How to use AirDrop on iPhone: send and receive files
AirDrop sends photos, videos and files between nearby Apple devices in seconds, with no cable, app or internet connection needed.
The fix
How to send with AirDrop
- 1
Open the photo, video, file or web page you want to send.
- 2
Tap the Share button (a square with an arrow).
- 3
Tap AirDrop, or tap the person’s picture in the top row.
Nearby people and devices appear after a moment.
- 4
Tap the person or device, then wait for “Sent”.
The fix
How to receive with AirDrop
- 1
Choose who can send to you.
Go to Settings › General › AirDrop. Contacts Only is safest. Everyone for 10 Minutes lets anyone nearby send to you briefly.
- 2
Keep your iPhone unlocked and close to the sender.
- 3
Tap Accept when the request appears.
Contacts Only vs Everyone for 10 Minutes
With Contacts Only, only people saved in your Contacts with the email or phone number of their Apple Account can see you. To receive from someone who is not in your contacts, choose Everyone for 10 Minutes. After 10 minutes your iPhone switches back to Contacts Only on its own, which stops strangers sending you pictures in public.
Where AirDropped files go
- Photos and videos go to the Photos app.
- Web links open in Safari.
- Documents open in the app that fits, or you choose, and are saved in Files.
- On a Mac, files land in the Downloads folder.
Send to a Mac or iPad
On a Mac, open Finder and click AirDrop in the sidebar to see who can send to you, and set Allow me to be discovered by at the bottom. On an iPad, the setting is in Settings › General › AirDrop, the same as iPhone. If you sign in with the same Apple Account on both devices, files are accepted automatically with no Accept prompt.
More AirDrop features
NameDrop
Hold the tops of two iPhones close together to swap contact details. It works on iOS 17 and later.
Finish over the internet
If you walk out of range mid-transfer, large files keep sending over the internet. Turn on Use Cellular Data in AirDrop settings to allow this away from Wi-Fi.
Change your AirDrop name
Your AirDrop name is your iPhone’s name. Change it in Settings › General › About › Name.
If AirDrop says Declined or Waiting
- Unlock the receiving device and keep the screen on until the transfer starts.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices. AirDrop needs both on, even without internet.
- Turn off Personal Hotspot, which can block AirDrop.
- Set the receiver to Everyone for 10 Minutes and try again.
- Restart both devices if it still hangs.
Frequently asked questions
What is AirDrop used for?
AirDrop sends photos, videos, documents, contacts and links directly to nearby iPhones, iPads and Macs. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so it works without internet and does not reduce photo quality.
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone?
No. AirDrop only works between Apple devices. To send to Android, use a shared link from iCloud or Google Photos, or an app such as WhatsApp.
Where do AirDropped files go?
Photos and videos go to the Photos app. Documents open in the matching app or are saved in the Files app, in Downloads.
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone?
No. AirDrop works only between Apple devices. Use Quick Share on newer Pixel phones where supported, or send a link by message or email.
Is AirDrop safe?
Transfers are encrypted. Keep receiving on Contacts Only in public so strangers cannot send you files.
What to try next
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