The fastest way to share files between your iOS and macOS devices is AirDrop. AirDrop not showing up? Here are real Fixes.
However, there are times when you need to share or receive files, but it stops working, and you’re left wondering about the reasons for AirDrop not showing up on your device.
Is my device not compatible with AirDrop? Did the new update mess things up?
No matter what the reason might be, we have got some real fixes for this issue!
How to Fix the “AirDrop Not Showing Up” issue on iPhone, iPad, or Mac
AirDrop not showing up? Here are real fixes. Following are some quick steps to get AirDrop working again on your device:
1. Activate AirDrop on Your Device
If AirDrop isn’t working on your device, try activating it. Here’s how:
For iOS Devices
Step 1
Go to “Settings > General > AirDrop.” on your iOS device.
Step 2
Select one of the three modes of AirDrop.
For macOS Devices
Step 1
On your Mac, open Finder.
Step 2
In the sidebar, click on “AirDrop” and select from the three modes.
Once you have activated AirDrop on iOS or macOS, see if it’s showing up or not.
If not, you can try one of the other fixes mentioned below.
How to turn on AirDrop on Mac
2. Toggle Radios
You can also check if the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth of your device are enabled or not, as they are required for AirDrop to work.
The Control Center no longer disables Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It just terminates the current connection while leaving AirPods, Apple Pencil, and Apple Watch functional.
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on iOS
For Wi-Fi
Step 1
Go to “Settings > Wi-Fi” and turn the toggle on if it’s off.
Step 2
If it’s already on, try turning the toggle off and then on again.
For Bluetooth
Step 1
Go to “Settings > Bluetooth” and turn the toggle on.
Step 2
If it’s on, turn it off and then on again by tapping on the toggle button.
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on Mac
For Wi-Fi
Step 1
In the menu bar of your Mac, select the Wi-Fi icon and click “Turn Wi-Fi On.”
Step 2
If it’s already on, click on “Turn Wi-Fi Off” and then turn it on again.
For Bluetooth
Step 1
On your macOS device, select the Bluetooth icon from the menu bar and click on “Turn Bluetooth On.”
Step 2
If it’s already on, click on “Turn Bluetooth Off” and then turn it back on.
Alternatively, you may turn off all the radios simultaneously by turning the Airplane Mode on and off.
After you’ve finished, try reconnecting. If it works, that’s fantastic.
If not, continue reading.
How to Connect Your iPhone to Mac?
3. Look for Updates
It’s possible that you missed a system update which is causing your AirDrop feature to stop working. Look for updates on your device, and try your luck again!
System Update on iOS
Step 1
On your device, go to “Settings General > Software Update.”
Step 2:
Tap “Install” if an update is available.
System Update on macOS
Step 1
On your device, click on “System Preferences > Software Update.”
Step 2
Click on “Upgrade Now” to install the updates.
After you’ve finished upgrading your devices, try using AirDrop again. Chances are, it will start working.
If not, try resetting your networks.
4. Reset Your Networks
Now that you’ve tried turning everything on/off and updating the system, it’s time to reset your networks, before getting to the more technical solutions.
Resetting Network Settings on iOS
Step 1
Go to “Settings > General > Reset.”
Step 2
Now, select the “Reset Network Settings” option and enter your passcode if prompted.
Step 3
To confirm, tap “Reset Network Settings.”
Resetting Network Settings on Mac
Although Mac doesn’t specifically have a “Reset Network Settings” option, you can do so in the following way:
Step 1
From the menu, go to “System Preferences > Network > Your Wi-Fi Network.”
Step 2
Click on the minus sign at the bottom “-” and then “Apply.”
Step 3
Now, add your Wi-Fi network again.
Once you’re done resetting networks on your devices, reconnect your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and see if AirDrop is showing up or not.
If it’s still not working, we’ll have to do it the hard way!
5. Hard Reset
A hard reset is the last option to make AirDrop work before contacting Apple Support.
Hard Reset on iOS
Step 1
Press the on/off button on the side or top of your iPhone or iPad simultaneously with the home button.
Step 2
Hold both buttons down as the screen turns off, then continue holding them down until the screen turns back on and the Apple logo appears.
Hard Reset On Mac
Step 1
At the far left of the menu bar, click on the Apple Icon and select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
Try connecting AirDrop after resetting your devices. If it works, everything’s good. Otherwise, take your device to be dealt with by the experts!
6. Contact Apple
If you’ve done everything and AirDrop is still not working or not showing up on your device, your device’s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi may be faulty. Run to an Apple Store near you to have it checked out.
Final Words
There might be countless reasons for AirDrop not showing up on your device, and there are a number of solutions too! Usually, these solutions work, but if your device is AirDrop compatible and none of the mentioned fixes work, there must be some technical fault with it. Get your device checked and fixed by the concerned people, and get back to sharing files across Apple devices!
For more quick fixes and hacks, visit our blog now!
