AirDrop not working on your iPhone is typically caused by incorrect settings, connectivity issues, or software conflicts—especially after iOS updates like iOS 17. The most common fixes involve adjusting AirDrop visibility settings, ensuring Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are active, and disabling interfering features like Personal Hotspot or Do Not Disturb mode. Many users report success by restarting their devices or resetting network settings, while others resolve the issue by re-signing into iCloud or checking Screen Time restrictions that may block AirDrop functionality.

Key findings from the sources:

• Basic requirements: Both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, be unlocked, and within 30 feet of each other ^[3][7]
• Common conflicts: Personal Hotspot, Do Not Disturb mode, and outdated iOS versions frequently disrupt AirDrop ^[4][8]
• Post-update issues: iOS 17 users report AirDrop failures even between compatible devices, often fixed by toggling AirDrop restrictions in Screen Time ^[1]
• Advanced steps: Resetting network settings or performing a hard reboot resolves persistent issues for many users ^[2][10]

Troubleshooting AirDrop on iPhone

Essential Settings and Connectivity Checks

Before diving into complex fixes, verify the fundamental requirements for AirDrop to function. AirDrop relies on a combination of Bluetooth for device discovery and Wi-Fi for the actual file transfer, so both must be operational. Start by opening the Control Center on your iPhone and confirming that:

• Bluetooth is enabled (icon should be blue). If already on, toggle it off and on again to refresh the connection ^[3][7]
• Wi-Fi is enabled (even if not connected to a network). AirDrop creates a direct peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection between devices ^[5]
• Airplane Mode is off, as it disables both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simultaneously ^[8]

Next, check the AirDrop receiving settings, which are frequently overlooked:

• Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X or later) or up from the bottom (older models).
• Long-press or firmly press the network settings card (top-left cluster with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth icons).
• Tap AirDrop and select either Contacts Only (recommended for security) or Everyone for 10 Minutes (useful for troubleshooting) ^[5][10].
• If "Receiving Off" is selected, AirDrop will not detect your device ^[8].

Additional critical checks:

• Device unlock status: The receiving iPhone must be unlocked and on the Home Screen. AirDrop cannot complete transfers to a locked device ^[3][7].
• Personal Hotspot: Disable this feature in Settings > Personal Hotspot, as it conflicts with AirDrop’s Wi-Fi requirements ^[4][10].
• Do Not Disturb mode: Turn this off in Control Center or Settings > Focus, as it may block AirDrop notifications ^[2][4].

If these steps fail, proceed to the next section for deeper troubleshooting.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Issues

When basic checks don’t resolve the problem, the issue often stems from software conflicts or corrupted network settings. Start with these targeted solutions:

1. Reset Network Settings

This clears all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN configurations, and cellular settings, but often fixes AirDrop by refreshing the device’s connectivity stack:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings ^[1][10].
• After resetting, reconnect to Wi-Fi and test AirDrop again. Note that you’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterward.

1. Check Screen Time Restrictions

iOS 17 introduced stricter app restrictions that can inadvertently block AirDrop:

• Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
• Ensure AirDrop is toggled on. If grayed out, you may need to disable Content & Privacy Restrictions temporarily ^[1].
• Some users report that AirDrop appears missing entirely in this menu after updates—if so, proceed to the next step.

1. Re-sign into iCloud

AirDrop relies on iCloud for device authentication. Signing out and back in can resolve sync issues:

• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Choose to keep a copy of your data on the iPhone.
• Restart the device, then sign back in with your Apple ID ^[1].
• Test AirDrop immediately after signing in, as this often resets the authentication tokens used for transfers.

1. Hard Reboot and iOS Update

A forced restart can clear temporary software glitches:

• For iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears ^[2].
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side button simultaneously.
• After rebooting, check for pending iOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update, as Apple frequently releases patches for AirDrop bugs ^[8].

1. Disable VPN or Firewall (Mac Users)

If transferring between an iPhone and Mac, VPNs or firewalls may block the connection:

• On Mac: Go to System Settings > Network > VPN and disconnect any active VPNs ^[10].
• Temporarily disable third-party firewalls like Little Snitch or check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Firewall to ensure it’s not blocking AirDrop.

When All Else Fails:

• Test with another device: Confirm whether the issue is isolated to one device or affects all AirDrop transfers.
• Contact Apple Support: If the problem persists after all steps, there may be a hardware issue (e.g., faulty Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antenna) or a deeper iOS corruption requiring professional diagnosis ^[7].