AirDrop needs both devices to be discoverable, nearby, and using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If one iPhone is hidden, Personal Hotspot is active, or Contacts Only cannot match the people correctly, the other device may never appear in the share sheet.
This guide applies to iOS 17 and iOS 18 when sending to iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Does This Affect You?
Use these steps if someone is right next to you but their name or device never appears when you tap Share and choose AirDrop.
Check AirDrop Visibility on Both Devices
- On both iPhones, open Settings > General > AirDrop.
- Choose Everyone for 10 Minutes or Contacts Only.
- For a one-time transfer with someone new, choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Make sure neither device is set to Receiving Off.
- Try the transfer before the 10-minute visibility window expires.
Check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Distance
- Open Control Center on both devices.
- Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. The devices do not need to join the same Wi-Fi network, but the radios must be enabled.
- Move the devices within a few feet when possible.
- Turn off Personal Hotspot on either iPhone if it is active.
- Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and back on, then try again.
Restart and Check Restrictions
- Turn off any active Focus mode temporarily.
- Restart both iPhones.
- On shared or managed devices, open Screen Time settings and make sure AirDrop is allowed.
- If using Contacts Only, confirm each person is saved in the other person’s Contacts with the Apple Account email or phone number they use.
Extra AirDrop Notes
Sending to a Mac
On the Mac, open Finder > AirDrop and set visibility to Everyone or Contacts Only. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be on there too.
Lock Screen Receiving
An iPhone can receive an AirDrop notification on the Lock Screen, but sending generally requires the device to be awake and unlocked.
Crowded or Blocked Areas
Walls, distance, airports, conferences, and many nearby Bluetooth devices can interfere. Move closer or to a quieter spot.
One Pair Fails
If each device works with others but not with each other, the issue is usually a Contacts Only mismatch rather than broken AirDrop.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use AirDrop on iPhone or iPad
- Apple Support: Continuity features
- Apple Support: Turn Focus on or off on iPhone