What is AirDrop and How to Use to Transfer Files?

Gone are the days when you had to plug in a cable every time you wanted to transfer files.

Most operating systems these days come with their own method of file transferring that requires minimal time and effort. For Android users, it’s Nearby Share, while for Apple users, it’s AirDrop.

In this post, we’ll talk specifically about AirDrop and everything you need to know about it.

For beginners, AirDrop is a feature built into iOS and macOS (basically Apple) devices that allows quick file sharing within the ecosystem. You can easily share files from your device to another as long as it’s inside the 9-meter range.

Let’s dive deep into this wonderful feature and learn more.

Features of AirDrop

AirDrop will have your back in many cases, including when you instantly want to send a hilarious meme to your friend or when you want to transfer a bunch of documents to your manager.

It’s filled with amazing features that make sharing files a breeze. Here are just some of them.

#1. Cross-platform Support

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and own different Apple devices, then you’ll be happy to know that AirDrop has cross-platform support. For example, you can seamlessly transfer files from your iPhone to your Mac.

Also read: Airdrop Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

#2. Variety of File Types

AirDrop supports a variety of file types, including:

• Documents
• Photos
• Videos
• Map locations
• Contacts

This ensures you don’t resort to other file-sharing apps just to transfer a specific file.

#3. Multiple Recipients

Imagine sending a single file to multiple people, but ONE BY ONE. That’d be terribly time-consuming. Thankfully, AirDrop allows sending the same file to multiple recipients, helping you save time and effort.

#4. Totally Wireless

You can easily transfer files between different devices and wirelessly without an internet connection or cables.

#5. Lossless Transfer

It’s annoying when you transfer a file, and it turns out the quality has been compromised. I don’t know about you, but it has happened to me many times when using other file-sharing services.

However, with AirDrop, you can share and receive files without worrying about any quality loss. It preserves the original version to keep it as it is.

#6. Instant Preview

When you receive a file using AirDrop, it displays a preview before you accept it. This helps you identify whether or not you’re receiving the correct file. It also eliminates any third-party mischief.

#7. Complete Privacy

While using AirDrop, you don’t have to worry about risking your privacy because you get complete control over it. You can choose who can see your device for AirDrop transfers and set other visibility preferences.

#8. No File Size Limit

This is probably my favorite feature of AirDrop. It allows sending and receiving files of any size without affecting the quality. Although the transfer speed will drop slightly, I feel it’s still a good bargain.

Compatibility of AirDrop

If you’re using newer models of Apple devices, then you don’t have to worry about whether AirDrop will work on it. However, if that’s not the case, then there are some details you need to know.

If you’re trying to transfer from iOS to iOS, your device must run on iOS 7 or later. Whereas, if you want to transfer from macOS to macOS, your device must run on Mac OS X Lion (10.7) or later.

To successfully transfer files, you must ensure both devices have Wifi, and Bluetooth turned on.

How to Transfer Files Using AirDrop

Transferring files using AirDrop, whether on iPhone or Mac, is super simple and takes only a few seconds. Before you begin, make sure you’ve ticked off some pointers:

✅ The sender and the receiver are in close proximity

✅ Both devices have Bluetooth and Wifi enabled

✅ Personal hotspot is turned off

On iPhone

To send files via AirDrop from your iPhone, simply locate the file, press and hold on it, and then tap on Share. In my case, I’ve located a photo.

Tap on AirDrop.

You should see a list of nearby devices that have their AirDrop receiving turned on.

Tap on the device to which you wish to send it, and you’re done.

On Mac

The process is slightly different on Mac for obvious reasons, but it’s as easy as on iPhone. Start by opening Finder and locating the file you want to send. Next, click on the file with two of your fingers until you see these options:

Click on Share.

Click on AirDrop.

You should see the names of nearby devices that are available.

Click on the one you wish to send it to, and that’s it. Similarly, you can transfer all other types of files, such as documents, videos, contacts, etc.

How to Receive Files Using AirDrop

Before receiving files using AirDrop, you need to ensure you’ve configured your receiving settings.

To do that on iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirDrop. You should see the below options:

Receiving Off prevents all file transfers from other devices, so choose this option only when you don’t want to receive any file via AirDrop.

The Contacts Only option is suitable when you want to receive files only from the people whose number you have saved on your Contacts.

Lastly, you can select Everyone for 10 Minutes when receiving files from any nearby device.

To configure the receiving settings on Mac, go to System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff, and you should see the options.

Once you’ve chosen your desired option, you’re ready to receive files. Now, whenever somebody sends you files via AirDrop, you’ll get this popup on your screen.

After you verify it’s the correct file with the help of the preview, you can choose to Accept or Decline it.

Using a Third-party Tool

A third-party tool can be a great option when you want to do more than just transfer files.

A tool like Wondershare Dr.Fone will help you manage your iPhone and keep it performing at 100% at all times. Here are some of the many things you can do with it:

• Transfer files between iOS, Android, PC, and iTunes
• Backup data to computer
• Mirror your iPhone screen to the computer in seconds
• Unlock screen
• Erase/wipe entire or selected data
• Repair system issues
• Recover lost data
• Transfer WhatsApp data

It’s a complete mobile solution compatible with macOS X 10.8 and newer versions, and it works well for all iOS versions.

It’s also important to mention that this tool has no learning curve. You install it on your computer, plug in your iPhone, and follow the easy steps on the screen.

Closing Thoughts

Now you know all about transferring files using AirDrop and how easy it is. No more fumbling around with cables or dealing with slow transfers. It’s all about speed, simplicity, and convenience.

With just a few taps, your files get magically zapped to your desired device. Plus, with its privacy features, you can control who can send you files, giving you that extra peace of mind.

Next, learn how to change your AirDrop name on your iPad, iPhone, and Mac.