Airdrop is one of the most convenient and easiest ways to share large files between one Apple device and another. It lets you share different files like images, video clips, and apps with your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. While Airdrop is one of the most reliable sharing platforms, it has its shortcoming.
The main reason why Airdrop declined is the distance between the two devices. When the involved devices are too far apart, Airdrop will be declined. This is why it is vital to keep the two devices close together. Too much distance between them makes it impossible for them to connect, hence problems with Airdrop. You are encouraged to keep the devices only a few meters from each other.
Besides, you should ensure that the Bluetooth is turned on for maximum efficiency. Apart from the distance, there are many other causes of Airdrop being decline. Knowing some of these causes will go a long way in enhancing your experience with Airdrop.
The Devices are On Sleep Mode
Airdrop can be declined when the devices are asleep. This is one of the leading causes of connection problems on Airdrop. If the device you are trying to send the files to isn’t unlocked, you will not find it on Airdrop. As a result, Airdrop will be declined. This is why it is vital to ensure all the involved devices are unlocked and off sleep mode. Failure to do so, you will have challenges finding the device on Airdrop. In some cases, Airdrop might fail to work completely.
Unavailability of WiFi
Another common cause of Airdrop being declined is the unavailability of WiFi. A stable WiFi connection is vital in Airdrop operations. If the device’s internet connection is being shared by several other devices, the WiFi aerial won’t be available for Airdrop. Many users complain that their devices won’t be found on Airdrop especially when the WiFi is overloaded. To fix this problem, you must reduce the number of connected devices. You should also stop sharing via System Preferences and keep the number of connected devices to a minimum number.
To do so, navigate to the Internet Sharing section and turn off the toggle. Similarly, if you have created a WiFi hotspot with your device, Airdrop won’t work. Most people create a WiFi hotspot on their iPhone or Mac in order to share a data connection with other devices. While this might work for that purpose, it will affect Airdrop functionality. You cannot use Airdrop when your device is in such an arrangement. This is the case because your WiFi needs to be enabled for Airdrop to function.
Therefore, you should always ensure that your WiFi is turned on when planning to use Airdrop. Keep in mind that turning on airplane mode has the same effect as disabled WiFi. When your device is on airplane mode, both WiFi and Bluetooth will not be available to connect to Airdrop. This is the case in most cases especially if one of the devices is on airplane mode. It is vital to note that Airdrop should work even if the broadband is down.
This is the case because Airdrop doesn’t require an internet connection. What it needs is the WiFi aerial to connect to two devices and establish a network between them. To keep Airdrop connect, you must keep the WiFi on. The moment you turn it off, you automatically disconnect Airdrop.
Issues With Bluetooth Connection
Problems with Bluetooth connection could also be the reason why Airdrop is declined. You already know that Bluetooth is an essential part of Airdrop operations. Therefore, apart from WiFi, Bluetooth could also be the culprit. You must keep the two devices connected via Bluetooth for the best results.
If you are having problems with the Bluetooth connection, you could try and disconnect any other Bluetooth devices to see if it can fix the problem. If there is another Bluetooth connection nearby, you can try connecting it to find out if there is a problem with the connection. This will help you know what is wrong with your device and how to fix it. Alternatively, you can try turning the Bluetooth on and off to see if it can fix the problem.
Sharing a Large File
When the file you are trying to share is too big, you might experience challenges with Airdrop. Generally, the size of the file isn’t the reason Airdrop is declined. This is the case because there is no limit to the size of the file you can send through Airdrop. Besides, the file won’t refuse to go through because there is no sufficient data left, or because there isn’t sufficient storage left on iCloud.
The thing is, when the file is too large, it takes a long time to send. This is one of the reasons why Airdrop doesn’t appear to be working or is declined. Additionally, if the device you are sending the file to doesn’t have sufficient storage, it might not be sent. For that reason, Airdrop will be declined. This is why it is vital to keep the device closer and ensure there is sufficient storage on both.
