AirDrop is in Settings under General, then AirDrop
Open Settings on your iPhone, tap General, then scroll down and tap AirDrop. You'll see three options: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone. The setting you choose controls who can send files to your phone without your permission to receive them first.
AirDrop only works when Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both turned on, even though you're not connecting to a network. Your phone uses these radios to find nearby devices and transfer files directly between them. If either is off, AirDrop won't appear in Control Center and other people's phones won't see yours.
Key Takeaways
- AirDrop settings live in Settings > General > AirDrop, where you choose whether to receive from Contacts Only or Everyone.
- Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be on for AirDrop to work, even though you're not joining a network.
- Setting AirDrop to Contacts Only means only people in your Contacts app can send you files without asking first.
- You can turn AirDrop off entirely from Control Center by swiping up and holding down on the Bluetooth tile, then tapping AirDrop.
What each AirDrop setting actually does
Receiving Off means no one can send you files through AirDrop, and your phone won't show up on other people's AirDrop lists. This is the most private setting. You can still send files to other people, but they can't send to you.
Contacts Only means only people whose phone numbers or email addresses are saved in your Contacts app can send you files. Your phone will show up on their AirDrop list, but not on the lists of strangers nearby. This is the middle ground — you get the convenience of AirDrop without broadcasting your phone to everyone in a coffee shop.
Everyone means anyone within Bluetooth range can see your phone and send you files. Your phone shows up on every nearby device's AirDrop list. This is useful at home or with people you trust, but risky in public places where strangers can see you.
How to send a file using AirDrop
Open the app with the file you want to send — Photos, Notes, Files, Mail, or any app with a Share button. Tap the Share button (usually a box with an arrow pointing up), then tap AirDrop. Your phone will show a list of nearby devices that have AirDrop turned on and set to receive.
Tap the person's name or device you want to send to. The file goes directly to their phone without going through the internet or any server. On their end, they'll see a notification asking whether to accept or decline. If they accept, the file lands in the app it came from — a photo goes to Photos, a contact goes to Contacts, a file goes to Files.
Why you might want to turn AirDrop off in public
When AirDrop is set to Everyone, your phone broadcasts its name to all nearby devices. In a crowded place, this means hundreds of people can see your phone's name and send you files without your permission. Some people send unwanted images or use it to harass others.
The fastest way to disable AirDrop temporarily is through Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or down from the top right on newer iPhones), then press and hold the Bluetooth tile. You'll see AirDrop at the bottom — tap it and choose Receiving Off. When you get home, you can change it back to Contacts Only in Settings.
AirDrop only works between Apple devices
You can only AirDrop to other iPhones, iPads, or Macs. Android phones, Windows computers, and other devices don't support AirDrop. If you need to send a file to someone with a non-Apple phone, use email, a messaging app, or cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox instead.
The range is roughly 30 feet in open space, though walls and interference can reduce it. If someone's phone is too far away or has AirDrop turned off, they won't appear on your list.
What happens when someone sends you a file
When someone sends you a file through AirDrop, a notification appears asking whether you want to accept or decline. You have a few seconds to decide. If you tap Accept, the file goes to the appropriate app — a photo to Photos, a contact to Contacts, a document to Files. If you tap Decline, the file is rejected and nothing is saved to your phone.
Declined files don't stay on your phone and the sender gets no information about where the file went. You can also ignore the notification entirely, which has the same effect as declining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I AirDrop to someone if they're not in my Contacts?
Only if their AirDrop is set to Everyone. If it's set to Contacts Only, they won't see your phone on their list. You'd need to ask them to change their setting temporarily, or use email or a messaging app instead.
Does AirDrop use data or my phone plan?
No. AirDrop transfers files directly between phones using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, not your cellular connection. You won't see any data usage on your bill, and it works even if you have no cell signal.
What if I accidentally accept an AirDrop file I don't want?
Go to the app where it landed and delete it. For photos, open Photos and delete the image. For files, open Files and delete the document. There's no way to block someone from sending you AirDrop files except by turning AirDrop off entirely or setting it to Contacts Only.
Why isn't AirDrop showing up on my phone?
Turn on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. AirDrop won't work if either is off. Also check that AirDrop isn't set to Receiving Off in Settings > General > AirDrop. If you're trying to receive from someone, make sure their phone has AirDrop on and set to either Contacts Only or Everyone.