Easy to use AirDrop on our Apple devices

AirDrop is an extremely useful and innovative feature that makes it easy to share data between Apple devices. Whether you’re using a new or refurbished Apple product, enabling and using AirDrop can simplify your everyday life. In this article, we explain what AirDrop is, how to turn it on, and how to use it on both iPhone and Mac devices.

What is AirDrop?

AirDrop is a simple feature that allows users to instantly share files, photos, videos, and other content between Apple devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It first appeared on Mac OS X Lion and was later expanded to iPhone and iPad with iOS 7, and it is easily accessible on the latest iOS 17 as well.

Turning on AirDrop

1. Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad
2. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
3. Press and hold the AirDrop icon, then choose “Contacts Only” or “Everyone”

Using AirDrop

1. Open the app from which you want to share content (e.g. Photos)
2. Select the content, then tap the Share icon
3. In the menu, choose AirDrop, then select the recipient
4. You can easily adjust settings to control who can send you content via AirDrop

In iOS 17, if the recipient is in your contacts, their name and photo will appear during sharing. If not, only their name will be shown.

Using AirDrop on Mac

1. Open the file you want to send, then click the Share button in the app or use the right-click menu in Finder
2. Choose the sharing option, then select AirDrop from the list
3. Alternatively, open AirDrop in Finder and drag the file onto the recipient
4. When someone sends you a file via AirDrop, you’ll receive a notification where you can choose Accept or Decline

Having issues with AirDrop?

• Make sure the devices are within proper range (ideally within 9 meters)
• Ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on
• Check that both devices are signed in to iCloud and that visibility settings are correct
• On macOS, make sure incoming connections are not blocked by firewall settings