How to AirDrop Photos and Files (And Stop People From Sending Unsolicited Pics)

Need a quick and easy way to send files to people? Those with Apple devices can tap into AirDrop, which transfers photos and documents between devices with just a tap. It’s easy to use, but also abused, as some unsuspecting airline passengers have found out(Opens in a new window) Recently, so let’s walk through how you can customize AirDrop to maximize its usefulness and keep unwanted images at bay.

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What is AirDrop?

AirDrop is a proprietary wireless service that uses Bluetooth technology to locate nearby compatible devices and then send data — photos, videos, files, contacts, map location, and more — over a Wi-Fi signal.

Originally released in 2011, the technology has undergone several notable changes over the years. For example, the protocol for Mac and iOS was once separate and therefore incompatible, but it can now be used between many different iPhone, iPad, and Mac models.

The benefit of using this technology is that AirDrop is faster and safer than many alternatives. It automatically finds nearby receivers, eliminating the need to connect devices. And Wi-Fi transfers files from one device to another faster than Bluetooth or NFC. Transmissions are protected by the TLS protocol, which is also used to secure HTTPS websites.

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How to Enable AirDrop (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

Before AirDrop can be used to transfer your files, make sure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your device. You don’t need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network; AirDrop only uses the signal to transfer data. Both parties must also make themselves discoverable via AirDrop.

On the iPhone or iPad, that means open Settings > General > AirDrop. On a Mac, open Finder and click the AirDrop and then use the drop-down menu at the bottom of the window. To send or receive data, your device must be set to Contacts only or All.

To use the Contacts Only option, both devices must be registered with iCloud and each user must be in the other’s contacts. The Everyone option might sound unsafe, but AirDrop lets you choose whether or not to accept a file from someone, so you can always block the transfer.

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How to disable AirDrop

If you don’t want unsolicited nudes or other random photos sent to you, set AirDrop to reception off (or No one on the Mac). This will hide your device from those around you. Set to Contacts only will also prevent strangers from sending you stuff.

You can block AirDrop so a child or someone who doesn’t have permission to use your device can’t share files. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and switch Content and Privacy Restrictions on. Then tap Approved Applications and switch AirDrop out.

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How to change your AirDrop name

If you make your device visible to others, they can see your name on their nearby devices. By default, this is your name (iPhone) or the name of your device (iPad and Mac), but you can change this if it’s too revealing to strangers, or you have multiple devices and want to keep things clear.

On an iPhone, open the Contacts app and tap your contact card. Choose To edit and change how your name is listed in the name fields, then tap Finished. Open on the iPad Settings > General > About > Nameand then specify how you want it to appear.

Mac users should go System Preferences > Sharingthen change computer name to something more desirable.

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This is how you can AirDrop photos, videos and files

When you’re ready to share something, open the content and tap Split Button. If it’s a device using the same Apple ID, you might see an AirDrop target in the Quick Share panel. Choose AirDrop from the menu to see a list of nearby people who can receive the file.

iPhone users in your contacts are listed under People, nearby iPads and Macs are listed under Devices, and nearby users who aren’t in your contacts are listed under Other People. If both users are using an iPhone 11 or later, the transfer can take place when you point your devices at each other.

Otherwise, select the person you want to share the file with and they will receive a notification to accept the file. You can then accept or decline the transfer request. The sent file then automatically appears in the appropriate app for you. Once the content is on that person’s device, AirDrop will let you know that it’s reached its destination.

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This is how AirDrop from iPhone to Mac works

To share between a Mac and an iOS device, your Mac must be from 2012 or later (excluding the Mac Pro from Mid-2012) and running OS X Yosemite or later. The iOS device must be running iOS 7 or higher. There are several ways to send files using AirDrop on a Mac.

Just like iPhone, you can tap Split button on a file, choose AirDropand select the person (or right-click and select Share > AirDrop). Select the contact from the small AirDrop window that appears, then a request will be sent to the recipient.

An easier way is to open the AirDrop window and simply drag the file onto the contact of your choice in the window. A request is then sent to the receiving device.

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AirDrop not working? Try these fixes

AirDrop is easy to use, but sometimes there’s a problem you just can’t solve. If the function isn’t cooperating, here are some fixes that can get things moving:

• To switch on and off: Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. If either of you have Personal Hotspot turned on, you’ll need to turn it off for the broadcast to work.

• Stay close: Since it uses Wi-Fi to transmit, AirDrop should be able to connect through walls and other obstacles. However, it is a technology intended for short-range communication. So make sure you are within 30 feet of the other device.

• Keep it small: Technically AirDrop has no file transfer limit, but the larger the file, the longer the transfer will take. If a transmission takes forever, you might want to streamline everything you send.

• Contacts only: If the recipient has AirDrop set to only receive from contacts, both devices must be signed in to iCloud and your Apple ID email address or phone number must be on your contact card. Otherwise, have the recipient set reception to Everyone.

• Unlock firewall: If you can’t receive broadcasts on your Mac, there may be a problem with your firewall. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy and select the firewall Tab. Open the lock icon with your admin password, then click Firewall Options and disable Bblock all incoming connections.