AirDrop is an effective ad-hoc service in and enables easy transfer of files among iOS devices without using any e-mail or a storage device. With AirDrop, one can quickly and easily transfer files between iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices. It uses Bluetooth LE feature to broadcast, discover as well as negotiate connections. One can also use point-to-point Wi-Fi to transfer data more effectively. With AirDrop, users can share and transfer photos, videos, contacts, Passbook passes, Voice Memos, Map locations, or anything else that appears on a Share sheet. But there are still some issues with Apple AirDrop while using with iPhone. If you are facing issues of airdrop not working then you should check the below given points to fix it easily.
Apple AirDrop stops working? – Now What?
We bring to you the information explaining how one can troubleshoot AirDrop issues that they may experience on their devices. We will share with you information as to what should be done, when:
- AirDrop is not working as expected
- AirDrop doesn’t show up
- AirDrop is saying “waiting” then “failed.”
- The other device can’t be seen
- Airdrop Not Working on Mac
- AirDrop not working on iPhone
Minimum AirDrop Requirements – AirDrop not working on iPhone
Check your devices and made sure both sender and receiver devices meet the following conditions:
- Ensure that both devices are placed nearer to one another.
- If any of the devices is a Mac, ensure that it was introduced in the year 2012 or later. It would be best if the device has the latest version of macOS. Users can find this by going to the Apple menu > About This Mac. Check for updates on the Apple menu > System Preferences >Â Software Update.
- If any of the devices is an iPad or iPhone, ensure that it has the latest version of the iOS version. Users can find the information by going to Settings > General > About. Check for updates on Settings > General >Â Software Update.
- If any of the devices is iPad or iPhone, ensure that the Personal Hotspot on the iPhone or iPad is turned off. To do this, go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- Ensure that the Bluetooth feature is enabled on both devices. Switch on the Bluetooth on the iPad or iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth. If the device is a Mac, turn on the Bluetooth there by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Also, ensure that the Wi-Fi connection is turned on.
- Ensure that the Do Not Disturb feature is disabled. To do this on the iOS device, go to Settings > Do Not Disturb. On the Mac device, click Apple menu > System preferences > Notifications.
Airdrop Not Working on Mac ? Be discoverable in Apple AirDrop
Always make sure that the devices iPhone, iPad or Mac is discoverable to receive AirDrop.
- On the Mac device, go to Finder and click Go and select Airdrop. Check the ”Allow me to be discovered by” setting. If the option shows as “No One”, change it to “Everyone” or “Contacts Only”.
- On the Mac device, adjust the Firewall settings. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Click on the Firewall tab and make sure that “Block all incoming connections” is not selected.
- On the iPhone or iPad device, tap Settings > General > AirDrop. If the option shows as “Receiving Off”, change it.
Troubleshoot AirDrop problems (Airdrop Waiting)
When issues and problems are showing in the Apple AirDrop, do the following:
- Turn off the Bluetooth feature, wait for 15 seconds and then turn it on. Turn off the Wi-Fi feature, wait 15 seconds and then enable it again. Turn on the Airplane Mode feature, wait 15 seconds and then disable it again. Restart the device.
- There may be a connection problem. Reset the network settings. Before proceeding, make sure network settings like Wi-Fi passwords are erased.
- On the iOS device go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On the macOS device, click on Apple menu > System Preferences > Network. Remove the Wi-Fi settings and then re-add.
These methods may help you to fix AirDrop issues for better connectivity and functioning.
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Doesn’t mentione what to look for when airdrop has been working all along then after an OS update it still see’s available devices but all you get is the “waiting” notification and the file never transfers from either direction. MacBook to phone, phone to MacBook. That to me appears to be a OS bug that has happened and it’s hapened to everyone I know.
Got the same problem. It looks like a bug. « Waiting « and nothing happens.
My issue was with the Mac Firewall options – I had “sharingrd” as blocked. As soon as I selected allow, my downloads folder held the document that was stuck on “Waiting” from my iPad!
Thank you so much. I had the same issue and you were my solution. Thanks
Make sure you are not running a VPN – that was it for me
That was my problem as well. AirDrop stopped working, I went through all the recommended fixes and reboots, none of this fixed the problem. I trurned off the VPN and everything woked again.
Yes that it was it for me too!
It literally just says “waiting” and it’s 100% nothing to do with wifi. Please help, tried all of this but still not working…I need to upload something today so a speedy reply would really be appreciated.
Turning off all the connections from mac for half a minute did the trick! Thanks!
My f%^&ng iPhone and my f$^$&ng iMac, no firewall and allow all to discover on both and still no transfer. Bill Gates would be proud and Steve Jobs is truly dead!
Sorry, none of the advice works, “waiting” forever…..
I have a very similar problem. Wifi and Bluetooth on. When I try to airdrop from my iPhone X to my (new) iMac as a device then all I get is the message waiting. However if I click on the airdrop icon I can airdrop to my iMac which now appears as ‘Other people’ as well as a device.
I tried everything then what worked was…. turning bluetooth off on my mac, waited a few seconds, then on again. 🙂
on my side the problem was the VPN running