How to Transfer Data From iPhone to iPhone Using AirDrop

Stop transferring data between iPhones using email or a cloud file-sharing service. AirDrop, probably one of Apple's best features, lets you transfer files wirelessly between Apple products. This article will explain how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using AirDrop step by step. If the files on your iPhone don't support AirDrop, this article also provides a solution for transferring data between iPhones without AirDrop.

Part 1. Introduction to AirDrop

AirDrop is a proprietary wireless ad hoc service developed by Apple Inc. and introduced in Mac OS X Lion and iOS 7. It uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology to create a peer-to-peer network between nearby two or more devices. It is a secure, easy, and wireless method to share files between Apple devices such as Phones, iPads, and Mac computers without cables or internet connectivity.

What can you transfer from iPhone to iPhone using AirDrop? AirDrop allows users to transfer a variety of files and data types between Apple iPhones, including photos, videos, contacts, documents, music, locations, passes, and more.

Part 2. How to AirDrop From iPhone to iPhone

It is very easy to use AirDrop on your iPhone for data transfer as long as the feature is correctly configured. The following process describes how to AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone and how to receive AirDrop from another iPhone.

Step 1. Turn on AirDrop on iPhones

To send data from iPhone to iPhone via AirDrop, you should first enable the AirDrop features on both iPhones. Here is how to turn on AirDrop on iPhone:

• Go to "Settings" > "Wi-Fi," and move the slider to the right to turn it on. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network is not a must.
• Go back to "Settings" > "Bluetooth," and move the slider to the right to turn it on.
• Go back to "Settings" > "Personal Hotspot," and move the slider to the left to turn it off.

Step 2. Place the Two iPhones Close to Each Other

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signal strength may affect the effectiveness of the AirDrop transfer between iPhones. Typically, the maximum range for AirDrop is about 30 feet, so make sure both iPhones are placed nearby.

Step 3. Configure AirDrop Receiving Settings

To make the process simpler, it is advised that the iPhone that receives data is set to receive from everyone, not only people in Contacts.

• Go to "Settings" > "General" > "AirDrop."

• Choose "Everyone."

Step 4. Transfer Data From iPhone via AirDrop

You can AirDrop different types of files from an iPhone to another as long as the AirDrop icon shows up in the Share options. For example,

To AirDrop Contacts from iPhone to iPhone: Open the "Contacts" app on your iPhone, tap on the contact you want to send, tap "Share Contact," choose "AirDrop," and select the target device's name or recipient's name.

To AirDrop photos from iPhone to iPhone: Open the "Photos" app, open a photo or a video you would like to share, click the share icon at the bottom of your screen, choose "AirDrop," and tap on the target iPhone's name or recipient's name. This also applies to moving videos from one iPhone to another.

To AirDrop music from iPhone to iPhone: Open "Apple Music," play the song you want to transfer, tap the three dots, choose "Share Song," and select the person you would like to share with. How to Transfer Data From iPhone to iPhone Using AirDrop.

Step 5. Receive Data on Target iPhone

An AirDrop window will pop up on the target iPhone with a preview with two options - Decline and Accept. Tap "Accept," and the file will be saved and opened within the same app it was sent from.

However, problems always happen. If you find yourself encountering AirDrop not working, you can check the following passage to fix it:

Six Ways to Fix Airdrop Not Working on iPhone or iPad

Want to transfer data from one iPhone to another or from iPhone/iPad to Mac? Using Airdrop is always a good way that immediately comes into our minds. What if Airdrop is not working when there is a need for it? Read more >>

Part 3. How to Transfer Data From iPhone to iPhone Without AirDrop

AirDrop is convenient but insufficient for moving data from iPhone to iPhone. Some data, such as apps, messages, calendar events, and call logs, can't be transferred through Apple's AirDrop function. If you are looking for a way to transfer everything from iPhone to iPhone, especially transfer data from your old iPhone to a new iPhone 14, you will need professional iPhone transfer software.

EaseUS MobiMover is a secure and fast phone-to-phone transfer software application that seamlessly transfers data from one smartphone to another, including from an iPhone to another. It supports moving 18+ types of data, including images, videos, audio files, apps, messages, call logs, and many more. In addition, EaseUS MobiMover allows users to send files from iPhone to PC or vice versa.

How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without AirDrop using MobiMover

Follow the steps below to learn how to use EaseUS MobiMover:

Step 1. Connect both of the iPhones to the computer and launch EaseUS MobiMover. Then click "Phone to Phone", check the transfer direction, and click "Next" to continue.

Step 2. Select one category or multiple categories that you want to copy, and click "Transfer".

Step 3. Wait for the tool to transfer selected files from one iPhone to another. When the process finishes, go to the corresponding apps to check the newly added files. 

Part 4. Conclusion

Since iPhones use the same iOS operating system, data exchange should be easy without needing third-party software. Using Apple's AirDrop, a wireless data transfer technology by Apple, is the simplest way to move data from one iPhone to another. This article walks you through how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using AirDrop with a step-by-step guide. For transferring data that AirDrop doesn't support, install EaseUS MobiMover on your computer and copy data between iPhones.

FAQs on How to Transfer Data From iPhone to iPhone Using AirDrop

This part contains the most frequently asked questions on how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone via AirDrop. Read to explore more.

1. Can I AirDrop everything from one iPhone to another?

Unfortunately, you can't AirDrop everything from iPhone to iPhone. Typically, you can AirDrop photos, videos, documents, audio files, locations, contacts, and notes from your iPhone.

2. Why is AirDrop not working on transferring data from iPhone to iPhone?

There could be a few reasons why AirDrop is not working on your iOS for data transfer:

• Weak Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals.
• Target iPhone is set to receive data from Contacts Only, or the receiving is turned off.
• System glitches.
• Not enough space on the target phone.

3. The AirDrop is on the Receiving Off settings, and I can't change it. What to do?

To allow your iPhone to receive data from another Apple device:

• Open Settings > Screen Time.
• Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Toggle it off or go to Allowed Apps and turn on AirDrop.