AirDrop Contacts Only Not Working? 6 Fixes Here!

AirDrop doesn't work when I select the Contacts Only option. (When I select "Everyone", AirDrop works fine.) I'm having a similar problem on my iPad. Have others experienced similar issues? If so, is there a solution, or should we wait for Apple to discover and fix the problem? Cheers.

Best Answered by

Jean· Answered on Jul 29, 2024

The reasons why AirDrop Contacts Only is not working can be an outdated iOS version, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection issue, or a network error.

Let's see how to fix the AirDrop Contacts Only not working problem on iPhone, iPad, and Mac:

Fix 1: Update your iOS to the latest version.

★Note: Only iOS 10 and later, iPadOS, or macOS Sierra 10.12 and later supports the AirDrop's Contacts Only mode.

  • iPhone and iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Install.
  • Mac: Tap the Apple icon > System settings > General > Software Update > Update Now > Restart.

Fix 2: Turn Wi-Fi off and on.

  • iPhone and iPad: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > toggle Wi-Fi off > toggle Wi-Fi on.
  • Mac: Tap the Wi-Fi symbol > toggle Wi-Fi off > toggle Wi-Fi on.

Fix 3: Turn Bluetooth off and on.

  • iPhone and iPad: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > toggle Bluetooth off > toggle Bluetooth on.
  • Mac: Tap Control Center symbol > tap Bluetooth symbol > toggle Bluetooth off > toggle Bluetooth on.

Fix 4: Reset network settings.

  • iPhone and iPad: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • Mac: Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network > press "–" to remove the Wi-Fi connection > press "+" to add and select the Wi-Fi connection > Create > Apply.

Fix 5: Hard reset the device.

  • iPhone and iPad: Press and release the Volume Up button quickly > press and release the Volume Down button quickly > press the Power button for seconds until you see the Apple logo.
  • Mac: Tap the Apple icon > tap Restart.

Fix 6: Set AirDrop to Everyone.

  • iPhone and iPad: Go to Settings > General > AirDrop > Everyone.
  • Mac: Go to Finder > AirDrop > toggle on Everyone.

Using AirDrop can be complicated and has limitations. For example, you cannot transfer more than 25 photos using AirDrop and must share files within 30 feet. Don't worry; you can use an AirDrop alternative: EaseUS MobiMover. This robust iOS data transfer tool allows users to transfer unlimited photos, graphics, and images without reducing the original quality. Videos, music, contacts, call history, messages, calendars, and other file types are supported, too.

Download EaseUS MobiMover below to transfer unlimited files between iOS, Android, and PCs.

Related Article: AirDrop Not Working on iOS 16? Fixes Here!

Download EaseUS MobiMover to Make iPhone Data Transfer Easy!

Find best solutions for iPhone backup and phone data transfer, and keep up with trending topics.

People Also Ask

Do You Back Up Your iPhone to Your Mac or iCloud?

There are many ways to back up your iPhone. You may want to find the best one. If you want to know the pros and cons of backing up your iPhone to iCloud and Mac, keep reading.

Sofia Albert

Jul 29, 2024

Why Are Photos Not Showing Up in Photos App on Mac

Photos Not Showing Up in iPhoto is a common issue that many users encounter. This issue can be frustrating but don't worry. This post will explain why photos is not showing up in Photos app and how to fix.

Sofia Albert

Jul 31, 2024

How to Sync iPhone and iPad Wirelessly [2024 Guide]

This post focuses on how to sync iPhone to iPad wirelessly. Log in with the same Apple ID, and users can sync iPhone and iPad using Apple's iCloud. EaseUS MobiMover is an effective and easy-to-use alternative to transferring data from iPhone and iPad.

Jean

Jul 29, 2024

How Do You Selectively Back Up iPhone Data?

Backing up your iPhone is a good way to avoid data loss in some situations, like when the screen breaks. This post outlines the easiest way to back up your iPhone selectively.

Sofia Albert

Jul 31, 2024

Does Android Have AirDrop? (Quick Answer)

If you want to know the answer of does Android have AirDrop, read the post to get a quick reply and know how to transfer files between Android devices in detail, including Samsung's Quick Share, Google's Nearby Share and EaseUS MobiMover.

Jean

Jul 29, 2024

Why Does AirDrop Say Waiting and How to Fix It? [2024 Answered]

This post explains why does AirDrop say waiting when sending files. Solutions to fixing AirDrop stuck on waiting are also covered herein. Read this post and get your quick answers and explanations.

Jean

Jul 29, 2024