AirDrop has to be one of the most convenient features of an Apple product.
It’s a file-sharing feature that lets you send and receive photos, videos, documents, and more with other Apple devices nearby.
Now, you may wonder, “why is it one of the most convenient features?”. The answer to that is because of how swift the transfer can be. Even if the file is large, it won’t take too long to get it transferred. And mind you, this is a lossless transfer, meaning the quality will not be compromised.
It’s a great feature when you immediately want to transfer data to another device without much waiting time, and it doesn’t require you to be connected to an internet connection.
Also, it works seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices so that you can enjoy the ecosystem of these Apple products.
How to turn on AirDrop on your Apple device
Turning on the AirDrop feature is super simple across all Apple devices. You can follow the below steps for each of the devices to have it turned on:
For iPhone
There are several ways to turn on AirDrop on an iPhone, but the most common way is to swipe down the control center from the top right, tap, and hold on to the Bluetooth icon.
You’ll see this small window appear. From the bottom left, you can toggle AirDrop on/off.
That’s the most simple way to turn on AirDrop on your iPhone. A longer process is to do it from Settings > General > AirDrop.
For iPad
The process is the same on the iPad as it is on iPhone. You can turn on AirDrop from the control center or the settings on your iPad and start sharing/receiving media.
For Mac
Turning on AirDrop on your Mac device is super simple. This article will show you two different ways to do it, so you can choose the one that’s convenient for you.
The first method is to click on the “Go” tab on the homepage of your Mac device and then click on “AirDrop” from the dropdown menu.
This will open the AirDrop screen.
The second method is to click on the “Finder” icon at the bottom.
Now, from the left side, click on where it says “AirDrop,” and it’ll open the screen.
Both of these methods will land you on the same screen. Irrespective of which way you choose, once you’re on the AirDrop screen, you need to click on “Turn on Bluetooth.”
Once the Bluetooth is turned on, you’ll be presented with this screen that allows you to choose to whom you want the device to be discoverable. From the dropdown option beside the “No One” text, select either “Everyone” or “Contacts Only,” whichever is your preference.
That’s it. Now the AirDrop on your Mac device is turned on and discoverable by other Apple devices.
How to send files using AirDrop on your Apple device
After you’ve learned how to turn on AirDrop on your Apple device, the next step is to send files to another device.
For iPhone and iPad
Since the process is the same on both iPhone and iPad, I’ll be using iPhone as an example for this one. Sending files is super simple; follow the below steps:
Step 1: Suppose it’s a picture you want to send; go to Photos from the homepage of your iPhone.
Step 2: From the gallery, look for the picture you wish to share, and then tap and hold on to it to get this popup. Tap on “Share.”
Step 3: Now, you’ll see the various ways to share this picture, but the first option will be AirDrop, so tap on that.
Step 4: On this screen, you’ll see all the available and nearby Apple devices with which you can share the picture. Currently, there is only one nearby device with which it can be shared.
And that’s about it to send files using AirDrop from your iPhone and iPad.
For Mac
In this example, if you want to transfer files from one Macbook to another, you must follow the simple steps below. The process is the same when you want to send files from your Mac to your iPhone/iPad.
Step 1: You’ll start by turning on your AirDrop, as you did in this post.
Step 2: Go to the AirDrop screen, and you’ll notice the devices that are nearby and available.
Step 3: Now, you can drag and drop a specific file, whether a video or photo, or document, or you can drag and drop an entire folder containing these files.
The other Apple device will now be able to accept the files you sent.
Also read: 5 Best Tools to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Computer
How to receive files using AirDrop on your Apple device
Probably the easiest part of this entire post, receiving files takes no more than a few seconds on any Apple device you’re on.
First, you’d have to turn on AirDrop and ensure you’ve selected discoverable by either “Everyone” or “Contacts Only.”
When somebody sends a file to your iPhone or iPad device, you’ll get a popup on your screen asking whether you want to accept or decline the file.
And it’s similar on Mac devices as well.
When you accept the file, it’ll be saved on your device immediately.
What do the AirDrop settings mean?
The 3 AirDrop settings you see while turning it on have different purposes. Now, let’s look at the purposes given below.
- Receiving off: This means your AirDrop is turned off for receiving any files, so nobody would be able to send files to your device.
- Contacts Only: When you want only the people in your contacts to send files to you.
- Everyone: This will allow any nearby device to send files to you.
However, keep in mind that “Contacts Only” is the safest option, and it prevents strangers from trying to send files to you.
Conclusion
This article will help you better understand AirDrop, and you’ll start utilizing it to send and receive files conveniently.
Next, learn how to change your AirDrop name.
