How to use AirDrop on an iPhone
2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Open the photo or file, tap the share button, tap AirDrop and tap the person or device. To receive, open Control Centre, hold the network panel, tap AirDrop and choose Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
AirDrop sends photos, videos, contacts and files between Apple devices without internet, cables or loss of quality. Both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched on.
Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.
Step by step
Open what you want to send
A photo, a contact, a web page, a file or a location.
Tap the share button, then AirDrop
The share button is a square with an arrow pointing up.
Tap the recipient
Nearby people and your own devices appear with their names. They hear a sound and see a preview.
Set who can send to you
Open Control Centre, touch and hold the group with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, tap AirDrop and choose Receiving Off, Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Accept an incoming item
Tap Accept. Photos go to Photos, files to the app you choose. Items from your own devices are accepted automatically.
Good to know
With iOS 17 and later you can also start a transfer by holding the tops of two iPhones close together.
If the other person does not appear, ask them to unlock their device, switch on Everyone for 10 Minutes and turn off Personal Hotspot.
On iOS 26.2 and later, sending to someone who is not in your contacts asks you both to confirm a short AirDrop code first.
Contacts Only works when you are both signed in to iCloud and have each other's Apple Account email or number in Contacts.
Leave it on Contacts Only in public, so strangers cannot send you pictures.
In short: Share button, AirDrop, tap the person. Receiving is set in Control Centre.
- Apple Support: How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.