What Is AirDrop? How Does It Work? – A Comprehensive Guide

What is AirDrop?

AirDrop is a feature available on iOS and macOS devices, allowing you to share files between physically close Apple devices wirelessly. It utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit files over close-range wireless communication, ensuring a seamless transfer experience.

To use AirDrop, your device needs to meet certain requirements. First, the sender and receiver must have AirDrop-compatible devices running on iOS 7 or later and macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later. Additionally, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be turned on for both devices, though they don’t need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

To start sharing files using AirDrop, open an app where the file is located. Tap on the Share button or icon, then select the AirDrop option. A list of available nearby devices will appear. Tap on the device you want to share the file with and wait for the recipient to accept the file. Once accepted, the file will be transferred wirelessly between your devices.

Remember that both devices must be within close proximity, around 30 feet (9 meters), to use AirDrop successfully. Furthermore, it’s important to note that AirDrop does not support Android or Windows devices.

How AirDrop Works?

AirDrop is a convenient feature that allows you to share files between Apple devices seamlessly. It uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to create a secure, peer-to-peer connection between two nearby Apple devices, ensuring a high level of security during the transfer process.

To use AirDrop, first ensure that the person you’re sending files to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. Both of your devices should have AirDrop, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth enabled. You can then select the file you want to share, tap on the AirDrop icon, and choose the person you want to send it to from the nearby available devices.

Once the file is sent, the recipient will receive a notification on their device. They can choose to accept or decline the file transfer. If they accept, the file will be transferred to their device and saved in the appropriate app or location, depending on the file type.

There are no size limits on the files you can share via AirDrop, and it supports various file types, including text, images, playlists, and locations. This makes it an ideal solution for sharing files quickly and easily between Apple devices without the need for external drives or cloud storage.

Remember to exercise caution when using AirDrop, especially in public places, as files can be sent and received unintentionally if your device settings are not properly adjusted. Be sure to check your AirDrop settings and restrict incoming connections to Contacts Only or Receiving Off when necessary to protect your privacy.

Setting Up AirDrop

To set up AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad, ensure you are signed in with your Apple ID. AirDrop requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be turned on, as it transfers information using these technologies. Ensure that the person you’re sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.

Access AirDrop through the Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner of your display if you have an iPhone X or up. 3D Touch the connectivity tile, and a menu will appear. Tap on AirDrop to enable it. There are three options for you to choose from:

• Off: Disables AirDrop completely.
• Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device.
• Everyone: All nearby Apple devices using AirDrop can see your device.

Select the option that best suits your needs. When you want to send a file, such as a photo or document, tap the Share button in the app and choose the person or device you want to share it with. The recipient will get a notification to either accept or decline the incoming file.

Remember that AirDrop transfers are encrypted for security, ensuring your data is safe during the exchange. Use it responsibly, and be cautious about the data you send and receive from other devices.

Using AirDrop on iOS Devices

AirDrop is a feature available on iOS and macOS devices that allows you to share and receive files wirelessly, such as photos, documents, videos, notes, map locations, and more, between nearby Apple devices. To use AirDrop, both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and be signed in with an Apple ID. File transfers are encrypted for security.

Sharing Files

To share files using AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Open the app containing the item you want to share, such as Photos or Safari.
2. Locate and select the item, then tap the Share button (a square with an arrow pointing up).
3. In the sharing options, tap AirDrop.
4. Choose the nearby device you want to share the file with. The recipient must have their AirDrop settings configured to accept transfers from “Contacts Only” or “Everyone”.
5. Wait for the recipient to accept the file transfer.

Receiving Files

To receive files via AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad, make sure you’re:

• Within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range of the sender
• Signed in with your Apple ID

Then, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > AirDrop
2. Choose from the following options:
   • Receiving Off: Disables AirDrop
   • Contacts Only: Only allows AirDrop transfers from contacts you have in your address book
   • Everyone: Allows AirDrop transfers from any nearby Apple devices
3. When a file is sent to you, a notification will appear on your screen.
4. Tap Accept to receive the file, or Decline if you do not want to.

Using AirDrop on Mac

Sharing Files with Mac

To use AirDrop on your Mac, you need to have Bluetooth enabled. Open the file you want to share and click the “Share” button in the app window. You’ll then see the AirDrop option. Select it, and a list of nearby devices will appear. Choose the device you want to send the file to, and the recipient will receive a notification to accept or decline the transfer.

Remember that the devices must be physically close to each other to use AirDrop. The feature works on iOS and macOS devices, allowing you to send or ‘drop’ files wirelessly between them.

Receiving Files on Mac

When you’re expecting to receive a file through AirDrop, make sure your Mac’s Bluetooth is enabled. As the sender shares the file, a notification will pop up, allowing you to accept or decline the transfer. If you accept, the file will be saved in the designated folder, the “Downloads” folder by default.

Security and Privacy of AirDrop

When using AirDrop, it’s important to ensure the security and privacy of your files. AirDrop uses encrypted identities, specifically a 2048-bit RSA Identity, to keep your files private and secure. This identity is created and stored on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac when AirDrop is turned on. Additionally, a hash based on the phone numbers and/or email addresses associated with your Apple ID is generated to maintain privacy.

While transferring files, AirDrop establishes an encrypted (TLS) connection between the sending and receiving devices. Their iCloud identity certificates are exchanged and verified against each user’s Contacts app. This secure connection ensures that the transferred files remain protected from unauthorized access.

To enhance the safety of your AirDrop transfers, make sure to follow these best practices:

• Keep both the sending and receiving devices within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.
• Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for both devices involved in the transfer.
• Turn off Personal Hotspot if it’s on.
• Set your AirDrop to receive from Contacts Only, especially in public spaces, to avoid receiving unwanted files.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your AirDrop transfers are convenient but also secure and private.

Troubleshooting Common AirDrop Issues

Restart your devices: Often, restarting your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can resolve issues with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which in turn can fix AirDrop problems. Turn off your device, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

Update your software: Ensure that your devices are updated to the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS versions, as this can help fix AirDrop-related issues. To check for updates on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On your Mac, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen and select System Preferences, then click Software Update.

Check AirDrop settings: Make sure AirDrop is enabled on both devices. On an iPhone or iPad, you can find AirDrop settings in the Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older models) and long-press on the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth icon to access the setting. On a Mac, you can access AirDrop settings in Finder or the Control Center.

Verify Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity: AirDrop requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to work properly. Check that both functions are active on your devices, and ensure they’re not connected to any other wireless devices or networks that could interfere.

Bring devices closer: AirDrop has a range of about 30 feet (9 meters), so make sure your devices are within that range to establish a connection.

Adjust firewall settings (Mac only): A restrictive firewall on your Mac can block incoming AirDrop connections. To check your settings, head to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall. If the issue persists, consider temporarily disabling the firewall to see if that resolves the problem.

Reset network settings (iPhone and iPad): If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reset your network settings on your iPhone or iPad. Be aware that this will erase your saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords. To reset network settings, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve common AirDrop issues and ensure smooth file transfers between your devices.

Last Updated : 13 February, 2024