How to Turn On Airdrop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Airdrop is a convenient feature available on Apple devices that allows you to quickly and easily share files with other nearby Apple users. Whether you want to share photos, videos, documents, or any other type of file, Airdrop makes the process seamless. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to turn on Airdrop on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Turning On Airdrop on iPhone or iPad

1. Unlock your device: Start by unlocking your iPhone or iPad using your passcode or Touch ID/Face ID.

2. Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen (iPhone X and later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone 8 and earlier) to access Control Center.

3. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Make sure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on as Airdrop uses these technologies to transfer files.

4. Activate Airdrop: Press and hold the network settings card in the top-left corner of Control Center where Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth icons are located.

5. Select Airdrop Settings: Tap on the “Airdrop” icon to open Airdrop settings.

6. Choose Who Can Send You Files: You can select who can send you files via Airdrop by choosing between “Receiving Off,” “Contacts Only,” or “Everyone.”

7. Turn On Airdrop: Select either “Contacts Only” or “Everyone” depending on your preference.

Turning On Airdrop on Mac

1. Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon located in your dock or press Command + N to open a new Finder window.

2. Go to Airdrop: In the Finder sidebar, locate and click on “Airdrop.” This will display nearby devices that you can share files with using Airdrop.

3. Adjust Settings: At the bottom of the Finder window, you will see options for allowing yourself to be discovered by either “No One,” “Contacts Only,” or “Everyone.” Choose your preferred setting.

4. Turn On Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Ensure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on in your Mac’s menu bar.

Using Airdrop

Once you have successfully turned on Airdrop on your device, sharing files with others is simple:

1. Open the file that you want to share.
2. Look for the Share button (usually represented by a square with an arrow pointing up) within the app.
3. Tap or click on it and select “Airdrop” from the list of sharing options.
4. Choose the recipient’s device name from those listed under “Tap To Share With AirDrop.”
5. The recipient will receive a notification asking if they want to accept the file; once they accept it, the transfer will begin.

By following these steps, you can easily turn on Airdrop on your Apple devices and start sharing files effortlessly with friends, family members, or colleagues who are nearby.