How to Use AirDrop to Share Files Between Apple Devices

AirDrop is Apple's wireless file-sharing system that works between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. When both devices are nearby, you can send photos, documents, links, contacts, or almost any file without cables, email, or a USB drive. The transfer happens over a direct Wi-Fi connection between the two devices — it's fast and doesn't use your cellular data or internet connection.

Before using AirDrop, check that both devices meet the requirements: both need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, the receiving device needs to be unlocked and awake, and they should be within about 30 feet of each other. You don't need to be on the same Wi-Fi network — AirDrop creates its own direct connection.

On an iPhone or iPad, AirDrop is in Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner, then press and hold the network tile (the box with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airplane mode icons). Tap AirDrop to turn it on and set who can send to you: Contacts Only or Everyone. Use Contacts Only for day-to-day use and switch to Everyone only when sending to someone not in your contacts.

On a Mac, open a Finder window and click AirDrop in the left sidebar. You'll see nearby devices that have AirDrop on. You can also turn on AirDrop from the Control Center icon in the menu bar.

To send from your iPhone, find what you want to share, tap the Share button (the box with an arrow pointing up), and tap the AirDrop icon. Your nearby Apple devices appear — tap the one you want to send to. The receiving device shows a prompt to Accept or Decline. After accepting, photos land in the Photos app and other files go to the Downloads folder or the relevant app.

From a Mac, drag any file onto the AirDrop window in Finder, or right-click any file and choose Share > AirDrop, then pick the destination device.

If a device isn't showing up, try toggling Bluetooth off and back on, move the devices closer together, or make sure the receiving device has AirDrop set to receive from Everyone or Contacts (not off). Restarting either device usually resolves persistent issues.