How to Turn on AirDrop on iOS

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. How to Turn On

Activate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

The first thing you need to do is make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both enabled on your device (and personal hotspot is turned off). You can check the status of these services in the Control Center of your iOS device by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (swipe up from the bottom for older iPhones). Mac users can check both services at the Menu Bar in the upper-right corner of the screen. You don't have to be connected to a Wi-Fi network; AirDrop just uses the signal to transfer data.

Turn on AirDrop on iOS

Make sure AirDrop is turned on for your device so you can send and receive files with other people. Navigate to Settings > General > AirDrop to turn it on. You can choose to enable the service to work with just your contacts or with everyone who might be nearby.

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. Receiving Off means no one can send you anything through AirDrop.