Fix: Airdrop Stuck on Waiting on iPhone, iPad, Mac

AirDrop getting stuck on “Waiting” happens when the person you want to send a file to shows up, but the transfer never starts. After a while, it times out and the file doesn’t go through. This means the devices can see each other, but they haven’t made a secure Wi-Fi connection to actually begin sending the file.

The most common reason for this is interference from a VPN or firewall. Other possible reasons include Personal Hotspot being turned on, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi being turned off, or the recipient’s device being locked.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Try Basic Fixes First

1. Make sure the person or device you want to send files to is close by—within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. If the distance is over roughly 30 feet, AirDrop may show a “waiting” notification or not work at all.
2. Check that both you and the recipient have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Also, ensure personal hotspots are turned off. This is important for iPhone and iPad users.
3. Restart your devices. Sometimes minor bugs can cause AirDrop to get stuck. Rebooting your iPhone, iPad, or Mac—and even your Wi-Fi router—can often resolve these issues automatically.

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, move on to the solutions below to see if you can send files using AirDrop.

2. Check Screen Time Restrictions

Hidden restrictions can quietly prevent AirDrop from working, and you might not get any clear warning about it. For example, Screen Time settings may have sharing features like AirDrop turned off.

2.1 On iPhone and iPad

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll and tap on Screen Time.
3. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Tap Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is enabled by toggling it on.

   

5. Try using AirDrop again to see if the issue is fixed.

2.2 On Mac

1. Sometimes, simply updating your Apple ID information can help. Refreshing your Apple ID makes iCloud re-sync your device settings, which can fix AirDrop problems caused by old account details or sign-in issues.

1. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type System Settings, and press Return.
2. From the left menu, click on Screen Time.
3. Go to App Restrictions and enable Allow AirDrop if it’s off.

   

4. Click Done at the bottom to save the changes.

3. Update Your Apple ID Information

Sometimes, simply updating your Apple ID information can help. Refreshing your Apple ID makes iCloud re-sync your device settings, which can fix AirDrop problems caused by old account details or sign-in issues.

3.1 On iPhone and iPad

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on General.
3. Select AirDrop and turn on Receiving. Then, choose Contacts Only if you share contacts, or Everyone if not.

   

4. Close the app and try AirDrop again.

3.2 On Mac

1. Press Command + Spacebar, type System Settings, and hit Return.
2. Select General from the menu.
3. Click on AirDrop & Handoff.
4. On the AirDrop menu, select either Contacts Only or Everyone.

   

4. Reset Network Settings

Erasing all old network data at once, this step removes any damaged Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirDrop settings that might be stopping your device from finding others or sending files. It’s like giving your wireless connections a fresh start.

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, and select General.
2. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Choose Reset to start the process.
4. You’ll see several options—select Reset Network Settings.

   

5. Enter your passcode, then tap Reset Network Settings to confirm.