AirDrop Not Working on iPhone or Mac

AirDrop failures usually fall into one of three categories: the other device is not discovered, the receiving device does not accept the request, or a transfer starts but does not complete. Identify which symptom you have before changing unrelated Wi-Fi settings.

Check device discovery

Bring the devices near each other and enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both. Disconnect Personal Hotspot on either device before testing AirDrop. The devices do not need to join the same home Wi-Fi network for nearby AirDrop. If the receiver still does not appear, check its receiving settings rather than changing router DNS or VLAN settings.

Check who can receive files

On iPhone, AirDrop receiving options are available through Control Center and Settings. Depending on the OS version, options include Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes. On Mac, use the corresponding AirDrop settings in Control Center or Finder. For a short troubleshooting test, the receiver can temporarily allow nearby senders, then return to its preferred privacy setting. Do not recommend permanently open receiving.

Contacts Only has requirements

For Contacts Only, the receiver's contact card for the sender needs the email address or phone number associated with the sender's Apple Account. For someone outside contacts, use Everyone for 10 Minutes for the test. When both iPhones use iOS 26.2 or later, the non-contact flow can also prompt for an AirDrop code: the receiver chooses Get AirDrop Code and gives it to the sender to enter. Do not look for that code workflow on older software. Mac AirDrop controls follow the installed macOS version; use the Apple Mac guide linked below rather than assuming every iPhone screen also exists on a Mac.

What if the request appears but transfer fails?

Restart both devices and retry with a small single file. Confirm that the receiver has available storage and is accepting the transfer. A successful small transfer but failure with a very large batch is a different problem from failed discovery. Check where received content is stored: images may be handled differently from general documents depending on the receiving application and device.

What not to assume

Do not assume that a missing device is caused by DNS, your internet provider or being on different router subnets. First confirm AirDrop availability and receiver settings. Avoid disabling firewall or privacy protections indiscriminately.

What the symptoms suggest