AirDrop Not Working on iPhone? Apple’s Fixes + AirDrop Codes

AirDrop not working on your iPhone? Usually the other person’s iPhone isn’t set to receive from you, Personal Hotspot is on, or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are off on one side. Here are Apple’s fixes in order, plus what’s changed with AirDrop codes in iOS 26.2 and how to fix AirDrop when it’s missing or greyed out.

Quick Fixes for AirDrop Not Working

These come from Apple’s AirDrop guide. Check both iPhones, not just yours.

1. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices. You don’t need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network, but Wi-Fi must be on.
2. Turn off Personal Hotspot on both in Settings → Personal Hotspot.
3. Move closer. Keep the devices next to each other while you send.
4. Unlock both iPhones and keep the screens on.
5. Set the receiver to Everyone for 10 Minutes (below).
6. Restart both devices and try again. Apple’s iPhone guide suggests this if AirDrop still won’t work.
7. Update iOS on both in Settings → General → Software Update.

Can’t See the Other Person? Check Receiving Settings

If the other person doesn’t appear when you tap AirDrop, their iPhone probably isn’t set to receive from you. On the receiving iPhone:

1. Open Control Center.
2. Touch and hold the group with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, then tap AirDrop.
3. Choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.

The three options are Receiving Off, Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes. Apple says Everyone for 10 Minutes switches back after 10 minutes, to Contacts Only if you’re signed in to your Apple Account, or to Receiving Off if not. So if AirDrop worked yesterday and not today, it has probably switched back.

Contacts Only Not Working

With Contacts Only, the receiver’s iPhone has to recognise you. That means the email address or phone number linked to your Apple Account must be saved in their contact card for you, and you both need to be signed in to an Apple Account.

• Check which email and phone number your Apple Account uses in Settings → [your name] → Sign-In & Security.
• Ask the other person to add that email or number to your contact card.
• If that’s a hassle, have them switch to Everyone for 10 Minutes for this transfer.

Apple Account problems on your iPhone? See Apple ID sign-in requested keeps popping up.

Sending to Someone Not in Your Contacts (AirDrop Codes)

To send to someone who isn’t in your contacts, they set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes, then you pick them under People. Apple says that if both devices use iOS 26.2 or later, you’ll be asked for an AirDrop code. The receiver taps Get AirDrop Code and tells you the code, and you enter it.

After that, they’re added to your Other Known list for 30 days, so you won’t need a code again during that time. You can mark them as unknown in Contacts before then if you want.

Transfer Fails, Declines or Gets Stuck

• “Declined”: the receiver tapped Decline, or didn’t accept in time. Send again and ask them to tap Accept.
• “Waiting” forever: one side moved away, locked the screen, or has Personal Hotspot on. Bring them together, unlock both and turn off Personal Hotspot.
• Large videos fail: keep the devices together and the screens on until it finishes. Check the receiver has free space. See iPhone storage full.
• Bluetooth problems in general: see iPhone Bluetooth not working. Wi-Fi dropping? See iPhone Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting.

AirDrop Missing or Greyed Out

• Screen Time: go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure AirDrop is allowed. Work and school iPhones may block it.
• AirDrop settings: in Settings → General → AirDrop, check Receiving isn’t set to Off. Bringing Devices Together must be on to share by holding iPhones together (iOS 17 and later).
• Restart and update. If AirDrop vanished after an update, restart, then install the next iOS update. See iOS 27 problems.
• Sending to an Android phone? AirDrop only works between Apple devices: iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Match Your Situation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is AirDrop not working on my iPhone?
Usually Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is off, Personal Hotspot is on, or the receiver isn’t set to receive from you. Ask them to choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.

Why can’t I see someone on AirDrop?
Their iPhone is probably set to Contacts Only or Receiving Off. Ask them to open Control Center and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.

Why does AirDrop keep switching back to Contacts Only?
Apple designed Everyone for 10 Minutes to switch back after 10 minutes, to Contacts Only or Receiving Off.

What is an AirDrop code?
From iOS 26.2, sending to someone not in your contacts can ask for a code. The receiver taps Get AirDrop Code and tells you the number.

Does Personal Hotspot stop AirDrop?
Yes. Apple says to turn off Personal Hotspot on both devices before using AirDrop.

Can I AirDrop to an Android phone?
No. AirDrop works only between Apple devices like iPhone, iPad and Mac.