing.
Step To Recieve AirDrop on Mac
You will see a notification on your desktop regarding a file being AirDropped to your device on your Mac. Choose the one you want from three options; Accept, Decline, and Open in Photos.
If it is a photo, you can open it directly in the Photos app of your Mac by clicking “open in photos.” By clicking accept, you will receive the file in the Downloads of your Mac.
How to AirDrop From Mac to iPhone
Make sure AirDrop is ON on both iPhone and Mac. Next, do the following steps to AiDrop from Mac to iPhone;
Step 1: On your Mac, click on the file you want to AirDrop to select it.
Step 2: Next, move your cursor to the top left corner of your mac and click on the share icon, a box with an arrow pointing upwards.
Step 3: Click on the AirDrop from multiple options available.
Step 4: In a new window, devices available for AirDrop will be visible. Select your iPhone and double-click on it.
Step 5: Click on the ‘Done’ option to end the process.
The Photos app on your iPhone will receive any media you choose to share. Additional items such as paperwork or business cards can be placed in their appropriate places inside the document.
Common AirDrop Troubleshooting Tips
Once you know how to turn on AirDrop and how to AirDrop files between devices, you might come across some problems regarding AirDrop. So, you must know how to troubleshoot those minor problems. Here are some AirDrop troubleshooting tips for all of you;
- When sharing files between iPhone and Mac, make sure your Mac-AirDrop is compatible with your iPhone. Make sure your Macbook is running MacOS X Yosemite or later versions if you want to AirDrop files from your iPhone.
- If you are unable to transfer files, double-check that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are ON on both the iOS devices you are using for AirDropping.
- Keep the distance between iOS devices as minimus as you can to ensure efficient and fast AirDropping.
- Another thing you must check is that your iPhone or Mac is not connected to some other internet connection or internal hotspot.
Wrapping Up
So, this is it for now. We hope this guide helps answer your questions regarding how to turn on Airdrop and how you can share files using Airdrop. For iOS users, AirDrop is a pretty efficient way to share and receive files without an internet connection.
And the fact that almost any file type, e.g., photos, videos, documents, contacts, notes, etc., can be shared is the reason why AirDrop is majorly used among iPhone and Mac users. Do let us know your thoughts on this. Is there any more efficient way than AirDrop to share and receive files? Tell us in the comment section below.