What is AirDrop?
AirDrop is Apple’s air-to-air file-transfer feature, which allows you to quickly and securely send files and data between two or more Apple devices in close range of each other. Sharing a bunch of photos or a big video shouldn’t feel like hard work. You know when your email has reached its limit, and your messaging app takes ages? AirDrop gets around all that. Native to iPhone, iPad and Mac, it lets you send files within seconds no matter the size, without also having to use your mobile data or the internet.
With AirDrop, you can send:
- Photos and videos
- Documents (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.)
- Contacts
- Locations and map pins
- Web links
- Notes and text content
- App Store links (not the actual app)
- Music and audio files (non-DRM)
- Voice recordings
- Wallet passes (tickets, boarding passes)
- Files from third-party apps (Drive, WhatsApp, etc.)
- Maps directions and shared routes
No more keeping your files under the stupidly low email limit - goodbye 10MB maximum attachments.
How does it work?
- Bluetooth finds nearby devices
- Wi-Fi transfers files quickly and securely
It creates a direct, encrypted connection between devices, meaning
- No internet is required
- No mobile data is used
- Transfers are fast and private in encrypted format
How to turn on AirDrop
Before using AirDrop, make sure:
- Wi-Fi is turned on
- Bluetooth is enabled
- Devices are within range
On iPhone and iPad (after iOS 7):
- Open Settings
- Tap General → AirDrop
- Choose: Contacts Only / Everyone
AirDrop on Mac:
- Open Finder
- Click AirDrop
- Set your visibility to Contacts Only or Everyone
Using AirDrop
Sending item via AirDrop in 5 simple steps
- Select the item you want to AirDrop (whether it’s a photo, video, link or document)
- Tap the Share icon
- Tap AirDrop
- Then choose any nearby person who’s available to AirDrop
- Wait for your recipient to accept or decline
How to receive AirDrop
- Wait for the notification you receive from AirDrop from the sender
- Tap "Accept"
- Your desired file now saves automatically in the right app
What can you AirDrop?
What file types can you AirDrop? Everything from photos and videos, documents, contacts, locations and map pins, web links, notes and text content, app store links, music and audio files, voice recordings, wallet passes, files from third-party apps, maps directions and shared routes.
Why use AirDrop instead of mobile data?
AirDrop has a host of advantages over messaging apps and cloud services, including:
- zero data usage
- no file compression
- fast transfer speeds
- don’t need to exchange phone numbers
For example, you can send hundreds of photos and it won’t affect your data allowance—perfect for when you’re traveling or going over your cap!
Is AirDrop working? Here’s what you need to check
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are switched on
- Devices are close together
- AirDrop settings are correct
- You’re signed into iCloud
- Devices support iOS or macOS
Still not working? Try restarting both devices.
Is AirDrop safe?
Yes. AirDrop is safe, as Apple encrypts transferred files during the transfer process. For extra safety:
- Use “Contacts Only” in public areas
- Avoid accepting files from unknown users
Conclusion
AirDrop is one of the simplest and quickest ways to transfer files between Apple devices. Whether you’re sending festive photos or important documents, it’s reliable, 100% safe, and completely free. While AirDrop excels at local sharing, maintaining connectivity while on the go is equally crucial. With Lycamobile UK, enjoy flexible plans, great-value data, and connectivity beyond devices!