Key Highlights
- Get to know about the latest features of AirDrop introduced on iOS 17, like NameDrop, Proximity Sharing, Transfer using cellular data, and SharePlay.
- Learn how to use the latest AirDrop features to transfer your contacts and files between iPhones easily.
With iOS 17, Apple AirDrop got some major feature updates that made it even easier to AirDrop contacts and files between iPhones. These features include NameDrop, Proximity sharing, using cellular data to complete AirDrop file transfer, and starting a SharePlay session via AirDrop. Unlike the usual method of selecting the iPhones to transfer the files, you can now simply bring the iPhones together to start the AirDrop process.
Moreover, the animation during the NameDrop and proximity sharing is very satisfying to watch. In this guide, I will explain all the features of AirDrop and show you how to use them to transfer files between your iPhones easily.
An Outline of AirDrop Updates Released in iOS 17
- iOS 17.2: Improvements in contact sharing options via NameDrop and the ability to share boarding passes, tickets, and other passes by bringing the iPhones together.
- iOS 17.1: AirDropped files will transfer over the internet (cellular data) even if you leave the AirDrop connectivity zone.
- iOS 17: NameDrop to share your contact card and proximity sharing to share files by bringing the iPhones close together. Start a SharePlay session via AirDrop by bringing the iPhones together.
AirDrop iOS 17 Features
Here are the AirDrop-related features that were released in the iOS 17 update and a guide on how to use them.
Prerequisites
To use the features below on your iPhones, you must make sure they meet the following prerequisites and requirements.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on the sender and receiver iPhones.
- Both sender and receiver iPhones must be running on iOS 17 or later.
- Both sender and receiver iPhones must be unlocked during the process.
- Both iPhone user must have signed into their Apple IDs.
NameDrop
NameDrop is a newly added feature to iPhone and Apple Watches that allows users to share their contact details with nearby Apple devices. This feature is very convenient for sharing the contact details between two individuals who are iPhone or Apple Watch users. Moreover, you can select what details you want to share with the recipient via NameDrop. You can only use NameDrop to send new contact information. If the sender is already on your existing contact, no information will be updated.
How to Use NameDrop on iPhones
1. Go to your iPhone Settings and select the General option.
2. Click on the AirDrop option and enable Bring Device Together.
3. Hold your iPhone over the other person’s iPhone or Apple Watch.
4. You will see a glow on both iPhone screens, and your Apple Watch will vibrate, indicating the contact is shared.
5. Select the Receive Only or Share option on your iPhone.
5. Now, click Done to save the received contact.
How to Use NameDrop on Apple Watch
1. Open the Contacts app on the watch.
2. Click on your Apple ID profile picture.
3. Select Share and bring the Apple watch close to another person’s Apple Watch.
4. Your Apple Watch will vibrate once the contacts are shared.
Proximity Sharing
Proximity Sharing is another prominent AirDrop update that lets you AirDrop photos, videos, and other files just by bringing the iPhones together. This method works similarly to the NameDrop, but it works only on iPhones. Here is how to use Proximity Sharing.
1. Open iPhone Settings → General → AirDrop → Enable Bring Device Together.
2. Turn on AirDrop on your iPhone and select a file to share.
2. Click on the Share icon to start the proximity-sharing process.
3. Select the AirDrop tile and bring the iPhones together.
AirDrop Using Cellular Data
Over the past decade, you need to be within Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range to share files via AirDrop. However, with the iOS 17.1 update, once you start the AirDrop process, you no longer need to be within the AirDrop connectivity range to complete the file transfer. You can use the Cellular Data on your iPhone to complete the AirDrop process if you leave the AirDrop range. To use this feature, both the sender and recipient’s iPhones must be iOS 17.1 or later.
Also, you must enable the Use Cellular Data option on the AirDrop settings page to transfer files without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. To change this AirDrop setting, go to Settings → General → AirDrop → Enable Use Cellular Data.
Note: You cannot initiate AirDrop without Bluetooth. You need Bluetooth to initiate the process. Once you leave the connectivity range, your iPhone will switch to transferring or receiving files using cellular data.
SharePlay
On the iOS 17 update, you can start a SharePlay session using the AirDrop. You can share the audio or video content of SharePlay-supported apps via AirDrop and play them in sync. However, you both need individual subscriptions to stream the contents of the app.
For example, if you want to SharePlay a Netflix show via AirDrop, both of you must have the Netflix app and subscription. Here is how to start SharePlay sessions using AirDrop.
1. Open a SharePlay-supported app and start playing any content.
Note: Go to Settings → General → AirDrop and enable the Bring Devices Together option.
2. Now, hold your iPhone over the recipient’s iPhone until you see the AirDrop animation.
3. Select the SharePlay option on your iPhone.
4. Once the recipient clicks Accept on the AirDrop prompt, the SharePlay session will start.
FAQ
If the AirDrop is not working after the iOS 17 update, ensure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled. Restart your Apple device and try again, or wait for the next iOS update. If you still face issues after updates, contact the Apple Support Team.
Turn on Bluetooth on both iPhones and place one iPhone over the other iPhone’s screen to AirDrop the contact information.