Struggling to send files from your iPhone to your iPad via AirDrop can be frustrating. One common reason for AirDrop not working is that your devices might not support it or are incompatible. If your iPhone or iPad is running on outdated software, this can also prevent a successful transfer.
Sometimes, the problem lies in simple settings that can be easily fixed. Make sure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. Additionally, your iPad must be unlocked for AirDrop to function. If these steps don’t work, resetting your network settings might help.
Understanding these basic steps can save you a lot of headaches. By ensuring your devices are on newer iOS versions and adjusting a few settings, you can get back to easily sharing files between your iPhone and iPad.
AirDrop is one of the most convenient features of the Apple ecosystem, but when it fails to work, it can be incredibly frustrating. If you are trying to send a file, photo, or website to your iPad and it isn’t showing up, the issue is usually a simple setting that has been overlooked.
Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting why you can’t AirDrop to your iPad.
1. Check the Basics (The “Big Three”)
Before diving into deep settings, ensure these three things are active on both the sending device and the receiving iPad:
- Wi-Fi is ON: AirDrop uses Wi-Fi to create a “peer-to-peer” network. You don’t need to be connected to the internet, but the Wi-Fi radio must be toggled on.
- Bluetooth is ON: AirDrop uses Bluetooth to “discover” nearby devices.
- Proximity: The devices should be within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other.
2. Adjust AirDrop Visibility Settings
The most common reason an iPad won’t appear in the AirDrop menu is that its receiving settings are too restrictive.
- On your iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center.
- Firmly press (or long-press) the square block containing the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons.
- Tap the AirDrop icon.
- Select Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Note: If it was set to “Receiving Off,” you won’t see the device. If it was set to “Contacts Only,” and the sender isn’t in your iPad’s Contacts app with their correct email/phone number, it won’t show up.
3. Turn Off “Personal Hotspot”
AirDrop and Personal Hotspot cannot run at the same time because they both require the Wi-Fi radio to function differently.
- Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and ensure it is toggled OFF on both devices.
4. Check “Do Not Disturb” or Focus Modes
If your iPad is in Do Not Disturb or another Focus mode (like Sleep or Work), the AirDrop notification may be suppressed.
- Open the Control Center and check if the “Moon” icon or a Focus label is active. Turn it off and try the transfer again.
5. Check Screen Time Restrictions
If the AirDrop icon is missing entirely or greyed out, it might be disabled in your iPad’s Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Go to Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps.
- Ensure the toggle for AirDrop is turned ON (green).
6. Ensure the iPad is Awake and Unlocked
For security reasons, an iPad often won’t appear as an AirDrop target if it is “asleep” (black screen).
- Press the power button or tap the screen to wake the iPad and unlock it using FaceID, TouchID, or your Passcode. Keep the iPad on the Home Screen while waiting for the file.
7. Update Your Software
Sometimes, a bug in iPadOS prevents AirDrop from functioning correctly.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update to ensure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS.
- Note: Older devices may have compatibility issues with newer ones if the software gap is too large.
8. The “Hard Reset” Method
If the settings are all correct but it still isn’t working, the “handshake” between the two devices might be stuck.
- Toggle Radios: Turn Bluetooth and Wi-Fi OFF and then back ON for both devices.
- Restart: Restart both your iPad and the sending device.
- Reset Network Settings (Last Resort): This will wipe your saved Wi-Fi passwords, but it often fixes persistent AirDrop issues.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Summary Checklist
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are ON.
- Personal Hotspot is OFF.
- iPad is set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes.”
- iPad is awake and unlocked.
- Both devices are within 30 feet.
Pro Tip: If you are trying to AirDrop from a Mac to an iPad, ensure the Mac’s Firewall isn’t blocking all incoming connections. You can check this in System Settings > Network > Firewall > Options.
Key Takeaways
- Devices may be incompatible or running outdated software.
- Check Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ensure the iPad is unlocked.
- Resetting network settings might resolve the issue.
Troubleshooting AirDrop on Your iPad
This section addresses common issues with AirDrop on an iPad and provides practical solutions. Learn how to check compatibility, device settings, software updates, and perform resets to get AirDrop working again.
Understanding AirDrop Compatibility
AirDrop works with devices running iOS 7 or later, iPadOS, iPhones, iPads, and Macs with OS X Yosemite or later. Both devices must support AirDrop for a connection to happen.
- Check your iPad’s iOS version: Go to Settings > General > About to see your current version.
- Ensure your other device is compatible.
Compatibility is key. If one device doesn’t meet these requirements, AirDrop won’t work.
Checking Device Settings and Connections
Ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. Disable Personal Hotspot as it can block connections.
- On your iPad: Open Control Center by swiping from the top-right corner. Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are activated.
- Visibility Setting: Set AirDrop to Everyone or Contacts Only in Control Center to make your iPad discoverable.
- Unlock Devices: Both devices must be on and unlocked.
These settings ensure a stable connection.
Ensuring Software Is Up to Date
Outdated software can cause issues with AirDrop. Always run the latest updates.
- Updating iPadOS/iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.
- Updating macOS: On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update.
Installing updates fixes bugs and improves compatibility. Always update both devices for the best performance.
Performing Network and Device Resets
Sometimes, resetting network settings or the device itself helps fix AirDrop issues.
- Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears saved Wi-Fi networks but can resolve connectivity issues.
- Restart Devices: Turn off and on your iPad and the other device.
- Hard Reset: If all else fails, you can try a hard reset by holding the Power and Home/Volume buttons until the Apple logo appears.
These resets can often solve lingering problems and restore full functionality to AirDrop.
