AirDrop facilitates the transfer of files from one Apple device to another. If you are using AirDrop for the convenience it brings, the AirDrop greyed-out problem can trouble you a lot. When you encounter this issue, you may struggle to share the files on your iPhone with another Apple device. Commonly, Apple users run into this problem after updating their device software. If you’re looking at how to solve the AirDrop greyed-out issue, you have entered the correct page, as we have mentioned the various troubleshooting methods for AirDrop greyed out on iPhones or the icon missing on Apple devices like a Mac.
You will get to know the possible reasons for AirDrop greying out. Our guide will assist you to fix the problem on time and enable the smooth transfer of files across Apple devices.
Why the AirDrop Icon is Greyed Out
You can find the AirDrop icon on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac as soon as you start to share a photo or video. When this icon greys out, it won’t be easy for you to send files, videos, or photos to Apple devices because you cannot enable the option. Figuring out the possible reason for this issue will let you discover a suitable solution and succeed in your attempts to fix it. Some of the possible reasons for AirDrop being greyed out are listed below.
- It can occur due to minor bugs or glitches on your Apple device.
- You would have disabled or turned off AirDrop on your iPhone.
- The device restrictions can prevent AirDrop from functioning normally.
- When you have turned off WIFI or Bluetooth on your iPhone, you will not be able to use AirDrop.This is because AirDrop requires Bluetooth and WIFI to work properly.
- Turning on Airplane mode can also interfere with the AirDrop services. Similarly, using a personal hotspot will disable WIFI and may cause the AirDrop icon to grey out.
- In rare cases, the AirDrop services may go down.
How to Fix AirDrop Greyed Out Issue
Once the reasons are known, you better get started with the troubleshooting methods one by one to fix the problem on time.
Enable AirDrop under Screen Time
Most commonly, you can’t turn on the AirDrop option when AirDrop is turned off under Screen Time settings on the iPhone. You have to bypass this restriction to fix the AirDrop being greyed out. Follow the steps listed below to enable AirDrop from Screen Time.
1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll through the options and choose the Screen Time settings.
3. Under Screen Time, select the Content & Privacy Restrictions option.
4. Type in the Screen Time passcode when you get a prompt.
5. Click Allowed Apps and find the AirDrop option.
6. Finally, tap the toggle next to AirDrop to turn on the feature on your iPhone.
Once enabled, turn on the AirDrop feature on your device, it should function well like before, without any problem. If the option continues to be greyed out, move to the next fix.
Check and Change AirDrop Settings
Configuring incorrect AirDrop settings can also be the reason why the AirDrop option is greyed out or missing out on MacBook pro or iPhone. Based on the level you choose, you can adjust the visibility of your device for AirDrop. When Receiving Off is turned on, you can’t receive files, photos, or videos from anyone on your iPhone. Similarly, using the Contacts Only option will only let specific contacts discover you and transfer files. You need to adjust the AirDrop Settings on your iPhone in the following way as a suitable fix.
1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Choose the General settings followed by AirDrop.
3. Tap Everyone for 10 Minutes such that you can get files from any nearby Apple device for up to 10 minutes.
Note: You can also quickly access your iPhone’s AirDrop settings from the Control Center.
Mac users can adjust the AirDrop settings on their devices to receive files instantly from people nearby.
1. Move to the Finder app on your MacBook.
2. On the next screen, choose AirDrop from the sidebar.
Note: Pressing the Command + Shift + R keys together will open the AirDrop on the Finder app on Mac.
3. Towards the end of the screen, select Everyone under AirDrop.
Check the Bluetooth and WIFI Settings
AirDrop uses Bluetooth and WIFI settings to share files from one Apple device to another. The AirDrop greyed-out issue can also occur if neither Bluetooth nor WIFI are disabled on your device. You can check and enable the settings to solve the AirDrop not working problem. If the settings are previously enabled, try this trick to check whether the AirDrop feature works in the desired way.
- Turn on and off WIFI on iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings → Tap on Wi-Fi → Click the toggle next to WIFI to turn it off → Wait for a few seconds → Turn on the WIFI.
- Turn on and off on iPhone/iPad: Move to Settings → Choose Bluetooth → Turn off the Bluetooth → Wait for a few seconds → Again turn on the Bluetooth.
You can try the same for MacBook from System Settings to remove any minor bugs causing the AirDrop greying out or not working issue. While using Bluetooth for AirDrop, make sure the devices are within a good nearby range. If not, bring the devices closer to get you out of the AirDrop not working issue.
