AirDrop Not Working? 7 Ways to Fix it On iPhone or iPad [2024]

AirDrop is a very handy feature with your iOS and iPadOS devices to share data across the Apple ecosystem. Whether you want to share media files, calendars, notes, or documents with any iPhone user or with your iPad, AirDrop is the solution. The utility uses Bluetooth 4.0 to enable the fast transfer of larger files across Apple devices.

Once you are accustomed to AirDrop, it is great trouble when AirDrop isn’t working. If the challenge also bothers you, we have come up with how to fix AirDrop not working on any of your iOS or iPadOS devices. So let’s get into it.

Part 1. Why Is My AirDrop Not Working

Before we jump into simple and fast fixes for iPhone AirDrop not working, it is important to identify the reasons why AirDrop is not working. Here are a few reasons why AirDrop is not working on any of your iOS devices:

Part 2. How To Fix AirDrop Not Working

Here are some simple fixes to AirDrop not working on your iPhone while transferring files to macOS or iPad.

Way 1. Adjust AirDrop To ‘Everyone’

As mentioned earlier, many people do not adjust the settings of AirDrop. As a result, the software does not work or transfer files across iOS devices. Therefore, if you have confirmed that your iOS or iPadOS device is compatible with AirDrop, you must go and adjust AirDrop Settings if it does not working .

Here are what you have to do: Settings > General > AirDrop > Everyone.

Once you set the settings from receiving Off or Contacts Only to Everyone, you can send or receive files from any nearby iOS device.

Way 2. Reset Network Settings

We mentioned that AirDrop might not be working due to connectivity issues. The network settings might not be correct, or there might be a leading to AirDrop Not Working on iPhone issue. You must reset network settings to fix the problem, and here is how to do it:

Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Once you reset the settings, try to transfer the data and see if it is working well or not.

Way 3. Restart Bluetooth And Wi-Fi

If Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is not turned on, it might be causing problems in AirDrop transfer. AirDrop might not show up in the sending or receiving devices section if there is a connectivity problem.

A simple fix for the connectivity issues is to restart Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. All you have to do is turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and turn it on again.

Way 4. Log Into iCloud

Sometimes iCloud configuration is the real culprit behind AirDrop not working on your device. If everything is working fine and you do not know why my AirDrop is not working, check your iCloud account.

Why iCloud? iCloud is the ecosystem for iOS users where all files, media, documents, and data are saved. Therefore, resigning to your iCloud can help. Here is how to do it:

Settings > Name(iPhone Name) > Scroll down To Sign Out > Enter Your Apple ID password > Confirm.

Once signed out, sign in by following the instructions as given:

Settings > Sign In To Your Device > Enter ID and Password > Enter Verification Code > Confirm Sign In.

Way 5. Update iPhone iOS Version

As mentioned earlier, your AirDrop not working problem might be due to glitches or bugs in your iOS version. Therefore, updating iPhone iOS can resolve the problem in many cases. You can simply update your iPhone OS by following the instructions:

Settings > General > Software Updates > Automatic Update > Download & Install Updates.

Way 6. Hard Reset Your iDevice

When nothing seems to work for AirDrop not working on iPhone, you might be very frustrated at that time. The last solution that looks viable is hard resetting your phone.

You can wipe everything from your phone and give it a new start to resolve any problems. And here is how you do it: Hold the Sleep/Wake button along with Home Button. Press both buttons until you see Apple Logo. It will hard reset your phone afterward.

Part 3. Fix AirDrop Not Working On iPhone Without Data Loss

Hard Resetting might be the last resolution when it comes to quick fixes for the AirDrop not working problem. However, if you are not willing to have a method that results in data loss, UnicTool Umendit is what you need to restore your iOS system and fix the issues like AirDrop not working, black screen of death, boot loop, stuck on Apple logo, and so on.

It is an automatic iOS fixation tool that doesn’t delete any data and works flawlessly. Why Unictool Umendit is the perfect solution to fix iOS when AirDrop is not working? You can check the key features as below:

How To Fix ‘AirDrop Not Working’ Problem With Unictool Umendit?

Here is how to use the Unictool Umendit to fix the AirDrop problem and install the updated firmware:

Step 1: Install Umendit On Your PC(Windows or Mac)

Download and Install Umendit on your Windows or Mac device. Launch it in the Standard Mode.

Step 2: Connect Phone With Laptop

Now connect your iPhone to your PC via the charging data cable.

Step 3: Enter In The Recovery Mode

Your phone might get detected automatically, but you can also manually add the model and other information. Once added, Umendit will suggest the firmware you should download to fix the problem.

Step 4: Download Firmware

Now confirm the firmware and download it as instructed in the Umendit tool.

Step 5: Repair The Problem

Now the phone will start to fix the problem, and you have to wait until the process completes. Once it’s done, reboot your device and check if AirDrop is working correctly.

FAQ About My AirDrop Is Not Working

1. How To Use AirDrop?

Here is how you can send files and share data via AirDrop: Turn On Wi-Fi and bluetooth > Open photos/media/documents > Open required file > Tap on Share icon > Choose Via AirDrop > Choose receiving device name > Send.

2. AirDrop From iPhone To Mac Not Working, How To Fix It?

If your AirDrop from iPhone to Mac is not working, you can fix it with the quick solutions mentioned above. In most cases, you should check AirDrop settings like Visibility, connectivity issues, network settings, etc.

Conclusion

We have shared the quick fixes for your iPhone’s AirDrop not working problem. Most of the fixes are easier and quicker, but others might result in data loss. For instance, if you have forgotten your Apple ID password or going for Hard Reset or Network reset, it will wipe out the saved passwords and IDs. Therefore, UnicTool Umendit is a safe solution to repair your iPhone without losing any data.