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Need a quick and easy way to send files to people? Those with Apple devices can tap into AirDrop, which will beam photos and documents between devices with just a tap. It's easy to use, but also abuse, as some unsuspecting airline passengers found out in 2022. Here's how to use AirDrop to send and receive files, but also customize the feature to maximize its usefulness and keep unwanted pics at bay.
AirDrop is Apple's proprietary wireless service that uses Bluetooth technology to locate nearby compatible devices and then send data -- photos, videos, files, contacts, map location, and more -- using a Wi-Fi signal.
Initially released in 2011, the technology has been through several notable changes over the years. For instance, the protocol for Mac and iOS was once separate, and therefore incompatible, but it's now useable between many different iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. You could also only send files when you were within close proximity, but the iOS 17.1 update now lets a transfer continue, even out of Wi-Fi range.
The advantage to using this technology is that AirDrop is faster and more secure than many alternatives. It locates nearby recipients automatically, so there's no need to connect devices. And by doing the transfer over Wi-Fi, files move from one device to another faster than they would over Bluetooth or NFC. Transfers are protected by the TLS protocol, which is also used to secure HTTPS webpages.
Before AirDrop can be used to transfer data, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your device. You don't need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network; AirDrop only uses the signal to transfer the data. Both parties, however, must make themselves discoverable via AirDrop. To do this, go to Settings > General > AirDrop on iPhone or iPad. On a Mac, open Finder and click the AirDrop tab, then use the drop-down menu at the bottom of the window.
To send or receive data, your device must be set to Contacts Only or Everyone. In order to use the Contacts Only option, both devices must be registered with iCloud, and each user must be in the other's contacts. The Everyone option may sound insecure, but AirDrop lets you choose whether or not to accept a file from someone, so you can always block the transfer.
If you don't want random people sending you unsolicited photos, set AirDrop to Receiving Off (or No One on Mac). This will keep your device hidden from those around you. Setting it to Contacts Only will also prevent strangers from sending you stuff.
You can block AirDrop through Apple's Screen Time feature so a child or someone not authorized to use your device cannot share files. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle Content & Privacy Restrictions to on. Then tap Allowed Apps and toggle AirDrop to off.
When you make your device discoverable to others, they can see your name among their nearby devices. By default, this will be your name and the device, but you can change that if it's too revealing to strangers or you have multiple devices and want to keep things straight. On a mobile device, open the Contacts app and tap your contact card. Choose Edit and change how your name is listed in the name fields, then tap Done.
If both users are on iPhone 11 or higher, pointing your devices toward each other will allow the transfer to take place. Otherwise, choose the person you want to share with, and they will receive a notification to accept the file. They can then accept or deny the transfer request. Those running iOS 17 or higher can also use the NameDrop proximity feature to "tap" devices and transfer files.
The sent file then automatically appears in the appropriate app for them -- photos go in the Photos app, files go in the Files app. Once the content is on that person's device, AirDrop will tell you that it has reached its destination.
To share between a Mac and iOS device, your Mac has to be from 2012 or later (excluding the mid-2012 Mac Pro) and running OS X Yosemite or later. The iOS device needs to be running iOS 7 or later. There are different ways to send files using AirDrop on a Mac.
Just like on iPhone, you can tap the Share button on a file, select AirDrop, and pick the person (or right-click and choose Share > AirDrop). Select the contact from the small AirDrop window that appears, then a request will be sent to the recipient. An easier option may be to open the AirDrop window and simply drag the file onto your contact of choice. A request will then be sent to the receiving device.
AirDrop is simple to use, but sometimes there's an issue you just can't quite work out. If the feature isn't cooperating, here are a few fixes that may get things moving: