share files with your iPhone, iPad and Mac
Quickly share a photo with a friend or send an interesting podcast. With AirDrop, Apple users can quickly and easily share files with each other. In this starter guide, we’ll walk you through enabling and setting up AirDrop.
Read on after the ad.
AirDrop: Get started quickly with this starter guide
Want to quickly transfer a file to another Apple device? For example to a friend’s iPhone, or your own Mac? Then AirDrop is by far the easiest way to share files. In this starter guide we take a look at everything you need to know. Are you short on time? Tap one of the links below to go directly to the relevant section of this guide.
Table of contents:
- What is it?
- Activate
- How do you share files?
- AirDrop Settings
1. What is AirDrop?
Sending files super fast and easy: that’s what AirDrop does. With this feature you can wirelessly share apps, contacts, documents, photos, locations, music, podcasts, videos and even entire websites with (other) iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. So AirDrop only works between Apple devices.
There are, however, a few things you should keep in mind. For example, AirDrop only works when the person you want to send something to is nearby, because the file sharing uses Bluetooth and WiFi. Both you and the recipient must have these options enabled. Also, the recipient must be open to receiving AirDrop files as we explain below.
Also read: 5 file types you can share with AirDrop at lightning speed
2. Activate AirDrop
Using AirDrop is child’s play. You may still need to activate the feature. On an iPhone or iPad, the fastest way to do this is through the Control Center:
- Unlock the iPhone/iPad and bring out the Control Panel;
- Hold down the block at the top left with, among other things, the icons for bluetooth and wifi;
- You should now see AirDrop appear: tap the icon;
- Choose whether you want to turn the feature on for everyone, or just contacts.
Want to use AirDrop on an Apple computer? Which can. To enable AirDrop, follow the steps below:
- Make sure the computer is unlocked and turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, if not already done;
- Open the Finder and click AirDrop in the navigation screen;
- Click on ‘I can be found by’ at the bottom;
- Choose whether you want to turn the feature on for everyone, or just contacts.
Also useful: Tip: Share files even faster with AirDrop in your Mac dock
3. How does AirDrop work?
Have a file you want to share with someone nearby? That is very simple. From the app you’re currently using, tap the Share button, identified by the square with an upward pointing arrow.
Depending on which app you’re using, you can tap AirDrop right away, or you’ll need to tap Share to first. Then you indicate with whom you want to share the photo, song or website in question. Of course you can tick several people.
When someone shares something with you, you’ll see an alert on your iPad, iPhone, or Mac. This notification tells you what someone wants to send you. It is then up to you to approve this request, but you can also decline the AirDrop invitation. The material enters the app from which it was sent. For example, you can find photos in the Photos app.
Do you share something between your own Apple devices, say a photo from your Mac to your iPhone? Then you don’t have to accept this AirDrop request. The picture will be sent immediately. Just make sure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices. That way, Apple knows that you own both products, so no permission is needed.
4. AirDrop: Adjust Settings
Are you dealing with a prankster who sends unsolicited files via AirDrop? You can do something about this! You can set who can send things to your Apple device: everyone, only contacts or nobody.
On an iPhone, open the Settings app, then tap General. Choose “AirDrop” and then choose who can share files with you. You can also disable AirDrop completely. These AirDrop settings can also be adjusted via the Control Panel, as we already showed in step 2 when activating.
Read more: This is how you prevent unwanted AirDrops to your Apple device
More about Apple’s way of sharing files
In general, we are enthusiastic about AirDrop, but the file sharing function is not perfect. Sometimes the feature doesn’t work for inexplicable reasons. Can’t share files? Then read our article about what to do when AirDrop doesn’t work.
In that article we look at the possible solutions if you run into problems. Want to read more useful Apple tips? Then sign up for our newsletter, or download the free iPhoned app for your iPhone and iPad!
