AirDrop lets you quickly and easily transfer files between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It uses Bluetooth LE to broadcast, discover, and negotiate connections, and point-to-point Wi-Fi to transfer data. That makes it fast, power-efficient, and secure!

When you're using AirDrop between iPhones and iPads, you can AirDrop photos, videos, contacts, Passbook passes, Voice Memos, Map locations, and any and everything else that appears on a Share sheet.

Here are a few different ways to get started using AirDrop!

How to turn on AirDrop for iPhone or iPad

AirDrop lets you choose between enabling it for just your contacts or for everyone. "Contacts" requires more work, as you and the person you want to AirDrop with both have to be logged into iCloud and be in each other's Contacts. "Everyone" is easier but means random people you don't know can send you prank AirDrops.

Launch Control Center by swiping up from the bottom bezel of your iPhone or iPad. Long press on the Wi-Fi button. Tap AirDrop. Tap Contacts Only or Everyone to turn AirDrop on.

How to turn on (or off) AirDrop for iPhone X, iPhone XS, or iPhone XR

Launch Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen (by the battery life symbol). Long press on the Wi-Fi button. Tap AirDrop. Tap Contacts Only or Everyone to turn on AirDrop.

How to AirDrop files from your iPhone or iPad

You can AirDrop files from any iPhone or iPad app that includes the built-in Share sheet, and you can share to anyone and any of their devices that show up in the Share sheet.

Find the file you'd like to send with AirDrop (I chose a photo). Tap the Share button on the bottom right of your screen (looks like a box with an arrow coming out of the top). Tap the person or device you want to share to.

If you choose Everyone, even though you are highly visible to other devices, you will always be prompted when someone is trying to share files with you through AirDrop. If you don't recognize the sender or do not want to receive the files, you can always choose not to accept them.

Files sent through AirDrop will appear in the app that typically handles those sorts of files — i.e. photos will show up in Photos.

How to block AirDrop with Screen Time for iPhone and iPad

If you want to not just turn off AirDrop but block it completely, for example on your child's iPhone or iPad, you can use restrictions — also known as parental controls.

Launch Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time. Tap Turn On Screen Time. If you already have Screen Time turned on, skip to step 6. Tap Continue on the on-screen prompt. Select This is My iPhone when prompted if this is your iPhone or your child's. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. Tap Allowed Apps. Tap the AirDrop On/Off Switch. When the switch is gray AirDrop will be off.

You can repeat these steps to enable AirDrop again at any time.

How to troubleshoot AirDrop on iPhone and iPhone

AirDrop feels miraculous when it's working, frustrating when it's not. If you're having trouble with AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad, here are some fixes: