AirDrop is a feature that allows nearby Apple devices to send content and files to each other wirelessly. The feature works by connecting Apple devices using Bluetooth and peer-to-peer WiFi network technology. The feature doesn’t require an internet connection, so it’s a great way to save data when sharing files on the go. When an AirDrop connection won’t work on iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max, there are several things you can try to troubleshoot the issue.
Sometimes, AirDrop is finicky due to Apple device version conflicts and Bluetooth connection issues, making it frustrating to troubleshoot.
There are a few things you can troubleshoot on your Mac or iPhone 12 when an AirDrop connection won’t work properly.
How AirDrop works
AirDrop uses Bluetooth to discover devices within a certain range Bluetooth connections can reach up to half a mile , but your devices likely need to be within 30 feet of each other to work properly and then Wi-Fi to send over the content. When Wi-Fi is unavailable, AirDrop will use your cellular service.
How to determine if AirDrop works on your device
Most newer Apple devices will work with AirDrop. However, if you are using iPhone 12 and trying to AirDrop to a first-generation iPad that does not have the feature, AirDrop will not be compatible.
Any iOS devices running iOS 7 or higher will be compatible, and any Mac running at least OS X Yosemite will work, too.
How to troubleshoot when AirDrop is not working on iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro
It’s frustrating when AirDrop is not working on iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max, so here are a few things you can do to fix the issue:
The first thing to do is to make sure your iPhone 12 has Bluetooth turned on. To do that, head to your Settings app on your iPhone. Go to Bluetooth and make sure the button is green.
Next, make sure AirDrop is turned on. Go to Settings > General > AirDrop. You can then select if you want AirDrop to be available to everyone within range or just those in your contact list. For the sake of haste, feel free to pop it on to “Everyone” to see if that quickly solves the problem. It also doesn’t hurt to try turning it off and then on again for it to reconnect.
Finally, make sure the device you want to AirDrop to has it enabled for Everyone. If they are far away, try to have them come closer to the device in case it is slightly out of range.
How to troubleshoot AirDrop on a Mac computer
Step 1: Open the Finder app from your Mac’s menu bar or search for it using Spotlight.
Step 2: On the menu on the left, select AirDrop.
Step 3: At the bottom, select the drop-down menu next to “Allow me to be discovered by” and change it to Everyone.
If that doesn’t work, use the menu bar at the top of your screen and select Wi-Fi icon. Make sure it is switched on and that you are connected to a network. Next, do the same for Bluetooth. You can also try turning both on and then off again in an attempt to reconnect.
See also: AirDrop Not Working on Big Sur? Fix it Here! | iPhoneGeeks
Here’s what you should do if it’s still not working
In the unlikely scenario where AirDrop is still not working on iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro after trying the above steps, consider restarting your iOS device or Mac computer. You may also want to update your iPhone software or update your Mac software to the latest available version if you haven’t already.
Contact Apple
After trying all of the above steps, if AirDrop still isn’t working on iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, your final resort is to get in touch with Apple. Since they make both the hardware and operating system of Apple devices, they’re in a great position to help fix the issue.
The best way to contact Apple is by going to their Support page and starting a live chat session or providing your phone number for them to call you. Let their support team know what you’ve done to try to fix the problem so far, so they can make relevant suggestions for what to try next and get to the bottom of the issue quickly.
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