You've probably heard of AirDrop before, but you may be wondering what AirDrop is, how it works, and, of course, how to use it. AirDrop allows you to wirelessly send and receive photos, videos, websites, locations, and more with nearby Apple devices. Let's get started learning how to enable AirDrop on our iPhones and how to use it.

Why You'll Love This Tip

Learn how to use AirDrop to easily receive pictures from someone else's iPhone or iPad to your own device.
To turn on AirDrop, open the Control Center, touch and hold the Wi-Fi icon, tap AirDrop, and select a receiving option.

How to Turn On AirDrop & Receive AirDrop Files

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 27 beta and works on iPhones and iPads running iOS 7 and later. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.

For AirDrop to work, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on, and you must be signed into your iCloud account. You'll also need to be sure that neither you nor the person who's sending or receiving AirDropped content from you has a Personal Hotspot on. Additionally, it's important to note that you need to be within Wi-Fi or Bluetooth range to use AirDrop.

Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
Touch and hold the Wi-Fi Signal.
Tap AirDrop.
Tap Receiving Off, Contacts Only, or Everyone for 10 Minutes; you'll need to choose Contacts Only or Everyone to receive AirDrop.
Now, when someone sends you AirDropped content, you can Decline or Accept.
To AirDrop content to someone, tap the Share icon in the item you've chosen.
Tap AirDrop.
Tap the person or device you want to AirDrop.
You'll see a notification that your AirDrop was sent.