AirDrop Not Working in iPhone or iPad. How To Fix?

I mostly use AirDrop to share files with other nearby iDevices. Most of the times, the file-sharing feature works perfectly. But there are times it goes out of the sync. Hence, I was not surprised at all when AirDrop stopped working in iOS 11 on my iPhone.

We have jotted down some of the most workable solutions to troubleshoot AirDrop not working issue in iOS 11 on your iPhone and iPad. Let's give a chance to help you resolve the problem and allow you to share files all over again!

The problem occurred when I was sending some of my photos from iPhone to Mac. Earlier my iPhone was working fine, but suddenly my Mac was not showing up on the sharing screen. It took a bit of workaround to bring the file-sharing feature into action. Here are the methods that you can try to fix AirDrop not working, not showing up issue; if you are also faced with this problem:

AirDrop Not Working in iOS 11 on iPhone/ iPhone: Tips to Fix the Issue

Be sure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on both the devices. Make sure Personal Hotspot is turned off on both the devices as well.

Ensure that the device you’re sending contents to is nearby or within the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth range.
If the receiver’s AirDrop receiving setting is set to Contacts Only, only their contacts will be able to send the contents. Hence, make sure Everyone is selected for AirDrop receiving.

Method 1. Start from the Scratch

AirDrop comes with three levels: Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone. It’s better to select Everyone to ensure anyone can easily find your device and send you files.

• Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up Control Center. On your iPhone X, you need to swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to access Control Center.
• Now, you need to touch and hold on any of the buttons in the network-setting card.
• Tap AirDrop. Now, select Receiving Off. Alternately, open Settings → General → AirDrop and select Receiving OFF.
• Next, restart your device.
  1. On your iPhone 7 Plus or earlier, just press and hold the ON/OFF button and then swipe to power off.
  2. On your iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, you need to press and hold both the side button and either volume up or down button. Then, swipe to power off.
  3. Once your device has restarted, return to the AirDrop settings and select Everyone. Now, try using AirDrop. If it works, amazing. If it doesn’t, continue reading
     
     

Method 2. Unable to Receive Contents on your Mac? Select Everyone in AirDrop Setting

• If you are you sending contents from your iOS device to Mac, but the computer doesn’t show up. Give this trick a try.
• Launch Finder on your Mac.
• Now, click on AirDrop. Then, click on the tiny arrow next to Allow me to be discovered by and select No One.
• Next, turn off Wi-Fi
• Next up, restart your Mac.
• When your computer has restarted, return to AirDrop settings and select Everyone. Then, turn on Wi-Fi.
  
  

Now, check out if the file-sharing feature works as usual.

Method 3. Turn Off/ ON Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and Force Restart Your iOS Device

No luck yet? Turning on/off radios can help you in fixing the issue. At times they tend to get stuck. Therefore, refreshing them can be helpful.

• Open Settings app on your device → Tap on Wi-Fi and turn it off.
• Tap on Bluetooth and turn it off.
  
  

Note: With iOS 11, Apple has changed the behavior of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles in Control Center. Follow this post to know more about it.

Now, hard reset your device. Agreed, not many folks like force restarting their device. But it’s the one trick you should always give a chance, especially when fixing some miscellaneous issues.

On iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE or earlier, simply press and hold down both the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at once until you see Apple logo on the screen.

On your iPhone 7/7 Plus, you need to press and hold the ON/OFF button and volume down button simultaneously.

On your iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, press and release the volume up button, press and release the volume down button. Then, you have to press and hold the side button.

Once your device has restarted, try using AirDrop again. It should work now. If it doesn’t, move to the next solution.

Method 4. Reset Networks

• If the problem still persists, it’d be better to reset the network settings. Keep in mind that it will clean up all of your website login details and Wi-Fi passwords.
• Launch Settings app on your iOS device → Tap on General.
• Scroll down and tap on Reset at the bottom → Tap on Reset Network Settings. If asked, enter your Passcode.
• Finally, tap Reset Network Settings to confirm.
  
  

In most cases, resetting network fixes the issue. And I hope it does click for you.

Method 5. Update Your iOS Device

If none of the solutions have resolved the problem, go for the software update. Just ensure your iOS device is at least 50% charged and connected to a Wi-Fi network.

• Open Settings app on your iOS device → tap on General.
• Tap on Software Update. If an update is available for you, tap to install it.
  
  

Contact Apple Technical Support Team, If Nothing Works 

Assuming you have successfully got rid of the problem. But if you are yet to fix it, it’s time to contact Apple Support. In case you have Apple Support Number 1888-588-7141 call on that or you can go to a local Apple Store and get the right solution to the problem.