AirDrop is one of the most interesting and useful features of iOS 7 and 8. It is a simple and safe method of moving files (including contacts, images, documents and more) from one iOS device to another. They do not have to be connected to the same network to share files, as AirDrop creates a Wi-Fi mini-network dedicated to the transfer, which will be deactivated when the operation is complete. It is a fast and simple technology that allows you to protect your data during the transfer.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Troubleshoot AirDrop
Getting AirDrop to work can be difficult, so this article starts with some tips on how to fix the most common problems you may encounter. If you are interested in the steps on transferring files, skip to the next section.
Step 1. Make sure the devices are close enough
You have to place them pretty close to each other, because AirDrop doesn't work on the standard Wi-Fi network. For best performance, place them within 10 meters of each other.
Step 2. Verify that the systems are compatible
AirDrop allows you to transfer files between iOS devices and OS X computers, but they will have to meet some basic requirements. AirDrop requires:
- IOS devices: iPhone 5 or later, iPad mini, iPad 4th generation or later, iPod Touch 5th generation or later. Requires iOS 7 or later, iOS 8 if you intend to use AirDrop between an iPhone and a Mac.
- Mac computer: OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later to transfer between iOS and OS X. MacBooks purchased after mid-2012 or newer and iMacs from late 2012 should work.
Step 3. Check the visibility settings
If AirDrop visibility is off, other devices won't be able to find you.
- iOS: Open Control Center and press the AirDrop button. Select "All" for best compatibility. You will still need to confirm each transfer, so don't worry about security.
- OS X: Open the Finder and select the AirDrop item from the left menu. Set "Allow detection from" to "Everyone". You will need to confirm each transfer, so don't worry about your safety. Leave the AirDrop window open while you try to connect.
Step 4. Turn Bluetooth off and on again
A common solution for connection problems is to enable and disable your device's Bluetooth adapter.
- iOS: You can do this quickly by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center, then pressing the Bluetooth button.
- OS X: Click the menu button, turn Bluetooth off and then on again.
Step 5. Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled
AirDrop uses a combination of these connections to connect the two systems. Open your iOS device's Control Center and check your OS X computer's menu bar to make sure both of these services are enabled.
Step 6. Try to update all affected devices
AirDrop has always been full of bugs, and in some cases system updates can fix the problems you encounter. Updates for iOS and OS X are free, but can take a while.
- iOS: Open the Settings app and select "General". Press "Software Update", then follow the prompts to install the available updates. Usually, this will take around 30 minutes. Read this article for more instructions.
- OS X: Click on the Apple menu and select "App Store". Find the latest version of OS X, which you'll usually see on the front page of the store. Download the update, which can be quite large, then follow the prompts to install it.
Step 7. Try logging out and reconnecting to iCloud (on OS X)
If you can't connect to your Mac, try logging out of your iCloud account and logging back in.
Click the Apple menu and choose "System Preferences". Find "iCloud", then click "Exit". Sign in again with your Apple ID
Step 8. Check your Apple ID (iOS 8.1 and earlier)
If your device has iOS 8.1, there is a potential Apple ID bug that can cause connection problems. Open the "iCloud" section of the Settings app. If your ID contains capital letters, that may be the problem. Log out of your account and log back in with the same ID, using only lowercase letters in the email address. This bug should have been fixed in iOS 8.2.
Part 2 of 2: Using AirDrop
Step 1. Enable the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities of your iOS device
Both must be activated to use AirDrop.
- You can quickly access these options by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center. Press the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth buttons to turn them on.
- If you want to transfer files from an iOS device to a Mac, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must also be activated on the computer.
Step 2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center (if you haven't already)
In this panel you can activate AirDrop.
Step 3. Press the AirDrop button and select the privacy options
You will see 3 possible choices:
- Off: This item disables AirDrop.
- Contacts Only: Only people you've added as contacts will be able to see your device on AirDrop. You need an Apple ID account to use this option.
- Everyone: Any iOS device nearby can detect yours.
Step 4. Open the AirDrop folder on your Mac (if you are using a computer)
If you want to transfer a file to your computer, open the Finder and select the AirDrop item in the left menu. This allows you to receive the files on your Mac.
Step 5. Open the file you want to share
Find it using the app you normally use. For example, to share a photo with AirDrop, open it with the Pictures app.
Step 6. Press the Share button
It looks like a square with an arrow coming out upwards.
Step 7. Press the name of the person you want to share the file with via AirDrop
All nearby users who are using this technology will appear in the Share panel. Press a person's image to send the file to them.
Step 8. Wait for the other person to accept
The other user will have to accept the file before the download begins.
