How to Use AirDrop

AirDrop is a Wi-fi and Bluetooth feature available only to Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, and iPod touch. It can be useful for sharing photos, documents and files with other Apple users nearby.

 

AirDrop: Turn On

AirDrop is automatically turned on if both you and the person you’re sending to’s iOS devices have Bluetooth and Wi-fi turned on.

There is no dedicated menu for turning on AirDrop. Simply tap “Share” on the file you would like to send, and tap “AirDrop” from the list of sharing options. Point your Apple device in the direction of the other device and select from the “People” or “Devices” that pop up.

Pro tip: If you’re sending photos from your Apple device, you can select multiple at once before sharing via AirDrop.

 

AirDrop: Accept or Decline

When someone shares a file through AirDrop with you, you will be able to accept or decline it on your device. An alert will pop up previewing the file, and you will be prompted to tap “Accept” or “Decline”.

If you accept the AirDrop, the file will automatically save into the app that it was sent from. For example, a photo will save into your device’s photos app, while a document will be saved into your files or downloads folder. 

If you decline the AirDrop, the alert will automatically disappear. 

Pro tip: You can AirDrop files to yourself from different Apple devices. As long as you’re signed in to the same Apple ID, you won’t get an alert and the file will be automatically accepted.

 

How do I find AirDrop on my iPhone?

If you’re looking to share something using Airdrop on your iPhone, then simply tap the “Share” button from your file. The Airdrop icon should be one of the first to pop up. 

You can also find AirDrop through your settings if you are looking to adjust the feature.

 

How to Adjust AirDrop Settings

You can adjust the AirDrop setting on your Apple device into three modes:

• Receiving Off: You won’t receive any AirDrop requests
• Contacts Only: Only your registered contacts can AirDrop to your device
• Everyone: All nearby Apple devices can AirDrop to your device

To adjust your AirDrop to any of these modes, tap on “Settings”, go to “General” in your drop down menu, select Airdrop and choose your ideal option. This may vary slightly depending on your device - for example, for iPads, you may need to find your iPad launch settings.

You can also adjust your AirDrop settings through your device’s control center. Swipe down from the top of your screen (or from the bottom for iPhone 8 and older devices) and firmly hold the network control center icon in the top left corner. After holding, the AirDrop icon should appear and you can select from the setting options displayed.