To turn on AirDrop on an iPhone with iOS 17, simply head over to the Control Center, press and hold the network settings card, then press the AirDrop button and choose your visibility to “Contacts Only” or “Everyone.” After enabling AirDrop, you’ll be able to receive files from other Apple devices nearby.
After turning on AirDrop, your iPhone will be discoverable to other Apple devices that are in close proximity. You’ll be able to share and receive photos, videos, contacts, and more with ease and without the need for a WiFi connection.
You can also check out this video about how to turn on AirDrop on iPhone for more information.
Introduction
Are you tired of sending photos and videos through email or text? Do you want a faster and more seamless way to share files with your friends and family? AirDrop is just the feature you need, and if you’re using an iPhone with iOS 17, turning it on is a breeze. AirDrop lets you send files wirelessly between Apple devices within a certain range, using a combination of WiFi and Bluetooth.
Whether you’re in a library, coffee shop, or at a meeting, AirDrop is a handy tool to have at your disposal. It’s not just about convenience either; AirDrop is secure, fast, and preserves the quality of the files you’re sharing. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to turn on AirDrop on your iPhone and explain the pros and cons of using this feature. So, let’s get started!
Related: iPhone 15: How to Change Your AirDrop Name Easily
Step by Step Tutorial to Turn on AirDrop on iOS 17
Before we get into the steps, let’s understand what you’re about to do. By following these steps, you’re enabling a feature that lets your iPhone communicate with other Apple devices around you. You can share files instantly without needing a Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Access the Control Center
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center.
The Control Center is where you can quickly access various settings and features on your iPhone. It’s a convenient one-stop-shop for managing your device on the fly.
Step 2: Open the Network Settings Card
Press and hold the card in the top-left corner of the Control Center where you see the airplane mode, mobile data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth icons.
When you press and hold this card, it expands to show more options related to your network settings, including AirDrop.
Step 3: Tap on the AirDrop Button
After expanding the network settings card, look for the AirDrop button and tap on it.
The AirDrop button is usually in the middle of the card and can be easily spotted with its distinct icon.
Step 4: Choose Your Visibility
Once you tap the AirDrop button, you’ll be given two visibility options: “Contacts Only” or “Everyone.”
“Contacts Only” means only people in your contacts list can see your device in their AirDrop list, while “Everyone” means any Apple device nearby can see and send files to your iPhone.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Convenience | AirDrop is incredibly convenient as it allows for instant file sharing without the need for cables or a Wi-Fi connection. Just a few taps and you’re good to go. |
| Speed | Sharing files via AirDrop is fast. It uses a direct connection between devices, so you can transfer large files like videos in seconds or minutes, not hours. |
| Quality Preservation | AirDrop doesn’t compress the files you share, so the recipient gets them in their original quality, be it a high-resolution photo or a video in 4K. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited Range | AirDrop works within a limited range, so you need to be close to the person you’re sharing files with. It’s not suitable for long-distance sharing. |
| Apple Ecosystem Restriction | AirDrop only works between Apple devices, so you can’t use it to share files with friends who have devices running other operating systems. |
| Battery Usage | Since AirDrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it can drain your battery faster, especially if you forget to turn it off after use. |
Video About AirDrop
Additional Information
While the steps above make turning on AirDrop seem like a piece of cake, there are a few more things worth knowing. For instance, if you don’t see AirDrop in the Control Center, it could be because it’s not enabled in your settings. You can add it by going to Settings > Control Center and tapping the plus sign next to AirDrop.
Also, remember that to receive files via AirDrop, your device’s screen must be on. And what about privacy? Don’t worry, you can always control who sends you files by switching between “Contacts Only” and “Everyone.” Lastly, if you’re on iOS 17, take advantage of the improved AirDrop features, such as the ability to share files with multiple people at once.
Summary
- Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone.
- Press and hold the network settings card in the Control Center.
- Tap on the AirDrop button.
- Choose your visibility to either “Contacts Only” or “Everyone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AirDrop?
AirDrop is a feature that allows you to wirelessly share files between Apple devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies.
Can I use AirDrop with non-Apple devices?
No, AirDrop is only compatible with Apple devices.
How can I make my device discoverable via AirDrop?
By following the steps mentioned in this article and choosing “Everyone” or “Contacts Only,” your device will become discoverable to other Apple devices.
Is AirDrop secure?
Yes, AirDrop is secure as it uses encryption to protect the files being shared.
Can I cancel an AirDrop transfer?
Yes, you can cancel an AirDrop transfer by tapping “Cancel” on the progress indicator.
Conclusion
In the modern world of technology, sharing files between devices has become an essential function. With iOS 17, turning on AirDrop on your iPhone has never been easier. This feature not only enhances the way we share files but also ensures that the process is secure, fast, and maintains file quality. While AirDrop has its limitations, such as range and compatibility, it’s still a fantastic tool for Apple users.
Remember to make the most out of AirDrop on iOS 17 and always be mindful of your visibility settings to stay in control of your privacy. Now, go ahead, turn on AirDrop, and experience the simplicity and efficiency of wireless file sharing!
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.