AirDrop is one of Apple’s most sought-after features. It lets you transfer files between Apple devices. Though it is good, sometimes you may face issues like AirDrop failing to save items. Some users have complained about AirDrop being stuck and waiting for so long. If these errors occur while transferring important files, it can be very frustrating. In this article, we have described the causes behind these errors, including quick solutions to troubleshoot the issue.
Why is AirDrop Stuck on Waiting
REASONS | QUICK FIXES |
---|---|
Software glitches in the device. | Restart your Apple device. |
Outdated device firmware. | Update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. |
WiFi or Bluetooth turned off by mistake. | Enable WiFi and Bluetooth. Disable Personal Hotspot on your device. |
Because of Screen Time restrictions for AirDrop. | Unrestrict AirDrop on Screen Time. |
Due to AirDrop discovery settings. | Set AirDrop visibility to Contacts Only or Everyone. |
Do Not Disturb Mode may be turned on. | Turn off the DO NOT DISTURB mode. |
Problems with your device’s Network settings. | Reset Network Settings on your iPhone or iPad. |
DIY Fixes for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting
Here are the troubleshooting methods to fix the AirDrop stuck on waiting issue on iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, MacBook, iMac, iPad Pro, and others.
Disable and Enable Bluetooth and WiFi
If you have already enabled your Bluetooth and WiFi, try refreshing them. Turn them off and turn them back on both devices.
For iPhone/iPad
1. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the right corner.
2. Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi.
3. Wait for a few seconds.
4. Turn them back on. Also, turn on the AirDrop feature.
For Mac
1. Head to the Control Center in the top right corner of your MacBook.
2. Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi.
3. Wait for a few seconds.
4. Turn them back again.
Change the AirDrop Settings
Sometimes, changing your AirDrop settings may fix this issue. You might have selected Receiving Off or Contacts Only from the AirDrop options.
For iPhone/iPad
1. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the right corner.
2. Press and hold the network option panel from the control center.
3. The AirDrop symbol will appear; tap on it.
4. Now choose Everyone from the listed options.
For Mac
If AirDrop is not showing up on Mac or the receiving device is stuck waiting, follow this method to change the settings and try again.
1. Select the Go tab at the top of the MacBook or iMac.
2. Click on AirDrop on the drop-down menu.
3. Click Allow me to be discovered by:
4. Select Everyone from the option.
NOTE: Changing the AirDrop settings to Everyone can also resolve the AirDrop not finding anyone issue on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Restart the AirDrop Devices
Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the glitches and help solve the issue. So, restart the devices to fix AirDrop not working issue on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Restart iPhone/iPad
1. Hold the Volume and Side buttons simultaneously until the slider appears.
2. Drag the Slider to the right.
3. Your phone will turn off.
4. Hold the side button for 30 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Restart Mac
1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Select the Restart option.
Update Device Firmware to the Latest Version
AirDrop will not function properly if your device runs with outdated firmware. Check for updates on both your devices, and then try AirDropping files.
Update iPhone/iPad
1. Head to the Settings option.
2. Click General and then Software Update.
3. If you see Download and Install click on it.
4. Your iPhone/iPad will be updated.
Update Mac
1. Head to the Apple menu of your MacBook and then the system settings.
2. Click General on the left side of the menu and then Software Update on the right side.
3. Select Upgrade now or Restart now.
Reset Network Settings
Sometimes, the issue can be caused by the network settings on either of the devices. Try resetting the network settings of both devices.
For iPhone/iPad
1. Head to Settings on your iPhone/iPad.
2. Select the General option and tap Transfer or reset iPhone or iPad.
3. Choose the Reset option.
4. Then click Reset Network Settings.
For Mac
1. Head on to the Apple menu and select System Preference.
2. Select Network.
3. Select your WiFi connection from the list and tap on the minus icon to remove the connection.
4. Tap on the Add icon to re-add your WiFi connection.
Turn Off Personal Hotspot
In most cases, enabling the Wi-Fi hotspot option may interfere while AirDropping a video, photo, or file. In such cases, you can disable the hotspot option for seamless sharing.
1. Head to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Click Personal Hotspot.
3. Turn off the Allow Others to Join option.
Unlock Your Apple Device
There is a chance for the AirDrop file transfer to get stuck if you have accidentally locked your device screen. To eliminate this issue, keep your devices unlocked using the passcode or Face ID. We suggest users leave the receiving device on the home screen when the file transfer starts.
Check the AirDrop Range
Sometimes, connection failure can be the reason why AirDrop gets stuck. To avoid this, keep the sender and receiver in a closer range of less than 30 feet. Ensure you AirDrop to only one device at a time.
Turn off the VPN Connection
It is essential to turn off the VPN connection to avoid AirDrop issues. This is because virtual private networks can interfere with WiFi and Bluetooth signals and cause issues. Once the AirDrop transfer is complete, you can turn the VPN back on if necessary.
Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
Your device might not receive transfer requests from AirDrop if the Do Not Disturb mode is turned on. So try turning off DND mode and try AirDropping files.
On iPhone/iPad
1. Open Control Center on iPhone/iPad.
2. Tap and hold the Focus tab.
3. Turn off Do Not Disturb Mode.
On Mac
1. Open Control Center on Mac.
2. Turn off Do Not Disturb mode by tapping the moon icon.
Unrestrict AirDrop on Screen Time
Have you turned off the AirDrop restriction feature? If yes, this might be why AirDrop is stuck in waiting mode.
On iPhone or iPad
1. Head to the Settings app
2. Select Screen Time and then Content Privacy Restrictions.
3. Scroll down to find the AirDrop option.
4. Select AirDrop and drag the slider to the right.
On Mac
1. Head to System Settings from the Apple menu.
2. Click on Screen Time from the left menu.
3. Select App restrictions.
4. Scroll down and click the toggle next to Allow AirDrop to enable it.
5. Finally, click Done at the bottom.
Log Out and Log In to iCloud
Logging out and logging back into your Apple ID will automatically refresh your Apple ID. Refreshing your Apple account may fix the issue of AirDrop being stuck while waiting. This will allow AirDrop to connect smoothly for data exchange.
On iPhone
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on your name at the top.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap Sign Out.
4. Enter your Apple ID and Password for confirmation.
5. Now, head back to Settings and sign in to your Apple account.
On Mac
1. Head to the Apple icon in the upper right corner.
2. Select System Preference.
3. Tap on your name.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Sign out.
5. Enter your Apple ID and Password for confirmation.
6. Now, head back to System settings and sign in to your Apple account.
FAQ
There are various reasons why AirDrop is stuck on waiting, but some of the common causes include:
1. Software glitches.
2. Outdated device software.
3. iPhone or iPad is locked.
4. The device is not close enough.
Transfer Time depends on the size of the file. The time taken for the files to transfer is less than a minute.