AirDrop not working on an iPhone? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Bring the two devices close together, switch on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both and turn off Personal Hotspot. On the receiving iPhone, open Control Centre, touch and hold the group with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, tap AirDrop and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.

When the other person does not appear in the AirDrop list, the fault is nearly always on the receiving device: it is locked, set to Contacts Only or has its hotspot on. Check both devices.

Step by step

  1. Move the devices close together

    AirDrop works only between devices that are near each other. Put them side by side for the test.

  2. Switch on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both

    Both devices need both switched on. They do not have to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  3. Turn off Personal Hotspot

    If either device is sharing its internet connection as a hotspot, disconnect it. Apple lists this as a requirement.

  4. Set receiving to Everyone for 10 Minutes

    On the device that should receive, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Centre. Touch and hold the group with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, tap AirDrop and tap Everyone for 10 Minutes.

  5. Wake and unlock the receiving device

    An iPhone with a dark or locked screen does not show up as a recipient. Ask the other person to unlock it and keep the screen on.

  6. Check the contact card for Contacts Only

    Contacts Only works when both people are signed in to an Apple Account and each has the other's Apple Account email address or phone number saved in Contacts. If you are unsure, use Everyone for 10 Minutes.

  7. Enter the AirDrop code

    On iOS 26.2 and later, sending to someone who is not in your contacts needs a code. The receiver taps Get AirDrop Code and tells you the code, and you type it on your iPhone.

  8. Restart both devices

    Switch both devices off and on again, then try once more.

Good to know

After 10 minutes, the setting goes back to Contacts Only by itself, or to Receiving Off if the iPhone is not signed in to an Apple Account. This protects you from unwanted pictures in public places.

If AirDrop cannot be changed from Receiving Off, look under Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, Allowed Apps and make sure AirDrop is allowed.

How sending works: how to use AirDrop on an iPhone.

If the Mac is the device that does not appear: AirDrop not working on a Mac: 7 fixes to try.

In short: Close together, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, hotspot off, Everyone for 10 Minutes, unlocked, AirDrop code, restart.

Sources
  • Apple Support: How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.