Common AirDrop problems and how to fix them – plus a universal alternative that works everywhere.
AirDrop is great when it works, but it often doesn't. Connectivity issues, compatibility problems, and mysterious failures are common complaints.
Let's troubleshoot your AirDrop issues – and if that doesn't work, try a better alternative.
WiFi Issues
AirDrop requires both WiFi and Bluetooth to be on, even though it doesn't need an internet connection.
Bluetooth Problems
Bluetooth connection fails, devices don't see each other, or connection drops during transfer.
Wrong Settings
AirDrop set to 'Contacts Only' but the other person isn't in your contacts, or receiving is turned off.
Make sure both WiFi and Bluetooth are turned ON on both devices. They don't need to be connected to the same network, but both must be enabled.
If Personal Hotspot is enabled, AirDrop won't work. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn it off.
Go to Settings > General > AirDrop and select 'Everyone' (or 'Everyone for 10 Minutes' on iOS 17+). This makes your device visible to all nearby Apple devices.
After your transfer, you can change it back to 'Contacts Only' for privacy.
The classic fix! Power off both devices completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on. This often resolves mysterious connectivity issues.
As a last resort, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Warning: This will forget all saved WiFi passwords.
If you've tried everything and AirDrop still doesn't work, you might be hitting one of AirDrop's fundamental limitations:
InstDrop is a universal file transfer solution that works on ANY device with a web browser – no app required!
Try InstDrop Now
No download, no signup, works everywhere
| Feature | AirDrop | InstDrop |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-Platform | ||
| No App Required | ||
| Windows Support | ||
| Android Support | ||
| End-to-End Encrypted |
The universal file transfer that just works – on any device, any platform.
Try InstDropFile transfer comparison – universal web solution versus native Apple technology
Break free from Apple's ecosystem – share files across all your devices instantly.
The best Microsoft alternative for fast, private file transfers without cloud storage.
Two different approaches to file sharing – which one is right for you?
Two different approaches to file sharing – which one is right for you?
File transfer comparison – direct P2P transfer versus cloud-based file sharing
The reliable Snapdrop alternative with more features and active development.
Get LocalSend-like file transfer directly in your browser – no installation needed.
Transfer files without installing apps – just open your browser.
Comparison of file transfer between devices – modern WebRTC technology versus traditional USB flash drive
Both are wireless – but one is dramatically faster. Let's compare.
The fastest way to get photos from your iPhone to your Windows PC – no cables, no cloud, no software to install.
The fastest way to get photos from your Windows PC to your iPhone – no cables, no cloud, no software to install.
The fastest way to get files from your Android phone to your computer – no cables, no cloud, no software to install.
The fastest cross-platform file transfer – works on any Mac and Windows PC.
The fastest way to get movies from your Windows PC to iPhone – without iTunes, cables, or cloud services.
Forget about tangled cables – transfer files wirelessly between any devices in seconds.
Send big files directly between devices – no cloud upload, no waiting, no storage limits.
Transfer files directly between devices on local network without internet connection. No servers, maximum privacy.
Protect your confidential files with end-to-end encryption and zero cloud storage.
Share files anonymously without registration – no sign-up, no email, no tracking.
Share files between devices using only your local network – no internet connection required.
Transfer videos in full original quality – no compression, no quality loss, no file size limits.
The fastest way to get files from your iPad to your computer – wirelessly and without iTunes.
Get your music library from computer to phone – wirelessly, quickly, and without iTunes.
Discover how peer-to-peer technology enables fast, private, and secure file sharing.
WebRTC is the technology that powers InstDrop's secure, direct file transfers between devices. Here's everything you need to know.
InstDrop uses WebRTC technology, which automatically encrypts all data using DTLS and SRTP protocols. Here's how you can verify it yourself.
When you save a received file, it stays exclusively in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server. Here's how you can verify it.
InstDrop uses WebRTC for direct P2P file transfer between devices. Find out if your browser is compatible.
WebRTC connections are inherently temporary and cannot be serialized for future use. This limitation is actually a security advantage.
Paranoid Mode provides enhanced security for your transfers by ensuring exclusive 1:1 communication between exactly two devices.
Find answers to the most common questions about InstDrop and secure file transfer.