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How do you AirDrop on iPhone, Mac, iPad or iPod touch

By Official SIM Unlock  •  03 August, 2020

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Are you looking to transfer files from one Apple device to another? No matter what size your file, photo or video is, the AirDrop feature will transfer your content wirelessly. You can AirDrop files from any Apple device to another as long as you have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It’s really easy to use and won’t use up any of your data. In our guide below we take you through the process of knowing if your device can use AirDrop, what you’ll need and how to successfully transfer your files using AirDrop. 

 

AirDropping files, videos, images, links and other content is very easy. As long as your AirDrop is turned on, simply select the images and videos you want to AirDrop and hit the share button. A menu will appear with the option to Airdrop the files to devices nearby. The same goes for website links too - simply tap the share button and your AirDrop options will appear. If the person you want to share content with is in your contacts they will appear with their image and the AirDrop icon - if they are not in your contacts you will just see their name without an image. 

 

**If you would like to use your phone on a different network, Official SIM Unlock can unlock your phone through their network unlocking service.

 

Can I use AirDrop on my Apple device?

 

AirDrop will only work with your device if it is running on iOS 7 or later - or for Macs running on OS X Yosemite. AirDrop will work on an iPhone 5 or above, a fourth generation iPad or newer, an iPad mini and a fifth generation iPod touch and above. 

 

How to turn on AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad and iPod

 

To use AirDrop on your device you must turn on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can access this in your settings app or by swiping the pull up menu from your home screen. Make sure that your AirDrop button is also turned on. You can decide to choose who to share your Airdrop settings with when you tap the icon. 

 

How to turn on Airdrop on your Mac

 

To turn on AirDop on your Mac, simply open your Finder window and locate the AirDrop option on the left hand menu bar. When you click on AiDrop you will see the devices within range as well as your sharing options. You can turn off your AirDrop by adjusting the ‘Allow me to be discovered’ option. 

 

Step-by-step guide to send content using AirDop for your iPhone

 

1. Make sure that your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is turned on. Also, check that your AirDrop is on too. 
2. Locate the content that you want to share on your iPhone, iPad or iPod.
3. Tap the share button.
4. A menu screen will now appear with sharing options. Find the recipient that you want to AirDop from the options below (if they are in range).
5. Tap the recipient you want to share the content with and this will instantly send them the content. 

 

Step-by-step guide to send content using Airdrop for your Mac

 

1. Locate the file(s) that you want to send on your Mac using the Finder window.
2. Using the share button - by either right clicking the files and go to share - or using the share button icon in the window.
3. A window will now appear with options to select the device you wish to share content with. 
4. Click on the person that you want to send content to and they will instantly receive a notification on their device to accept or decline it.
5. If you can’t find the recipient, you can click the ‘Don’t see who you’re looking for?’ option on the top right corner of the window. 

 

How to receive content from someone using AirDrop

 

Receiving content via AirDrop is incredibly straightforward. When someone shares something with you using AirDrop your device will receive a notification on your screen that reads: “‘Contacts name’ wants to share a photo/file with you”. You can either accept or decline the notification. If you accept the notification you will then be directed to the place in which the file is located. For example, if you were to receive a photo, your device will then open your photo app to show you the image - and if you were to accept a website link then your phone will open safari to the link. 

 

Receiving content to your Mac is pretty much the same method as using an iPhone, iPad or iPod. When you get the notification to accept or decline the files, you can choose to save the file in your photos or in your downloads folder so you will know where to locate the content. 

 

If you AirDrop your Apple devices that are using the same Apple ID you won’t see a notification to accept or decline the request. Instead the file will automatically be sent to your device and will be saved in the corresponding locations. 

 

How to troubleshoot an issue with AirDrop on your Apple Device

 

You may come across some issues when trying to AirDrop content to someone close by or one of your contacts. If you are experiencing finding a contact to send a file to follow our suggestions below:

 

1. Turn Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on and off to reset the connections. Also turn the Airplane mode on and off to reset this too.
2. Turn off the Instant Hotspot to free up the connections for your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
3. Change your AirDrop setting to ‘Everyone’ to see if this brings up more contact options. You can always turn this off after you’ve received your content.

 

How to adjust AirDrop settings

 

You have full control over who gets to see you on AirDrop as well as who can send you files. Below are the steps to adjust your settings accordingly. 

 

1. Go to your settings app and tap on General.
2. Tap the AirDrop option
3. You will then see options for ‘Receiving Off’, ‘Contacts Only’ and ‘Everyone’.
4. AirDrop will only let you share instantly with people nearby and you can control how discoverable you are using the above three options. 
5. Receiving Off: You won’t be able to receive any AirDrop requests.
6. Contacts Only: Only your phone contacts will be able to see your device to send you instant content.
7. Everyone: All nearby Apple devices will be able to see your device and can AirDrop you content instantly. 

 

Now you know how to share content from your Apple devices using AirDrop you will have endless control over what you want to share - from videos, websites, photos and even apps!