Occasionally, while attempting to transmit files between your iOS or Mac devices via airdrop, you may discover that airdrop is unable to successfully finish the transfer of the data. As a result, you may be wondering “why does airdrop not work”.
In this article, we will discuss the many reasons why airdrop does not work correctly on your devices, as well as some basic troubleshooting strategies that will assist you in getting your airdrop to function properly.
In general, Airdrop files not working on Apple devices typically happen when devices sharing files are not running the most recent version of Apple’s iOS software, the devices are not connected on the same home network or due to a glitch after firmware upgrades.
Because the majority of Airdropped files are automatically routed to their respective storage folders in the documents and media folders, respectively, any software driver glitch can stop Airdropping files from working.
So, keeping device firmware updated, connecting your Apple devices to the same home wife network helps when you receive or send out an airdrop file.
It is important to note that the type of file you receive via airdrop determines the exact location of your files.
Before you begin sharing files between your devices via airdrop, you should double-check that your devices meet the following conditions:
- Your devices are operating on the most recent version of the software.
- The two devices are within range of one another and both of them are equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities.
If your devices are not running the most recent version of the software, you may encounter several difficulties while attempting to use airdrop. This is because updated software contains a significant number of system upgrades as well as bug patches, both of which may aid in the elimination of security concerns.
How to Resolve the Airdrop Not Working Issue
If your airdrop is not functioning properly, there are several workarounds that you may try to restore functionality. Some of the fixes that you may make are listed below.
Turn Off Bluetooth and Wifi, Then Turn Them Back On
One of the simplest strategies you may do on your devices if your airdrop isn’t functioning is to switch off Bluetooth and turn it back on again. Bluetooth may be turned off on your iPhone or iPad by going to the control center, which can be accessed by swiping down from the main screen of the device.
Then click on the Bluetooth and WiFi icons to turn them off, and then click on them again to turn them back on once again. Whenever the WiFi and Bluetooth are switched off, the icons go completely white. When they are activated, the icon changes color to blue.
Turning off WiFi on your Mac may be done via the menu bar. To turn it off, just toggle the WiFi symbol to the off position and then wait a few seconds before switching it back to activate it. This should be done in the case of Bluetooth. If you have Bluetooth enabled on your device, the Bluetooth symbol may be found in the menu bar.
Bluetooth may be found in the system options by selecting it and then clicking the part that says display Bluetooth in the menu bar. The Bluetooth icon will show in the menu bar once you have completed this step. To turn it off, just follow the same procedures you used to turn off the WiFi network.
Sign In to Your Icloud Account Once Again
Even while Bluetooth and WiFi are often believed to be the most significant factors in ensuring that airdrop works well, iCloud may be the cause. As a result, you may resolve the problem by logging out of your iCloud account and then logging back in on both of your mobile devices.
Take A Look At Your Airdrop Settings
When you use airdrop, you have the option of sending and receiving files from just your contacts, from everyone, or no one at all. As a result, you will want to double-check the settings of your airdrop since this may be the cause of your airdrop not functioning at all.
If you have limited your airdrop to contacts only, it may be difficult to use Airdrop effectively. The “everyone” option, on the other hand, makes things simple and quick.
Restart Your Device If Necessary
It is possible to restart your device to get things rolling on your airdrop, which is especially useful if you are unable to view airdrop on your device after a recent update. Furthermore, this can also reset your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
Conclusion
As a general rule, if you’re having trouble sharing files via Airdrop with an iOS device that is not up to date or connected to the same home network as the other device in question, it’s most likely because of a bug introduced by recent firmware upgrades.
If a software driver error prevents Airdropped files from being saved to their designated storage folders in the documents and media folders, the files will not be able to be transferred.
So, when you receive or send an airdrop file, keeping your device firmware up to date and connecting your Apple devices to the same home network helps.
Depending on the type of file you receive via airdrop, the location of your files will be different.
Your phone’s Photos app can save pictures you receive via airdrop; videos you receive via airdrop will not be saved to your phone’s Photos app.
You may run into a number of issues when trying to use airdrop. As a result of the numerous system and bug patch updates that are included in regularly updated software, it is possible that security vulnerabilities can be eliminated.
There are a variety of reasons why airdrop does not work properly. Some of the causes include the fact that your devices are operating on old software, are not in the same range as the other devices, and that the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is not working properly.
We hope that the fast airdrop troubleshooting instructions explained in this article will be of assistance in resolving any difficulties you may be experiencing while utilizing airdrop.