AirDrop not working on your iOS or Mac device? Luckily, getting AirDrop working properly doesn't have to be a hair-pulling event.These tips can get you back to sharing photos, web pages, and just about any kind of data between iOS devices and Macs.

How to Fix it When AirDrop is Not Working

1. Check if you are discoverable on AirDrop. AirDrop has a few settings that control if others can see your iOS or Mac device. These settings can block devices from appearing, or only allow some individuals to be able to see you.

   To confirm or change the AirDrop discovery settings in your iOS device perform the following:

   1. Swipe upfrom thebottom of the screen to bring up theControl Center.
   2. TapAirDrop.
   3. AirDrop will display the three discoverable settings.

   To access the same discoverable settings on your Mac bring up AirDrop in the Finder by:

   1. SelectingAirdropfrom a Finder window sidebaror selectingAirdropfrom theFinder's Gomenu.
   2. In the AirDrop Finder window that opens click on the text namedAllow me to be discovered by.
   3. A drop-down menu will appear displaying the three discovery settings.

   Make your selection, if you are having problems with your device being seen by others; selectEveryoneas the discovery setting.

2. Check if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled.

   On your iOS device, you can enable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from within the Sharing menu:

   1. Bring up an item to share such as a photo then tapSharing.
   2. If either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is disabled, AirDrop will offer to turn the needed network services on. TapAirDrop.
   3. AirDrop will become available.

   On the Mac, AirDrop can enable Bluetooth if disabled.

   1. Open a Finder Windows and select theAirDropitem in the sidebar, or selectAirDropfrom theFinder's Gomenu.
   2. The AirDrop Finder window will open offering to turn on Bluetooth if it is disabled.
   3. Click theTurn on Bluetoothbutton.
   4. To enable Wi-Fi either launchSystem Preferencesfrom theDockor selectSystem Preferences from the Apple menu.
   5. SelecttheNetworkpreference pane.
   6. Select Wi-Fifrom the Network pane sidebar.
   7. Click theTurn Wi-Fi onbutton.

   You can also perform this same function from the Mac's menu bar if you have Show Wi-Fi status in the menu bar selected in the Network preference pane.

   Even if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled, it is possible that turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and back on again can fix the occasional issue with no devices showing up in the AirDrop network.

   • On iOS devices, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be turned on or off fromSettings.
   • On the Mac, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available as separate preference panes from within theSystem Preferences.

3. Check if all AirDrop Devices are awake.

   On iOS devices, AirDrop requires the display to be active. On the Mac, the computer must not be asleep, though the display can be dimmed.

   • On iOS devices press theSleep/Wakebutton to awaken your device. If your iOS device is displaying the Lock screen, AirDrop can still function, though you will need to accept any AirDrop notification that appears on the Lock screen.
   • On the Mac, you can awaken the computer by pressing any key, moving the mouse, tapping the trackpad, or pressing the power switch momentarily.

   You can also use the Energy Saver preference pane on the Mac to prevent the computer from sleeping or to set a longer period before going to sleep.

4. Check if Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb are enabled.

   You can verify and change the Airplane mode by selectingSettings>Airplane Mode. You can also access the AirPlane mode setting from theControl Panelby swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

   Do Not Disturb in iOS devices and on the Mac can prevent AirDrop from working correctly. In both cases, Do Not Disturb disables notifications from being delivered. This not only prevents you from seeing any AirDrop request, but it makes your device undiscoverable as well.

   The opposite is not true, though, while you are in Do Not Disturb mode you can send information via AirDrop.

   • On iOS devices:Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up theControl Center, and then tapDo Not Disturb(quarter moon icon) to toggle the setting.
   • On Macs:Click on theNotification menu bar itemto bring up the Notification panel. Then scroll up (even if you are already at the top) to see theDo Not Disturbsettings. Toggle the setting if needed.

5. Use AirDrop without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.It's possible to use AirDrop on a Mac without having to use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. When Apple first released AirDrop, it was limited to specific Apple-supported Wi-Fi radios, but it turns out with a bit of tweaking you can enable AirDrop on unsupported third-party Wi-Fi devices. You can also use AirDrop over wired ethernet. This can allow many earlier Macs (2012 and older) to be members of the AirDrop community.

Causes of AirDrop Not Working

AirDrop has a few settings that control whether others can see your iOS or Mac device. These settings can block devices from appearing or allow only some individuals to see you. You may not be discoverable if your AirDrop settings are set to Off or Contacts only.

AirDrop relies on both Bluetooth to detect devices within 30 feet and Wi-Fi to perform the actual data transfer. If either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is not turned on AirDrop will not function.

Perhaps the most common issue with using AirDrop is a device failing to appear because it is asleep.

Another common error that causes AirDrop problems is forgetting that your device is in Airplane Mode or Do Not Disturb.

• How do I reset AirDrop on a Mac?

  If the AirDrop problem seems to be with your Mac, first try restarting your Mac. If the problem persists, try restarting your network equipment or signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in.

• Does a personal hotspot interfere with AirDrop?

  Yes. You can't use AirDrop when your personal hotspot is connected. Go toSettings>Personal Hotspotand toggle off the feature. Then, try AirDrop again.
  

• What if AirDrop isn't working between my iPhone and Mac?

  If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps above, try doing a hard reset on your iPhone, and then try restarting your Mac by going to the Apple menu and selectingRestart.

• Bluetooth is enabled, but I'm still having AirDrop connectivity issues. What do I do?

  The problem may be that your iOS device needs an update. Go toSettings>General>Software Updateand install an update if one is available.