Why Does Airdrop Keep Failing?

AirDrop is one of Apple’s most convenient features, allowing users to share photos, documents, and other files seamlessly between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Yet even the most reliable tools can fail at the worst moments. Why does Airdrop not working? Learn the causes and fixes here.

Imagine wanting to send holiday photos to your family, only to see your screen stuck on “Waiting” or “Declined,” or worse, no device detected at all. For many users, these Airdrop failures can be frustrating and confusing. 

This article explains why Airdrop is not working, explores common Airdrop iOS issues, and provides clear steps on how to fix Airdrop on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, so you can get back to sharing effortlessly.

Why Airdrop Not Working?

There are several reasons why Airdrop might fail to deliver your files. While it is generally reliable, small settings or hardware requirements can easily get overlooked. Here are some of the most common causes of Airdrop not working:

1. Device Compatibility

Airdrop only works on specific Apple devices. Both the sending and receiving devices must support Airdrop. 

Generally, it is supported on iPhones 5 and later, iPads from the fourth generation onwards, iPod touches fifth generation or newer, and Macs from 2012 or newer with OS X Yosemite or later installed. Before troubleshooting further, make sure both devices are actually compatible.

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2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Disabled

Airdrop relies on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer network. If either connection is off, Airdrop will not work at all. 

Users often forget to turn them on, especially after disabling them for battery saving or airplane mode.

3. Distance and Obstructions

Airdrop works best when devices are close, typically within 30 feet. Physical obstacles such as walls, or interference from other electronics, can weaken or block the connection entirely, leading to failures.

4. AirDrop Visibility Settings

AirDrop includes security and privacy controls so you can limit who can send you files. If the receiving device is set to “Receiving Off” or limited to “Contacts Only,” it may not appear or accept transfers from certain devices.

5. Locked or Sleeping Devices

If your iPhone or iPad is locked or sleeping, it might not be discoverable via AirDrop. Always ensure the screen is awake and unlocked.

6. Do Not Disturb Mode

On both iOS and macOS, Do Not Disturb may block incoming AirDrop requests. This is a common cause of AirDrop failing silently.

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7. VPN Interference

A VPN may interfere with Airdrop connections. If you use one, try disabling it temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.

8. Low Battery or Low Power Mode

When your device is in Low Power Mode, it may restrict certain wireless activity, including AirDrop. Similarly, if the battery is critically low, the device may limit AirDrop to preserve power.

9. Insufficient Storage

If your device’s storage is full, you may not be able to receive files via AirDrop, resulting in errors such as “AirDrop failed insufficient storage.”

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How To Fix Airdrop iOS

If you are facing Airdrop iOS issues, there are several practical steps to try before contacting Apple Support. These methods address most Airdrop errors on iPhone, iPad, and Mac:

1. Check Compatibility

Verify that both devices support Airdrop. If you have an older device, it may simply not be compatible.

2. Restart Devices

Restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. A simple reboot often resolves unexpected glitches, including Airdrop failures.

3. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. On iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center and activate both icons.

4. Adjust AirDrop Visibility Settings

Go to Settings > General > AirDrop, and choose either “Contacts Only” or “Everyone.” On Mac, open Finder, click Go > AirDrop, and adjust the discoverability setting.

5. Keep Devices Close

Bring the devices physically closer together. Ideally, keep them within a few feet, especially if there are walls or other interference nearby.

6. Disable VPN

If you use a VPN, try turning it off temporarily. Go to Settings > VPN and toggle it off.

7. Check for Do Not Disturb 

On iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center and ensure the moon icon is not highlighted. On Mac, go to System Settings > Notifications and turn off Do Not Disturb.

8. Ensure Device is Unlocked

Make sure the receiving device is awake and unlocked. AirDrop may fail if the screen is off or the device is locked.

9. Turn Off Low Power Mode

Go to Settings > Battery and ensure Low Power Mode is off. Charge your device if the battery is low.

10. Free Up Storage

Check your device’s storage. If it is full, delete unnecessary files or apps to make room for new AirDrop iPhone transfers.

11. Use Mobile Data for Transfers (iOS 17 and later)

For iOS 17, you can enable mobile data for AirDrop if you are out of range. Go to Settings > General > AirDrop and toggle on “Use Mobile Data.”

12. Reset Network Settings

If nothing else works, try resetting network settings. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Be aware this will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN configurations.

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Conclusion

AirDrop is designed to be simple, but even the most reliable features can run into issues. When AirDrop fails, it is usually due to straightforward settings or conditions that can be quickly corrected. 

Whether you are sharing photos, documents, or other files, checking compatibility, ensuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on, managing visibility settings, and keeping devices close are essential steps. 

By following these tips, you can troubleshoot most Airdrop iOS problems and get back to easy, wireless sharing.

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FAQ

Why is AirDrop not working on my iPhone? 

If AirDrop isn't working, try checking your AirDrop receiving settings in Control Center. Also, make sure both devices have the latest operating system, try turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on, or restart your devices.

Why is AirDrop so glitchy? 

AirDrop might be glitchy if your devices are too far apart, the files you're sharing are too large, or there's an issue with the devices themselves. Any of these can cause AirDrop to lag.

Why is AirDrop constantly failing? 

AirDrop works best when devices are close, ideally within 30 feet. If they're too far apart, or if walls or other electronics cause interference, the AirDrop connection can become weak or fail entirely.

Why does AirDrop not work on iOS 17? 

If AirDrop stopped working on iOS 17, try turning AirDrop off and on again in Settings > General > AirDrop. You can also restart both devices or check that none of your contact information (Apple ID, phone number, email addresses) is blocked on either device in Settings > Phone > Blocked.

Why is AirDrop stuck on waiting?

AirDrop might be stuck on "waiting" if the devices are not close enough, if your iPhone or Mac doesn't meet AirDrop's basic requirements, if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is off on either device, or if a personal hotspot is enabled.

Why is AirDrop not finding anyone? 

If AirDrop isn't finding anyone, the problem might be in your iPhone's network settings. Try resetting the network settings; this will clear Wi-Fi networks, passwords, Bluetooth connections, cellular preferences, and VPN settings.