AirDrop is a unique feature to wirelessly share files between Apple devices without any size limit. Like Android’s “Nearby Share,” Apple implements a sole feature in its ecosystem to share data between iPhone, iPad, or Mac within a few seconds. Compared to other technologies for file sharing, AirDrop is faster and more reliable without breaching sensitive data to others.
However, without wasting a second, let’s scroll down further and get to know all the specifics about AirDrop and its functions.
What is AirDrop?
AirDrop by Apple allows you to share your files between iOS, iPad, and Mac devices. You can wirelessly AirDrop photos, videos, documents, notes, and more without sweat. The process is quite simple and doesn’t consume much of your time.
You can effortlessly transfer your files between different devices and operating systems. The only condition is that both transferring and receiving devices must be the products of Apple. There is no need for an internet connection to send or receive files. But enabling Bluetooth and WiFi is necessary for Airdropping a file. However, you can also AirDrop without WiFi by enabling Bluetooth.
How Does AirDrop Works?
As we mentioned earlier, AirDrop doesn’t require any internet connection. You can easily transfer your files between Mac to Mac or iPhone to Mac or other Apple devices. Meanwhile, both devices should be in a specific range to initiate the transmission. The devices should not be kept far from each other as it disconnects the connection. AirDrop can be possible only if your devices are within the range of 13 meters.
Is AirDrop Safe?
AirDrop is very safe and secure when compared to other sharing platforms. When you connect to a Bluetooth and WiFi network, a firewall will be created to safeguard your sharing activities. Whereas Sharing files on AirDrop is secure and very easy. Just select the sharing icon next to your file and choose your receiver device. The receiver will be notified and allowed to take the necessary action to receive or reject the file.
How to Receive AirDrop?
Only a few things are to be kept ready before using this AirDrop. Turn on the WiFi and Bluetooth connections. If you have turned on any other Personal Hotspots, it is advised to turn it off. You can change the AirDrop settings to Everyone or Contacts Only instead of Receiving Off. This should be done on both devices; otherwise, sharing will not be possible.
If you use the Contacts Only option, the receiver should have your number or email on their contact card and vice versa. If one or both do not have that, then the preference should be kept to Everyone.
How to Adjust AirDrop Settings?
There are certain steps to follow before Airdropping your files. To AirDrop, it is necessary to enable WiFi and Bluetooth settings on both devices. This will create a peer-to-peer connection between the iOS devices. Keep the devices within the range of 13 meters to receive the signal properly. Adjust the discoverability settings of AirDrop on both sender and receiver devices.
What Devices Work with AirDrop?
Since AirDrop is a feature specifically designed for iOS devices, it will not be available for Android or Windows PCs. But it works on most iOS devices, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The iDevices need to run on iOS 7 or later to access AirDrop.
Mac devices introduced in 2012 or later running OS X Yosemite or later can avail of the AirDrop feature. But Mac Pro 2012 is an exception and doesn’t support AirDrop.
How to Turn On AirDrop on iPhone and Mac?
Turning on the AirDrop option is easy on iPhone and Mac devices. If you are an iPhone/iPad user, you can easily enable the AirDrop option using the Control Center. Meanwhile, you can also access AirDrop by using the Settings app on your iDevices.
Meanwhile, if you’re using a Mac device, you can enable AirDrop by navigating through the Finder app and turning the respective options.
Thus, you have enabled AirDrop on your iPhone/iPad and Mac devices. Set the discoverability settings properly to share or receive files via AirDrop.
How Does AirDrop Work on iPhone/iPad?
Airdropping files on iPhone/iPad doesn’t take much of your time. All you need to do is select your desired file and AirDrop by hitting the Share icon. While sharing the files, having the same Apple ID signed on both devices is necessary to get it done. The time may differ according to the file size you are trying to AirDrop.
How Does AirDrop Work on Mac Device?
The process is almost similar to sharing files on iPhone/iPad devices. You can open the file and click on the sharing icon or control-click the file from Finder and choose the share option from the shortcut menu. Hit AirDrop under sharing options and choose the receiver device to drop the content. Thus, you can AirDrop the content from your Mac with other iOS devices.
How to Accept Files on AirDrop?
Once the file has been sent, accepting it on your device is as easy as pie. The transmission process will be initiated after the sender chooses your Apple device from the list of available devices.
The file will be prompted on the receiver device once completed. The two different options are displayed on the receiver device along with the media or file. i.e., You can choose Allow to accept the file or Decline to refuse it. The accepted files will be saved in the respective apps.
Can I AirDrop to Android?
No. AirDrop is not available on Android. Luckily, Google established the same feature for Android users under the name “Nearby Share.” Thus, Android users can use this feature to share their files across devices. You can also AirDrop on Android with the help of third-party applications.
Can I AirDrop to Windows?
No. There is no way to AirDrop files to Windows PC. As previously mentioned, AirDrop is available only for iOS users. If you are using a PC and wish to share files across other devices, there are some ways to make it possible. To AirDrop on Windows, you must install tools such as iTunes or iCloud to share your files. Additionally, some external applications are available for Windows PC to send or receive files.
How to Fix AirDrop Not Working on iPhone/iPad/Mac?
If you are facing technical glitches while using AirDrop to share your files, use the below troubleshooting ways to fix AirDrop not working issue.
- Check whether the WiFi and Bluetooth connections are turned on.
- Ensure the devices are within the range of 13 meters from each other.
- Turn off the mobile hotspot.
- Make sure you are using the same Apple ID on both devices.
- If the AirDrop is set to Receiving Off, turn it on to receive the files.
FAQ
When you opt to AirDrop a file, the receiver device will display an alert and preview. The receiver has to choose Accept or Decline to accept or refuse the file transfer. The process is referred to as AirDrop receiving.
The maximum range for AirDrop is 40 feet (13m) between two devices.
No, there’s no direct potion to AirDrop WiFi password among Apple devices.
Only your contacts can see your device’s name if you enable the Contacts Only option while AirDropping a file.
No. AirDrop is meant to be shared with Contacts Only by default. If you have enabled Everyone, then anyone can see the AirDrop file.