In this article, we will learn how to use airdrop to share files from one apple device to another, For example, from iPhone to another iOS device like iPad or iPhone. You can Airdrop photos, videos or document files and it is one of the fastest way to share files between Apple devices.
What is AirDrop?
AirDrop is a feature that allows you to share files between iOS and Mac OS devices wirelessly. You can use Airdrop to share photos, videos, documents, and more. As the name suggests, files are dropped from one device to another through the air (wirelessly). It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit the files, and it is available on all iOS devices running iOS 7 or later. and Mac OS devices On Macs running OS X 10.7 and greater.
How Does AirDrop Work?
Airdrop is a feature that allows you to share files wirelessly between Apple devices. Airdrop uses Bluetooth to create a connection between devices, and then uses Wi-Fi to share the data.
Apple also have started putting a dedicated chipset in there devices which uses ultra-wideband technology. It is a technology that helps apple devices get free size location of each other, which helps the communication between the devices seamless.
How to Turn On Airdtop on iPhone and iPad
To turn on Airdrop, go to Settings > General > AirDrop. Then, choose whether you want to allow people to share files with you via Airdrop or not. If you choose “Allow,” people nearby will be able to see your device in their Finder window. They can then share files with you via Airdrop.
Where do AirDrop files go?
When you receive if file via Airdrop, the definition it is saved depends on the format of the file. If it is a supported video for a photo format, it will be saved in the photo gallery of your iOS device. If it is any other file formats, such as a document file, or an unsupported video or photo format, a popup will appear on your mobile phone asking you to choose the destination to save the file.
By default, the popup has a default location, the Document folder on your iPhone.
And when you send a file via Airdrop, a copy of the file is sent, and the original file remains on your mobile phone, if you are curious to know that.
How can I adjust AirDrop settings?
You can adjust from whom you want to receive an Airdrop. It can be found when you go to Settings > General > AirDrop, there are three options.
Receive a drop from, ‘Everyone’, ‘Contacts Only’ or ‘No One’.
The options are self-explanatory, ‘Everyone’ means anyone in the proximity will be able to view your iOS device if you are holding it in your hand at the moment. ‘Contacts Only’ your iPhone will be visible to only the contacts saved on your mobile phone. ‘No One’ means the Airdrop is turned off.
How do I send photos via AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone or Mac?
When you are browsing the photo gallery and find the photo you want to send via Airdrop, tap on the Share icon. You can select multiple photos or videos and then tap on the Share icon. Select Airdrop from the options. Make sure the other person’s iPhone or Mac, is not on Sleep / Standby mode, as it won’t appear on your iPhone. Please refer to the above paragraph to let the person know to adjust their Airdrop settings accordingly.
Once their iPhone / Mac is available, it will appear on your iPhone, tap on the name, and keep your iPhone active while the photos are being sent.
If the photo you want to share is not in the photo gallery and in the folder on your iPhone, the process will be similar. Just select the photo where it is and then tap on the Share icon, and then follow the same process mentioned above.
How do I send photos via AirDrop from Mac to iPhone or Mac?
The process of sending files from a Mac to an iPhone, iPad or a Mac through Airdrop is also similar to iPhone. You can either select one file or multiple files and then right click, and then select ‘Share’. You will get multiple options you can share the file, one of the option will be Airdrop.
Once you select the Airdrop option, a popup will appear where other apple devices in the proximity, tata currently in use, would appear. Make sure the recipient is holding their iphone or their Mac is in use, for their device to appear. Select their device from the list in the popup, and the transfer will begin.
The time it will take to send the files will depend on the size. If both the devices connected to the same wi-fi network the transfer would be fast. If there is no wi-fi present, the transfer might be a little slower than usual because iphone has to create a personal wireless network to share the file.
Create an Airdrop shortcut on your Mac
Airdrop is the fastest way to send a file from one Apple device to another wirelessly, you can create an Airdrop shortcut, which will bypass the process of right-clicking, clicking on Share icon, and then selecting Airdrop. Check it out
FAQ
Can’t Airdrop to My Macbook
If your Macbook is not visible in the list of devices to send the file. Make sure it is turned on and has proper settings to receive the file. Click on the Control Centre icon on top right, and then see from whom Airdrop can receive files. If it is ‘Contact only’, and it is still not visible to you, try changing it to ‘Everyone’ for a while and then see if it is appearing in your list on your iPhone.
If it is appearing in the list of devices where you can a drop your file, and you are still not able to send any file, id storage space available on your MacBook.
Can’t Airdrop to iPad
If your iPad is not visible in the list of devices to send the file. Make sure it is turned on and has proper settings to receive the file. Go to Settings – General – Airdrop, and then see from whom Airdrop can receive files. If it is ‘Contact only’, and it is still not visible to you, try changing it to ‘Everyone’ for a while and then see if it is appearing in your list on your iPhone.
If it is appearing in the list of devices where you can a drop your file, and you are still not able to send any file, id storage space available on your MacBook. You can also try Restarting your iPhone or your iPad as it can also solve your problem.
Do Airdrop photos Disappear
Currently there is no option on iPhone or Mac, which lets its users send disappearing photos. Pic send a copy of file to another device which remains there until you manually delete it.
However, sometimes you will feel the photo has disappeared because, if it is is a photo or a video that is unsupported format on your iPhone, it will not be saved automatically in photo gallery. It shows you a pop up to let you decide where you want to save the file. If you fail to do so the the photo will not be saved.
How to see who has Airdropped you the photo
You can’t see e who has send you the air drop file but there is some amount of information you can get about the files that is sent to you via airdrop.
When you go to photo gallery on your iPhone, you can tap on Albums, photos are organised categorically, and imports album has all the photos you have received via airdrop. The album will have information about each photo on which date it was sent. And when you you tab on any photo, and swipe up to find metadata, you will see on which device the photo was taken, along with the date and the time of the photo. This might give you some idea who sent you that file via airdrop.
Should Airdrop be On or Off
If you have privacy concerns, or aur you are bothered about getting files from strangers in public places like in airplane or train, you can choose the option to receive airdrop from contacts only instead of turning it off completely.
I have found it doesn’t consume any extra battery, or the usage is not noticeable enough.
Will Airdrop work with android
Airdrop is an Apple exclusive feature and it is one of the the perks of of being in Apple Ecosystem, it is exclusive features like airdrop which helps apple attract more customers buying their second third devices from Apple.
However, there are ways you can share files between Android and iOS or Mac devices, using apps that are available on both platforms.
Will Airdrop work on low battery
Yes, it does work, but it is recommended to have atleast 10% battery if you are sending or receiving a large file, to make sure the transfer isn’t interrupted because of the battery dying between the transfer.