If AirDrop isn’t showing any nearby devices on your Apple device, there are several common culprits—and most are easy to fix. Here’s a checklist to troubleshoot:
📶 Connectivity Issues
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on for both devices.
- Personal Hotspot should be turned off—it interferes with AirDrop.
- Devices must be within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other.
🔒 AirDrop Settings
- Check AirDrop visibility:
- Go to Settings > General > AirDrop and set it to Everyone or Contacts Only.
- If using Contacts Only, make sure the other person has your Apple ID email or phone number saved in their contacts.
🛑 Restrictions & Modes
- Do Not Disturb or Airplane Mode can block AirDrop.
- Check Screen Time restrictions:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and ensure AirDrop is enabled.
🔄 Device Status
- Both devices must be awake and unlocked.
- Try restarting both devices.
- Ensure both are running the latest iOS/macOS version.
🧭 Bonus Tip for Macs
- On macOS, open Finder > AirDrop and set “Allow me to be discovered by” to Everyone or Contacts Only.
- If AirDrop doesn’t appear in Finder, go to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar and enable AirDrop.