Airdrop Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It.

Airdrop Not Working

When you ask an Android User to transfer data from their smartphone to PC, they will use any random data transfer app.

TBH, Android OS comes with dozens of options.

However, that’s not the case if you own an iPhone or iPad.

Airdrop Not Working
Airdrop Not Working

Even though every Apple device comes with tons of features, its usage is limited to a certain number of apps (This limited usage is probably the reason why your device rarely gets infected with Trojan Viruses & Malware).

So, when it comes down to transferring your photos, documents, websites, playlists, map locations, Backing up your messages, Airdrop is one of the exclusive options iOS users can use.

Once connected with your PC, you can transfer any data stored on your mobile to your PC at a lightning-fast pace.

So, going forward in this post, I’ll share ways to transfer data from your smartphone to your PC. Let’s get started:

AirDrop Compatible Devices

AirDrop is only compatible with newer model iPhones. Even if one device (for example, your iPhone) is compatible, the others must also be since they are all made by the same company. This is a list of all AirDrop-compatible devices.

  • OS X Yosemite or later is required. It’s also worth noting that unless you have a late-2012 or newer Mac Pro with OS X Mavericks, you’ll need at least OS X El Capitan (10.11) to use this app.

Using iOS 7 or later, you may use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

AirDrop compatibility between Macs:

  • MacBook Pro with a resolution of 1440 pixels or higher, excluding the MacBook Pro (17-inch).
  • iMac Pro (all models)

How Does AirDrop Work?

AirDrop uses Bluetooth to establish a secure, peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the participating devices. Although the devices form a Wi-Fi network, you don’t need to be connected to the internet or have a router for AirDrop to function.

Only 30 feet is required to establish the connection, according to Apple. In other words, you may easily share a file with someone in the adjacent room as long as both of you have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and are using compatible devices.

While meme barrages and mild taunting may torment you if you make your settings public, the connection is more secure than email because of a protective firewall surrounding the network and files that are encrypted.

AirDrop Not Working on iPhone, iPad, or Mac?

If you’re having trouble sharing because of technical issues, you’ve likely tried other solutions. So it might be time to move on and try something else!

Check Device Visibility

The very first step is to check your settings, which will probably seem obvious. AirDrop has three different stages:

  • First, your device isn’t visible to other AirDrop-enabled devices.
  • Individuals in your Contacts list are the only ones who can see it. Each phone must be signed in to iCloud using its telephone number and/or email address linked with the corresponding individual’s Apple ID in their contacts app.
  • All nearby AirDrop users will be able to view your device.

If you were looking for a break from being trolled by memes, it’s possible that you turned AirDrop reception off. So make sure that all of the devices are configured appropriately. For example, when the network needs to authenticate each participant, the Contacts Only option may occasionally cause issues. Switching to Everyone temporarily may resolve this problem.

Confirm Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Switch Turned On/Off

If AirDrop doesn’t work after checking the settings, go to Step 4. First, check that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled. Bluetooth must be on and able to detect compatible devices within a 30-foot radius for the sharing to take place, and Wi-Fi must be enabled so it can perform the transfer.

To turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings on an iOS device, follow these steps:

  • To turn both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on or off at the same time, use Airplane Mode.
  • This will erase all previous connections between the radios. So, first, open Control Center by tapping it; then switch on Airplane Mode; wait ten seconds, and then turn it off again.

To change your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings on a Mac, follow these steps:

  • First, click the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth symbol in the menu bar at the top-left corner. Then, to turn Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth off, click it again, then turn it on again. Repeat these steps for each radio.

Confirm Airplane Mode and DND Mode as Turned Off?

This is yet another typical problem with AirDrop not operating as expected.

AirDrop won’t function if Airplane Mode is on, as I previously shared. Turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (which is ideal if you want to reset your radios but not so much if you’re having trouble transferring data) ensures that AirDrop does not work. To turn it off, open the Control Center or Settings.

It’s also worth noting that while the DND mode is ideal for ensuring that you get enough sleep at night or can concentrate during the day, it causes significant issues with AirDrop, especially if you wish to receive data. nIt not only prevents any alerts or AirDrop requests from being delivered, but it also makes your device invisible to others.

Try Hard Reset

The next step is to perform a hard reset.

For iPhones with mechanical Home buttons (iPhone 6s and earlier):

  1. On your device, first press and hold down the On/Off button on the right side (iPhone 6s or iPhone 6) or top (all other iPhones, iPods, and iPads) for a few seconds.
  2. Continue to hold the On/Off button and at the same time, keep pressing and holding the Home button available on your iOS device.
  3. After that, hold both buttons. In the meanwhile, the screen will go dark. Don’t worry, keep them pressed until the screen returns and the Apple logo is visible once again.

Check Latest System Update 

Bluetooth issues are nothing new for Apple devices, the set of coding that manages your device’s radio. New versions of iOS sometimes create compatibility problems, while other times, they address them. You’re better off upgrading if Bluetooth connectivity problems is part of the main problem. If it’s already broken, the upgrade is your only option.

For iOS devices, go to:

     •  Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install

For Macs, go to:

     •  System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now

Reset Your Network

Although there are many methods to reconnect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch after being paired with a computer for the first time, none of them work in every situation. The final solution for iOS devices is not always simple, so we suggest it only if everything else appears to be failing.

Here’s how you can reset it:

Reset Network Settings will erase all of your settings. To reset your network settings, go to Settings > General > Scroll down and select Reset > After that, check your contacts and apps for any issues. Then, reset the network settings again by tapping Reset Network Settings once more.

Conclusion

By following these steps, I hope you were able to transfer your iPhone/iPad data to your PC.

That’s all for now.

If you’re stuck somewhere in the transfer process, do let me know about the exact error in the comment section below.