Turn Off Personal Hotspot
Using Personal Hotspot on your iPhone will automatically disable WIFI. Instead of utilizing WIFI, your iPhone will start using mobile data. Since AirDrop needs a steady WIFI for transferring files, switching to a personal hotspot will cause the feature to stop working. To turn off Personal Hotspot,
1. Move to the Settings app on iPhone.
2. Navigate to Personal Hotspot and disable Allow Others to Join. It will turn off Personal Hotspot, after which you can turn on your WiFi and AirDrop Photos or videos from one Apple device to another.
FYI: While turning off Personal Hotspot, turn off VPN on your Apple device. Disconnect the VPN and try using the AirDrop now.
Turn Off Focus Mode
If you can access the AirDrop on your iPhone, you should check whether you have enabled Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode. When the options are enabled, you may not be able to AirDrop files from one Apple device to another. You should disable Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode on your iPhone so that you can use AirDrop to share files with anyone without any interruptions. The Airplane mode on the iPhone will also interfere with network connections and cause issues with AirDrop. You can go to the Control Center on your iPhone and make sure these settings are turned off on your iPhone.
Check the Firewall Settings on the Mac
When you AirDrop from Mac to iPhone or vice versa, the AirDrop feature will stop working because of the Firewall settings on Mac. You should change various settings under Firewall on MacBook to use AirDrop seamlessly. Here’s how you can perform the deed.
1. Go to System Settings on MacBook and select Network from the sidebar.
2. Under Network, choose Firewall and tap the Options button.
3. Disable the Block All Incoming Connections and tap the toggle next to Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections.
Restart Your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook
A simple restart on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can fix several bugs. Whenever you come across an issue with AirDrop failing or greyed out, you should restart the Apple devices to get the feature back into working. You can press and hold the Side or Power button until the Power-Off slider on your iPhone appears on the screen. Based on the model of your iPhone, the method to restart will vary. After turning off the iPhone, press the Power button and hold it until it shows the Apple logo.
If you want to restart your MacBook, move to the Apple Menu and choose Restart. Once your Mac reboots, you should be able to AirDrop files without the option of greying out.
Update the Software
At times, you might encounter this problem because of a pending software update. You should frequently monitor and update your devices to the latest software version. After updating the Apple software, it will eliminate bugs and help with overall performance. So, make sure to run your Apple devices on the latest software versions to prevent errors like AirDrop greyed out or AirDrop.
- Update iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings → General → Software Update and look for software updates. When found, tap Download and Install to install the available updates.
- Update Mac: Move to Apple Menu → System Preferences → General → Software Update.
Sign Out and Sign Into your Apple Account
If it is a long time since you signed in to your account, there is a chance for your sign-in sessions to expire. This may also interfere with the AirDrop greyed-out issue. When AirDrop fails to work, sign out from your Apple ID and sign back into your Apple account.
1. Navigate to Settings and click on your name.
2. Scroll down and select the Sign Out option at the bottom of the screen.
3. Give your Apple ID password.
4. Next, click Turn Off and choose the data you want to have a copy on your device.
5. Following that, click Sign Out and then confirm the process when prompted.
6. After signing out, sign back into your Apple account.
Reset Network Settings
Sometimes, network-related glitches can be the reason for AirDrop not working on iPhones. You can reset the network settings option on your iPhone to fix the problem at hand. Resetting your network settings will remove all WIFI network passwords, VPN details, and other associated information. Use the following instructions to reset network settings.
1. Go to General Settings and choose Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset at the bottom.
3. Finally, choose the Reset Network Settings.
Once you do this, you can AirDrop files from one Apple device to another without any trouble.
Factory Reset Your Apple Device
If you still can’t resolve the problem of the AirDrop greyed-out issue, you can opt for the factory reset option as the final fix. Factory resetting your Apple device will restore your device to its initial settings. So, keeping a backup before undergoing this process will prevent the loss of data.
- Reset iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings → General → Reset → Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Reset Mac: Move to the Apple Menu → System Settings → General → Reset → Click Erase All Content and Settings.
Contact Apple Support
When none of the fixes offer you help, it is time to seek professional assistance. The AirDrop icon greyed out on iPhone or any other Apple device might occur due to a hardware problem. You can either contact Apple customer Support or visit the nearest Apple service center. Experts in this field will provide the necessary assistance and guide you through the process.
FAQ
The AirDrop icon may grey out on iPhone due to minor bugs and glitches. Sometimes, device restrictions or network issues can also be held responsible for the problem. You can try restarting the Apple devices to fix these errors.
When Bluetooth or WIFI is not enabled, AirDrop will be stuck waiting. Make sure to enable these settings and do a restart to fix this.