How to use NameDrop on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Hold the top of your unlocked iPhone a few centimetres above the top of the other person's iPhone. When both screens glow and show contact cards, tap Share to swap details, or Receive Only to take theirs without sending yours.

NameDrop swaps phone numbers or email addresses between two iPhones without typing. It is part of AirDrop and works with iOS 17.1 or later, and with an Apple Watch running watchOS 10.1 or later.

Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. Unlock both iPhones

    Each of you needs your own contact card set up in the Contacts app.

  2. Hold the tops of the two phones together

    A few centimetres apart is enough. Keep them there until both screens glow and your contact cards appear.

  3. Choose what to share

    Tap the field under your name to select which number or email address goes across.

  4. Tap Share or Receive Only

    Share sends your details and receives theirs. Receive Only takes theirs and sends nothing.

  5. Cancel if you change your mind

    Move the phones apart, or lock your iPhone, before the transfer finishes.

Good to know

Only your name, the number or email address you chose and your contact poster are sent. Your home address, birthday and other fields are not.

NameDrop is for new contacts. It does not update a card the other person already has.

To switch it off, open Settings, General, AirDrop and turn off Bringing Devices Together.

To send files the same way, see how to use AirDrop on an iPhone.

In short: Hold the two iPhones top to top, choose the detail to share, tap Share or Receive Only.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Secure NameDrop (Personal Safety User Guide)

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