How to Turn On Airdrop on iOS 11
To turn on Airdrop in iOS 11, open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen, press firmly (or press and hold) the network cards area to reveal additional controls, then tap the Airdrop icon. Choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone" depending on your preferred visibility. This guide explains requirements, settings, and troubleshooting so you can quickly share photos, files, and links using Airdrop on iPhone or iPad.
What Is Airdrop and When Was It Introduced
Airdrop is a peer-to-peer sharing feature that lets users wirelessly transfer files between Apple devices over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi without requiring an internet connection. It was first introduced in iOS 7 and has since become a core part of the sharing experience across iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. In iOS 11, Apple refined Airdrop with better device discovery and support for additional file types, making it a reliable tool for everyday use.
Compatibility Requirements for Airdrop on iOS 11
Not all Apple devices support Airdrop. To use Airdrop on iOS 11, your device must have both Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi hardware capable of the feature. Below is a quick reference table for common device support in iOS 11:
| Device | iOS 11 Airdrop Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5 or later | Yes | Requires iOS 11 or later |
| iPad Pro (all models) | Yes | iPad Pro 9.7-inch and later |
| iPad (4th generation) and later | Yes | Wi-Fi + Cellular models also supported |
| iPod touch (6th generation) | Yes | Final generation supporting iOS 11 |
| iPad mini 2 or later | Yes | Includes iPad mini with Retina display |
Step-by-Step: Turn On Airdrop in iOS 11
Access the Control Center
Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen on iPhone X and later, or swipe up from the bottom on earlier models. This area contains quick settings for Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airdrop.
Open Airdrop Controls
Press firmly (or press and hold) the network cards area that includes the Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth icons. On devices without 3D Touch, tap and hold the network cards area instead. This expands the Quick Settings panel to show the Airdrop option.
Select Airdrop Visibility
Tap the Airdrop icon to choose either "Receiving Off," "Contacts Only," or "Everyone." "Contacts Only" restricts transfers to people in your contacts who also use Airdrop, while "Everyone" allows any nearby iOS or macOS device to send you files.
Verify Airdrop Settings After Enabling
After turning on Airdrop, confirm the setting by opening the Share sheet from any app that supports sharing, such as Photos or Safari. Tap the top section of the Share sheet to check the Airdrown icon; it should highlight if Airdrop is active and set to your chosen visibility mode.
Troubleshooting Common Airdrop Issues
If Airdrop does not appear or fails to connect, check the following: ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on, both devices are within close proximity, and AirDrop is set to "Contacts Only" or "Everyone" on both sides. Restarting devices or toggling Airplane Mode can also resolve temporary discovery issues.
- Both devices must have Airdrop enabled
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be on, even if not connected to a network
- Ensure devices are updated to iOS 11 or later
- Avoid using Personal Hotspot on both devices simultaneously
Best Practices and Security Considerations
Use "Contacts Only" in crowded public spaces to prevent unwanted file transfers. Avoid using Airdrop with "Everyone" in busy areas where nearby devices could attempt to send content. For sensitive files, confirm the recipient’s identity before sending and decline any unsolicited transfers.
Alternative File Sharing When Airdrop Is Unavailable
If Airdrop cannot be used due to hardware or network limitations, consider using Messages, Mail, iCloud Drive, or third-party apps such as WhatsApp or Google Drive. On devices running later versions of iOS, features like Quick Look and shared albums provide additional flexible sharing options that may better suit your workflow.