Apple AirDrop is a convenient and fast way to transfer files between Apple devices with no size limits. The AirDrop works wirelessly using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. Bluetooth is one of the key elements of the AirDrop process, especially when there is no Wi-Fi connection to transfer files. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer wireless connection between devices to send and receive files reliably. With the iOS 17 update, you don’t need to rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to AirDrop photos or other files.
With the introduction of transferring over cellular data, you can start an AirDrop process and send or receive the file using cellular data even if one Apple device leaves the Wi-Fi range. This method uses the cellular data of your iPhone to complete the AirDrop process. In this article, you will learn how to AirDrop files without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
How to Share Files Using AirDrop Without Bluetooth
If you have an iPhone running on iOS 17 or later, files can be AirDropped using cellular data without the need for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. With that said, you must still use Bluetooth to initiate the file transfer process. The files will be transferred using cellular data if the sender or recipient device leaves the AirDrop connectivity zone. Here is how to transfer files without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Prerequisites
To use Cellular Data to transfer files, both Apple iPhones must meet the following prerequisites and requirements.
- The recipient’s and sender’s iPhones must be running on iOS 17.1 or later.
- Since this method relies on Cellular Data, the Cellular Data must be turned on both devices.
- Both iPhones must be signed in to the respective Apple IDs.
Once you ensure these prerequisites, follow the steps below.
1. Go to iPhone Settings and go to General.
2. Select the AirDrop option on the General page.
3. Under Out of Range, enable Use Cellular Data.
4. Now, turn on AirDrop and select a file to send.
5. Tap the Share icon and select AirDrop.
6. Select the receiver’s iPhone to start transferring the file.
7. Once you start the process, the file will be transferred even if you leave the wireless connection range of AirDrop.
Note: Using this method will consume a lot of Cellular Data. So, be mindful while using this method to transfer larger files via AirDrop using your Cellular Data.
How to Share Files Without Bluetooth iPad or Mac
Files cannot be AirDropped without Bluetooth on an iPad or Mac. As mentioned above, AirDrop relies on Bluetooth to discover and create a peer-to-peer wireless connection. Since you cannot use cellular data to transfer files on an iPad or Mac, you can use iCloud.com or iCloud Drive on your iPad or Mac to transfer files.
Upload and select the file or folder on your iCloud Drive that you want to share, and click on the Profile with the tick icon. You can now select the Add People or Send Link option to make the file or folder accessible to others.
FAQ
AirDrop uses Bluetooth to form a peer-to-peer connection and Wi-Fi to transfer files quickly.
No. You cannot start the AirDropping process without Bluetooth on the Apple device.