You have selected a photo, tapped Share, and the other person never appears. Before repeatedly sending it or changing account settings, check both phones together. AirDrop depends on the receiving device being ready as well as the sender choosing the right person.
1. Check both phones
Keep the devices nearby, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Disconnect Personal Hotspot on either device before trying again. Apple lists these as starting checks for AirDrop.
Ask the recipient to stay with their phone while you test. This makes it easier to distinguish “not visible” from “visible, but waiting for a response.” Note which of those situations you have.
2. Make the receiver discoverable
On the receiving iPhone, open Control Centre, touch and hold the connectivity controls, and tap AirDrop. For a person who is not in your contacts, choose Everyone for 10 Minutes. Then the sender can open the item, tap Share, choose AirDrop and select the recipient.
That temporary setting changes after ten minutes on iOS 16.2 and later: to Contacts Only when signed in to an Apple Account, or Receiving Off otherwise. If you were interrupted, check it again.
3. Follow the prompt on the receiving phone
For a contact, the recipient normally taps Accept. Apple’s current instructions say that when both devices use iOS 26.2 or later, sharing with someone outside your contacts can prompt for an AirDrop code. The recipient taps Get AirDrop Code and gives it to the sender to enter.
Read the prompt together rather than assuming every phone follows an older tutorial. Only complete the exchange with the person you intended to share with, and check the recipient’s name before sending a private document.
4. Test one ordinary item
Try a single non-sensitive photo instead of a large selection. If that works, repeat with the intended item. If only one file fails, record its type and where it is stored; if nothing works, record the phone models and iOS versions for support.
A successful test is useful evidence. Avoid signing out of an Apple Account or resetting network settings as a first response to one unsuccessful transfer.
5. Confirm arrival
Have the recipient open the item and confirm it is the correct version before you remove your copy. Return receiving settings to your preferred choice after the exchange.
If the recipient is short of space, start with our guide to freeing iPhone storage.
Source: Apple: How to use AirDrop on iPhone and iPad.
Was this helpful?
Help us make our guides more useful.
No sign-in needed. This browser remembers your response for up to 180 days.