AirDrop Not Working on iOS 18.1.1? 11 Quick Fixes

AirDrop makes it incredibly easy to transfer files between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other iPhones. However, many users have reported that AirDrop is not working after updating to iOS 18.1.1. If you are experiencing this issue and are looking for a solution, don’t miss this article. Here, you’ll learn the reasons behind this problem and get 11 troubleshooting tips.

Let’s find out what they are.

Why Is My AirDrop Not Working on iOS 18.1.1?

The common reasons why AirDrop isn't working on iOS 18.1.1 collected from Apple users are listed below. Check whether your iPhone is in the same situation.  

• You share to an Apple device that doesn't support AirDrop (Older Apple device/Not Apple Device).
• Wrong AirDrop Settings.
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth is turned off.
• The distance between the two devices is far more than 30 feet (9 meters).
• Your iPhone runs out of power.
• You have enabled Airplane Mode/Focus Mode.
• You have enabled the hotspot.
• VPN issues.
• Corrupted network.
• iOS system issues.
• AirDrop compatibility issues.

How to Fix iOS 18.1.1 AirDrop Not Working

After figuring out the possible reasons, let's learn some proven solutions to fix this issue!  

Select/Change AirDrop Discoverability to Everyone

The first try recommended is to select or change AirDrop discoverability to Everyone. By doing this, the recipient can find and recognize your iPhone better.   Here is how to set AirDrop discoverability to Everyone on iPhone/iPad:

• via Control Center   Swipe up/down to access Control Center＞Tap and hold AirDrop＞Click Everyone for 10 Minutes.

• via Settings

Open Settings＞General＞ AirDrop＞Everyone for 10 Minutes.

Here is how to set AirDrop discoverability to Everyone on Mac:

• via Control Center 

Click the Control Center icon on the Menu Bar＞Click AirDrop ＞Click Everyone.

• via System Settings   Go to Apple Menu＞System Settings＞General＞AirDrop & Handoff＞Select Everyone.

Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

A successful transfer via AirDrop requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be turned on. So go to Settings or Control Center to check and turn on them.

Move the Devices Closer

Although Airdrop allows you to transfer photos, videos, etc. wirelessly, it is for nearby devices. Apple suggests that the distance between the two devices is within 30 feet (9 meters).

Restart Your iPhone

It is also recommended to give your iPhone/iPad/Mac a restart. There may be some occasional errors. Rebooting your iPhone/iPad/Mac may fix these errors.

Avoid Locking Your iPhone

Another reason for AirDrop not working on iOS 18.1.1 or "AirDrop stuck on waiting" is that you or the recipient or both of you didn't unlock the iPhone.

In this case, you'd better unlock your iPhone to complete this transfer process.  

Turn Off Airplane Mode and Focus Mode

Airplane Mode and Focus Mode will get in the way of the AirDrop transfer. As we all know, Airplane Mode will disconnect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which are the necessities of an AirDrop transfer.

Turn Off Personal Hotspot

Turning on the personal hotspot means that you aren't enabled Wi-Fi. So you can't use the AirDrop feature. Disable personal hotspot and turn on Wi-Fi to see whether this fixes the AirDrop not working issue on iOS 18.1.1/17.7.2.

Remove AirDrop Restrictions

In some rare cases, you may find that AirDrop is not showing up or is grey on your iPhone. This is because you have disabled AirDrop in the Content & Privacy Restrictions. Go check and remove the restrictions on iPhone/iPad.

Here is how:   Go to Settings＞Screen Time＞Content & Privacy Restrictions＞choose Allowed Apps＞AirDrop.

Update Your iPhone

If the problem persists after trying all the above methods, it may be due to your iOS. In this case, you just need to wait for the next update. When the update is available, tap Settings > General > Software Update to download and install it.

Reset Network Settings

If AirDrop takes too long to transfer, you can change to another Wi-Fi in better conditions or consider resetting network settings.   Reset network settings can rule out the network problem. But note that it will erase all your network settings, including your Wi-Fi password. So remember to write down your password first.

Here is how to reset network Settings:

Open Settings＞General＞Transfer or Reset iPhone＞Reset Network Settings.

Contact Apple Support

If none of the above methods work to bring your AirDrop back to normal, ask Apple Support for help.

Besides what is mentioned above, there are still some other methods that are worth a try, for example, add the sender's Email/Apple ID to his/her contact information on the recipient's iPhone, log back into your Apple Account, disconnect VPN, check and charge your iPhone, etc.

Conclusion

In this post, 11 fixes for iOS 18.1.1 AirDrop not working are presented to you. Pick one or more of these fixes and go ahead to make your AirDrop work normally again.