Fix: AirDrop Not Working or Failing to Send Files on iPhone

When AirDrop fails, it means the share request cannot complete between your Apple devices. Despite appearing to initiate correctly, the transfer stops, the receiving device does not respond, or the sending device lists a “Waiting” status indefinitely.

AirDrop depends on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a compatible device pair, correct discoverability settings, and no interference from restrictive options like Personal Hotspot or VPNs. If any of those layers fails, the transfer will fail silently or hang.

Common causes include:

• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth disabled on one or both devices, or Airplane Mode turned on.
• Device discoverability set to Contacts Only instead of Everyone.
• VPN or Hotspot mode interrupting the local connection.
• Network configuration errors or outdated OS versions.

1. Turn Off Airplane Mode

AirDrop requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to establish a direct connection between devices. When Airplane Mode is enabled, it disables these signals entirely, preventing communication. Turning it off reactivates both features, allowing devices to reconnect and enabling normal discovery and transfer functions.

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center.
2. Turn off Airplane Mode if it’s enabled.

2. Use AirDrop via Phone NFC (Touch Tops)

If turning off Airplane Mode doesn’t help, the discovery process may be failing due to Bluetooth scanning issues. Placing the tops of both devices close together allows the NFC sensor to trigger AirDrop manually, helping it establish a faster and more reliable connection.

1. Bring both devices close together, aligning the top sections.
2. Tap the Share button on the file you want to send.
3. Select AirDrop and choose the receiving device.
4. Accept the transfer on the other device when prompted.

3. Restart Both Devices

Sometimes, background services related to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can freeze, interrupting AirDrop connections. Restarting both devices clears temporary glitches and forces them to rebuild a fresh communication link.

1. Press and hold the power button on each device and choose Restart.
2. Wait until both devices fully boot up.
3. Open AirDrop again and attempt the transfer.

4. Sign Out and Sign Back In to iCloud

AirDrop may fail if iCloud cannot properly verify your account during a transfer. Signing out and back in refreshes your Apple ID session, restores trust between devices, and clears temporary authentication issues that may interfere with AirDrop.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top.
3. Scroll down and select Sign Out.
4. Restart your phone, then sign back in.

5. Reset Network Settings

AirDrop’s communication depends on stable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth configurations. If these settings are corrupted or outdated, transfers can fail. Resetting your network settings clears all saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and VPN data, allowing AirDrop to establish a clean and stable connection.

1. Go to Settings → General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Select Reset.
4. Choose Reset Network Settings.
5. Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.
6. Once complete, try using AirDrop again.

6. Turn Off VPN

A VPN can interfere with AirDrop by rerouting or blocking local network traffic. Disabling it ensures both devices communicate over the same local network without any restrictions.

1. Open your VPN app or go to Settings → VPN.
2. Turn the VPN toggle off.
3. Try sending the file again using AirDrop.