AirDrop or Quick Share not working? Why the other phone doesn't show up, and fixes
You're standing next to each other and the other phone simply isn't in the list, or it sits on Waiting and then fails. These features are fussy about a few settings, so check them in order.
What's going wrong?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Try |
|---|---|---|
| The other device isn't in the list | Receiving is set to Off or Contacts Only, or its screen is locked. | On the receiver: AirDrop or Quick Share settings, choose Everyone for 10 minutes, and keep the screen on. |
| Contacts Only never shows them | Contacts Only needs the sender's Apple Account email or phone number in the receiver's contacts, and both signed in to iCloud. | Use Everyone for 10 minutes, or add the exact email or number they sign in with. |
| Grey icon or AirDrop missing on iPhone | Personal Hotspot is on, or Screen Time restrictions block AirDrop. | Turn off Personal Hotspot. Check Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, Allowed Apps. |
| Mac can't see the iPhone or the other way round | Mac set to No One, or the Mac firewall blocks all incoming connections. | In Finder's AirDrop window set "Allow me to be discovered by" to Everyone. In the firewall options, turn off "Block all incoming connections". |
| Stuck on Waiting, then Failed or Declined | The receiver didn't accept in time, or a screen locked mid-transfer. | Unlock the receiver first, tap Accept quickly, keep both screens on until it finishes. |
| Quick Share finds nothing on Android | Location or Bluetooth scanning is off, or visibility is set to Your devices. | Turn on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Location, and set Quick Share visibility to Everyone (for 10 minutes). |
| Big video starts then fails part way | Distance, a sleepy screen, or battery saver dropping the Wi-Fi link. | Move closer, plug in, turn off low power mode for the transfer, or send a shorter clip. |
| iPhone and Android can't see each other | AirDrop and Quick Share are separate systems, and most phones can't talk across. | Send a link instead (see below). Some newer Android phones have started adding AirDrop support to Quick Share, but don't count on it. |
Check these in order
- Both devices: Bluetooth on, Wi-Fi on (joined to a network or not), airplane mode off.
- Receiver: visibility set to Everyone for 10 minutes. It switches itself back afterwards, which is why it worked yesterday and not today.
- iPhone: Personal Hotspot off. It uses the same Wi-Fi radio AirDrop needs.
- Both screens unlocked and awake, within a few metres. Walls and bags cut the range.
- Toggle airplane mode on for ten seconds and off again on both devices, which resets Bluetooth and Wi-Fi together.
- Restart both. On Android, update Google Play services and the Quick Share app.
Why both radios matter
Bluetooth Low Energy is good at whispering "I'm here" while sipping battery, but it's far too slow for photos and video. So the phones use Bluetooth only to find each other, then set up a direct Wi-Fi connection between themselves, which is why it works on a mountain with no internet at all. Turn either radio off and the transfer can't happen. It's the same split wireless CarPlay and Android Auto use. To watch the whole hand-over step by step (the Bluetooth shout, the private Wi-Fi lane and the numbered pieces), try the interactive how a photo flies to the phone next to you lesson.
Sending between iPhone and Android, or to someone far away
- Upload to a cloud drive or messaging app and send a link. Check the size first: see how long a video takes to upload.
- For a link they can open on the spot, make a QR code of it and let them scan it with the camera.
- For a whole camera roll, a USB-C cable to a computer or an external drive is faster and keeps full quality.
- Email and some chat apps shrink photos and videos. If quality matters, send the original file.
Related
Copy over USB instead: phone not showing up on PC · Bluetooth headphones keep disconnecting · Phone hotspot slow or dropping · Photo too large to email · How does AirDrop work? (interactive lesson)
Questions
Why can't I see someone on AirDrop?
Usually their AirDrop is set to Receiving Off or Contacts Only, their screen is locked, or Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Personal Hotspot is in the way. Ask them to choose Everyone for 10 minutes with the screen unlocked.
Does AirDrop need Wi-Fi or internet?
It needs Wi-Fi switched on, but not an internet connection or the same network. The phones make a direct Wi-Fi link between themselves.
Why does AirDrop keep going back to Contacts Only?
Since iOS 16.2, Everyone is limited to 10 minutes and then switches back to Contacts Only, to stop strangers sending unwanted pictures.
Why does Quick Share need location?
On many Android versions, scanning for nearby Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices counts as location access, so Android asks for Location to be on. Quick Share doesn't send your location to the other phone.
Can I AirDrop to an Android phone?
Mostly no: AirDrop and Quick Share are separate systems. A few newer Android phones have begun adding AirDrop support, but the reliable way is a link, a cloud drive or a cable.
Published · updated .