Turning on AirDrop on your iPhone is a quick and straightforward process. It allows you to share photos, videos, contacts, and more with other Apple devices nearby. All you need is an iPhone running iOS 7 or later, and you’re good to go. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Turn on AirDrop on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. This means that both devices do not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirDrop to work. Now, let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Control Center
Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or down from the top-right corner on iPhone X and later) to open Control Center.
The Control Center is your one-stop-shop for quick settings and controls. From here, you can adjust brightness, volume, and access various features like AirDrop.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Network Settings Card
Press and hold the card that includes the airplane mode, cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth icons.
By pressing and holding the Network Settings card, you’re revealing additional options, including the AirDrop button, which is what we’re looking for.
Step 3: Tap AirDrop
Once the additional options appear, tap on AirDrop.
If you’ve never used AirDrop before, it might be set to ‘Receiving Off’, meaning you can’t receive files from other devices.
Step 4: Choose Your Visibility
Choose “Contacts Only” or “Everyone” to become discoverable to others.
Selecting ‘Contacts Only’ means only your contacts will be able to see your device. Choosing ‘Everyone’ allows any nearby Apple device to see your device.
After completing these steps, your iPhone will be visible to other devices in the AirDrop network. You can now receive files from others and send files as well.
Tips for Using AirDrop on iPhone
- Keep your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on to use AirDrop.
- If you choose “Contacts Only,” make sure the person you’re sharing with is in your Contacts app.
- Your device needs to be awake (the screen should be on) to appear discoverable.
- For best results, stay within 30 feet of the other device.
- If you’re having trouble, try toggling your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I AirDrop to a non-Apple device?
No, AirDrop is exclusively for Apple devices running iOS 7 or later and macOS Yosemite or later.
Is AirDrop secure?
Yes, AirDrop encrypts all transfers with a firewall and files are sent directly between devices.
Why can’t I see the other device?
Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on and are within 30 feet of each other. Also, check that the other device is not set to “Receiving Off.”
Can I cancel an AirDrop?
Yes, you can cancel an AirDrop by tapping “Cancel” before the transfer is complete.
Does AirDrop use my data allowance?
No, AirDrop uses a direct Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection, so it doesn’t use your internet data.
Summary
- Open Control Center
- Press and hold the Network Settings card
- Tap AirDrop
- Choose your visibility
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! You are now an AirDrop wizard, ready to share files with ease and grace. Remember, AirDrop is a nifty tool that can save you time and hassle when transferring files between Apple devices. It’s secure, doesn’t use your data allowance, and is incredibly easy to set up. Use it to share those vacation photos with your family, or quickly send a document to your colleague across the room. As long as you keep those tips in mind and troubleshoot with our FAQs when needed, you’ll be sharing content like a pro in no time. Happy AirDropping!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.