AirDrop is a feature that helps in quick and easy transfer of images, videos, contact information and much more from one iPhone, iPad, and Mac to another. AirDrop is a feature that is not used by many, this is simply due to the lack of knowledge and information about it.
It is a cool feature that can be used in your daily routine, for exchanging to-do lists with your partner, or showing a friend something super cool on a website link. If you want your friends to come to a specific location for a hangout, you can send them your pinned location from Apple Maps.
The Basics of AirDrop
You can learn to use this feature and its basics in the following paragraphs.
How to Turn on AirDrop on iPhone or iPad?
There are basically two options provided to you by AirDrop. The first is enabling it only for your Contacts, while the second option is enabling it for Everyone. If you choose AirDrop feature for “Everyone” there is a possibility for unknown people, who you do not even know, sending you stuff that you do not wish to receive.
Follow these steps to turn on AirDrop.
- Hold your iPad and open Control Center by swiping up from the bottom bezel of your iPhone or iPad.
- You would have to make sure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on. Do not confuse the Wi-Fi being turned on with being “connected” to a Wi-Fi network, you just need to have it turned on.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Tap Contacts Only or Everyone to turn AirDrop on.
How to AirDrop files from your iPhone or iPad
You can AirDrop files from all Apps on iPads or iPhones, that have the built-in option of Share. Follow these steps to AirDrop any file from your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to the specific file you’d like to send with AirDrop, for example, an Image.
- Tap the Share button on the bottom right of your screen.
- Look for the device or the name of the person that you wish to share.
If you have set the Settings to Everyone, you will always be notified when someone wants to share a file with you. Know that you have the choice to decline that.
How to block AirDrop with restrictions for iPhone and iPad
If you are unsure about whether your device should have the AirDrop feature enabled or not, for example, if the device is with a child of yours, you can apply some restrictions which are called “parental controls”.
To enable these restrictions, follow the steps mentioned down below.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Restrictions.
- Tap on Enable Restrictions at the top if you don’t already have them turned on.
- You will be asked to enter a password that you’ll use to enable and disable apps.
- Switch AirDrop to Off.
How to turn on (or off) AirDrop for Mac
If you are using AirDrop on your Mac and are unaware of how to turn it on or off, follow these instructions.
- Launch the Finder on your Macs.
- Click on AirDrop in the left panel.
- Select On to enable AirDrop. If you select Contacts Only it will be enabled only to your contacts.If you choose Everyone then you will be allowing everyone AirDrop you.
How to AirDrop from your Mac using the drag and drop
If you are short on time then the fastest way to use AirDrop is the Drag and Drop method.
- Open Finder on your Mac.
- Look for the files you want to AirDrop.
- Drag the files over AirDrop in the sidebar.
- Hover there until the Finder changes to the AirDrop window.
- Drop the files onto the picture of the contact you want to share them with.
How to AirDrop from your Mac using the context menu
If you are well versed with using control/right-click on your Mac, you can use AirDrop in that way as well
- Launch Finder on your Mac.
- Look for the file you want to share.
- Control/right click on the file and then choose Share from the menu.
- Choose AirDrop from the sub-menu.
- Click on the picture of the person you want to share the file with.
How to AirDrop from your Mac using the Share sheet
You can also AirDrop files using the Share sheet on Mac Operating System, using the instructions mentioned here.
- Click on the Share button, usually found at the top right.
- Select AirDrop
- Click on the picture of the person you want to share the file with.
How to troubleshoot AirDrop on Mac
If you are facing any issues, for example, the Contacts don’t show up in the AirDrop, you can go ahead and try these solutions. These solutions might help you get your file transferred.
- Turn the Bluetooth off and then back on.
- Turn your Wi-Fi off and then back on. This will help both the Bluetooth and the Wi-Fi to be reset.
- Turn off Instant Hotspot as this will free up the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.
- Temporarily switch to Everyone and try using AirDrop then.
Have you tried AirDrop? If so, which of the methods mentioned above do you prefer?
Have more questions related to AirDrop? Let us know in the comments down below.
