AirDrop is one of the most convenient and easiest ways to share large files between one Apple device and another. It lets you share different files like images, video clips, and apps with your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. While AirDrop is one of the most reliable sharing platforms, it has its shortcomings.
So, why is AirDrop declined? AirDrop can be declined when the distance between two devices is too long. For AirDrop to work, the two devices involved must be near each other. Too much distance between them makes it difficult to link them, hence AirDrop being declined.
To fix this problem, you have to move nearer and ensure Bluetooth is turned on. You are also ensured that the two devices are a parable.
AirDrop is a reliable sharing feature developed by Apple. Through AirDrop, you can share different files among your Apple devices. Even though AirDrop can handle all kinds of file sharing, many users wonder why it is declined in some cases.
The main reason why AirDrop declined is the distance between the two devices. When the involved devices are too far apart, AirDrop will be declined. This is why it is vital to keep the two devices close together.
Too much distance between them makes it impossible for them to connect, hence problems with AirDrop. You are encouraged to keep the devices only a few meters from each other. Besides, you should ensure that the Bluetooth is turned on for maximum efficiency.
Apart from the distance, there are many other causes of AirDrop declining. Knowing some of these causes will go a long way in enhancing your experience with AirDrop.
AirDrop can be declined when the devices are asleep. This is one of the leading causes of connection problems on AirDrop. If the device you are trying to send the files to isn’t unlocked, you will not find it on AirDrop. As a result, AirDrop will be declined.
This is why it is vital to ensure all the involved devices are unlocked and not in sleep mode. Failure to do so, you will have challenges finding the device on AirDrop. In some cases, AirDrop might fail to work completely.
Another common cause of AirDrop being declined is the unavailability of Wi-Fi. A stable Wi-Fi connection is vital in AirDrop operations. If the device is sharing its internet connection with several other devices, the Wi-Fi aerial won’t be available for you to use with AirDrop.
Many users complain that their devices won’t be found on AirDrop, especially when the Wi-Fi is overloaded. To fix this problem, you must reduce the number of connected devices. You should also stop sharing by going to System Preferences and keeping the number of connected devices to a minimum number.
To do so, navigate to the Internet Sharing section and proceed to turn the toggle off. Similarly, if you’re using your device to share a Wi-Fi hotspot, AirDrop won’t work. Most people create a Wi-Fi hotspot on their iPhone or Mac in order to share a data connection with other devices. While this might work for that purpose, it will affect AirDrop functionality.
You cannot use AirDrop when your device is in such an arrangement. This is the case because you need to have enabled Wi-Fi in order for AirDrop to function.
Therefore, you should always ensure that your Wi-Fi is turned on when planning to use AirDrop. Keep in mind that turning on airplane mode has the same effect as disabled Wi-Fi. When your device is in airplane mode, both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will be unavailable to connect to AirDrop.
This is the case in most cases, especially if one of the devices is in airplane mode. It is vital to note that you should be able to AirDrop even when the broadband is down. This is the case because AirDrop doesn’t require an internet connection.
What it needs is to connect the Wi-Fi aerial to both devices and establish a network. To keep AirDrop connected, you must keep the Wi-Fi on. The moment you turn it off, you automatically disconnect AirDrop.
Issues with Bluetooth connection could also be the reason why AirDrop is declined. You already know that Bluetooth is an essential part of AirDrop operations. Therefore, apart from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth could also be an issue.
You must keep the two devices connected via Bluetooth for the best results. If you are having problems with the Bluetooth connection, you could try to disconnect all other Bluetooth devices to try and fix the problem. If there is another Bluetooth connection nearby, you can try to connect it to find out if there is a problem with the connection.
This will help you know what is wrong with your device and how to fix it. Alternatively, you can try turning the Bluetooth on and off to see if it can fix the problem.
When the file you are trying to share is too big, you might experience challenges with AirDrop. Generally, the file’s size isn’t the reason AirDrop is declined. This is the case because there is no set limit to the file size you can send through AirDrop.
Besides, the file won’t fail to airdrop because of insufficient data, or there isn’t sufficient storage left on iCloud. The thing is, when the file is very large, it will take longer to send. This is one of the reasons why AirDrop isn’t working or is declined.
Additionally, if the receiving device doesn’t have sufficient storage, then Airdrop may not successfully send the file. It will be declined. This is why it is vital to keep the device closer and ensure there is sufficient storage on both.
Stop AirDrop from declining on iPhones
AirDrop is a file-sharing platform on Apple devices. Given its unique features, you can use AirDrop to share any type of file, no matter its size. Some Apple users wonder how they can stop AirDrop from declining the iPhone.
To stop AirDrop from declining your iPhone, go to settings, then reset the network settings. By resetting the Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone, you prevent the risk of the connection breaking down on your device. Note that resetting your network setting also resets all Wi-Fi passwords and networks.
