Transferring files via Bluetooth between iPhone and Android devices is natively impossible. For example, if you want to transfer photos, videos, or documents between an Android device and an iPhone, the best solution is WhatsApp or another messaging app that allows data transfer between devices. Things are much simpler if you want to transfer files between Apple devices using AirDrop.
Table of Contents
What is AirDrop and how is it activated?
AirDrop is a technology exclusively found on Apple devices, initially launched for Mac computers with OS X Lion in 2011. Later, in 2012, the AirDrop technology was available on the first generations of iPad Pro and iPad mini, and it was introduced on iPhone devices starting with iOS 7 in 2013.
AirDrop uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to discover and connect nearby devices, allowing wireless file sharing between them. With AirDrop, you can transfer and share almost anything between Apple devices. Users can share photos, videos, documents, contacts, web pages, and more. Although AirDrop requires the Wi-Fi service to be enabled for it to function, the devices do not need to be connected to a wireless network to transfer data between them.
How to activate AirDrop on iPhone or iPad devices.
Enabling AirDrop for iPhone or iPad devices is done by following the steps below:
1. Open the Settings app on iOS or iPadOS (Settings).
2. Go to general settings (General).
3. Go to AirDrop options and enable the service. You can turn on AirDrop for contacts in your address book or for anyone, for a duration of 10 minutes.
Alternatively, AirDrop can be activated from the control center (Control Center) of the iPhone or iPad, without having to enter the settings menu.
1. Swipe down from the top-right of the screen to open Control Center.
2. In the connectivity options, press and hold your finger in the center of the control panel until the extended options appear. Including the option for AirDrop.
3. Press and hold the AirDrop icon until the options to turn AirDrop on and off open.
4. Choose to enable AirDrop for contacts in your address book or for anyone, for a duration of 10 minutes. With one of these two options enabled, you can transfer files between devices Apple via AirDrop.
Follow the image below to better understand how you can enable AirDrop from Control Center on iPhone and iPad.
Once you have activated one of the two options you can transfer files between devices Apple via AirDrop.
How to activate AirDrop on Mac or MacBook computers.
Enabling AirDrop on computers Mac or MacBook can be done by following the steps below:
1. Open system settings (System Settings) then access the general settings (General).
2. Go to AirDrop settings & Handoff and turn on AirDrop for contacts in your address book or for anyone. (Contacts Only / Everyone).
Just like on your iPhone or iPad, enabling AirDrop on macOS it can also be done from the Control Center.
How to transfer files between Apple devices using AirDrop.
Once you have AirDrop enabled, you can transfer files between devices Apple. For the transfer service to work, you must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections active, and AirDrop must be enabled for contacts or anyone. Also, the device on which you want to transfer pictures, videos, documents or other files must be with the screen open and unlocked.
The distance between the devices must not be more than 9 meters for the transfer to take place. However, if you move away and out of AirDrop's range, data transfer will continue using your cellular data connection (and you may be charged if you don't have data included in your carrier plan).
With AirDrop, almost anything that can be shared between devices can be transferred securely and encrypted Apple. From pictures, videos, contacts, documents, web links, locations, and even passkeys and passwords.
Transfer photos and videos via AirDrop.
If you want to transfer photos and videos from your iPhone to another iPhone, iPad or Mac, follow the steps below:
1. Open the application Photos and select the photos and videos you want to share via AirDrop with another iPhone, iPad, or Mac device.
2. Tap the share icon, then in the menu that opens, tap the AirDrop icon.
3. Select the device to which you want to send the photos and videos via AirDrop.
4. Wait for the data transfer to complete. Transfer progress is marked by a blue circle around the avatar of the contact being transferred to.
Transfer songs via AirDrop.
AirDrop is also a great way to share music with others, even if they don't have a subscription Apple Music.
If you have a subscription Apple Music, you can share songs with other iPhone owners via AirDrop. However, there are some limitations to the person receiving the songs via AirDrop. Although the person will be able to listen to the songs, they will not be able to automatically add them to the library Apple Music and you won't be able to download or listen to them offline either.
NameDrop and device proximity transfer.
With iOS 17, data transfer between two iPhones can also be done simply by bringing them close together. Select the files you want to transfer, then bring your iPhone close to the recipient's iPhone and follow the transfer instructions. Basically, this option will transfer data via AirDrop, without having to use the share menu.
By simply bringing two iPhone devices closer together or Apple Watch, contact details can be exchanged via NameDrop. This feature uses AirDrop to transfer contact data (vCard) between the two devices.
Related: All iOS 17 news and features.
In conclusion, if you want to transfer files between devices Apple, AirDrop is a handy way for many users Apple. Through AirDrop you can share files with friends and family. It's a fast and secure way to transfer files of any type, from photos and videos to documents and presentations.