To reconnect them, you have to key in new data. Resetting network settings also affects cellular settings, APN and VPN settings, and other connections you have used before. Despite all these effects, resetting network settings will help prevent AirDrop from declining your iPhone.
For a stable connection with your device, you must ensure that the iPhone is discoverable to get the airdrop. If your iPhone is not discoverable, then it will be declined by AirDrop. To confirm this, there are several steps you need to follow.
Remember that AirDrop problems vary depending on the iPhone version you are using. For instance, the AirDrop issues on iPhone 13 might not be the same as those on iPhone 8.
Besides, if you are using iPadOS or iOS devices, you must keep the settings synchronized. To do so, click on settings, select general, then click on AirDrop. If you notice that the option of “receiving” is off, then it is probably the reason why your iPhone is being declined.
Turn it on to fix the problem. After doing so, try sending files to your iPhone using AirDrop to see if the problem has been fixed.
Another way you can fix the connection problem is by trying to restart the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This helps clear some cache that might be affecting AirDrop functionality. Besides, you can simply sign into your iCloud account and try fixing the AirDrop issue.
To do so, there are several steps you need to follow. For instance, you have to enter into the settings app and then key in your loggings for iCloud.
After evaluating the issue on iCloud, sign out from the platform and then sign into your account again. This process will help fix the connection problem with your iPhone. After doing this process, check whether the problem has been fixed or not.
If the problem is fixed, go ahead and enjoy the service, but if not, try applying another troubleshooting method. Thankfully, there are many other ways you can fix the AirDrop connection problem on iPhones.
For instance, you are required to simply turn off the Bluetooth setting and wait to see if the problem is fixed. For the best results, you are encouraged to wait for about 29 seconds and then turn it back on. Most iPhone users use this method first whenever they experience connection problems with AirDrop.
While it seems like a pretty straightforward fix, it can be effective and ineffective in equal measure. If restarting the Bluetooth is getting the job done, you can try putting your phone on airplane mode and leave it for 20 seconds.
After that, turn off airplane mode and see if the problem has been fixed. In most cases, this method fixes the connection problem. There are chances of a connection problem arising from your network settings. In that case, you need to be cautious with your operations.
Go to the network settings and see whether all options are in sync. If not, you should reset the network options like your Wi-Fi password and all the other details. Thankfully, the process of fixing this problem is quick and efficient. You don’t have to worry about distance when resetting internet settings.
Keep in mind that AirDrop completely depends on Bluetooth when it comes to discovering nearby devices. Apart from Bluetooth, Wi-Fi is also an essential part of the connection. This means that for an ideal connection with AirDrop, you must keep your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
You should also keep the two devices close together for easy connection. Turning off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi means that the involved devices won’t work properly.
AirDrop issues on iPhone
AirDrop makes it possible to share different files on your Apple device. It is one of the most reliable apps for that purpose. However, some users wonder why they cannot AirDrop from their iPhone.
The main reason why AirDrop fails to work on iPhones is when the Bluetooth is turned off. As mentioned earlier, Bluetooth is an essential part of AirDrop, and it needs it to function effectively. Apart from Bluetooth, you must also ensure that the device is discoverable. When one of the devices is not discoverable, AirDrop will not work. You are also encouraged to adjust the firewall settings if none of these fixes works.
Keep in mind that AirDrop uses Bluetooth to discover new devices. This means that when the Bluetooth is turned off, AirDrop will not discover your device. Therefore, ensure that your Bluetooth is turned on to keep the connection stable.
AirDrop on Mac decline problems
You can use AirDrop on any Apple device including Macs, iPhones, and iPads. AirDrop comes with highly sophisticated technology that makes it easy to share large files between devices. Some users wonder why Mac keeps declining AirDrop.
If you have a firewall implemented on your Mac, it might keep declining AirDrop. If that is the case, you need to turn off the firewall first before trying to connect to AirDrop. The presence of a firewall on your Mac makes it difficult for AirDrop to connect. This explains why AirDrop keeps declining it.
Apart from the firewall, you should also check for interference from other devices. This is the case because sometimes, it is not just Bluetooth devices that affect AirDrop operations. Turn off any other devices that could use Bluetooth or affect the connection.
This will help fix the problem. For convenience, you should also keep a short distance between the two devices. Doing so will ensure easy connectivity.
Wrap Up
AirDrop is an ideal file-sharing platform on Apple devices. You can use it to share different files on your Apple devices. AirDrop can be declined when there is a large distance between two devices.
When the involved devices are far apart, AirDrop will not connect. Consequently, it is declined. Besides, when one of the involved devices is on sleep mode, AirDrop might be declined. If you want to stop AirDrop from declining your iPhone, you should go to settings and reset the network settings. By doing so, you help prevent your iPhone from being declined.
