"AirDrop is not working when I select the contacts only option. I've encountered a similar problem on my iPad as well. Did someone else also encounter a similar issue? If yes, then is there a solution or should we just wait till Apple notices it and fixes it."
- from Apple Community
AirDrop is a convenient tool for quickly transferring files between Apple devices, especially efficient when sharing photos, videos, or contacts. However, recently, some users have reported encountering an issue: AirDrop Contacts Only not working, which can be frustrating. This article will delve into the reasons why AirDrop is not finding contacts and provide a series of effective solutions. Additionally, we will introduce some quality AirDrop alternatives to help you transfer data with ease.
AirDrop allows direct file transfers between nearby iOS and Mac devices using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. When set to "Contacts Only", only people in your contacts list can see your device and initiate transfers. If your AirDrop Contacts Only feature is not working, the following are some possible reasons:
If you want to know where AirDrop files are stored, you can easily find them by reading this article.
[Answered] Where Do AirDrop Files/Photos/Videos Go on iPhone/Mac?If your AirDrop is set to "Contacts Only" but still not working properly, you can try the following troubleshooting methods.
AirDrop relies on the support of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If either of them is unstable, AirDrop may not function properly. Restarting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can refresh their connection status and resolve temporary issues.
Follow the steps:
On the iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center, then turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wait for about 5 seconds, then turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on.
On Mac, click on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons located at the top-right corner of the screen to ensure they are turned on and connected to the same network.
AirDrop's transfer range is typically within 9 meters (about 30 feet). If the devices are too far apart or there are obstacles in between, the signal may be interfered with, causing connection failure and the "AirDrop not finding contacts" issue.
If your AirDrop can't find contacts, you can try changing the AirDrop settings to receive from "Everyone". Here are the steps:
For iPhone, navigate to "Settings" > "General" > "AirDrop", then select "Everyone".
For Mac, open "Finder", go to "AirDrop", and set "Allow me to be discovered by" to "Everyone".
Some unknown network errors can also cause AirDrop Contacts Only to not work properly. You can reset network settings to clear all network configurations. Here is how to do it:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings".
Step 2. After restarting your device, reconfigure the network settings and try AirDrop again.
Only iOS 7 and later and Mac OS X Lion (Mac OS X 10.7) and later support the AirDrop feature. If the device is running an older software version, compatibility issues or bugs may occur. Updating the system can resolve these problems.
Here are the steps:
For iPhone, navigate to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update", then tap "Download and Install". (iPhone stuck on software update?)
For Mac, click the Apple icon > "System Preferences" > "General" > "Software Update", then click "Upgrade Now".
Restarting is an effective way to resolve many iPhone issues. If AirDrop doesn't work when set to "Contacts Only", you can try this method. Restarting can clear the device's memory and temporary files, allowing the device to reboot in a clean state, which may resolve potential software problems. Here is how to do it:
For iPhone:
For Mac:
Click the "Apple" menu, then select "Restart" to reboot your Mac.
If AirDrop still doesn't work properly, you may consider using the following third-party tools for data transfer:
Coolmuster Mobile Transfer is a professional phone transfer tool that supports quick and secure transfer of various types of data between iOS devices. Unlike AirDrop, it is easy to use and allows you to transfer large amounts of data at once.
What Coolmuster Mobile Transfer can do for you:
Follow the steps below to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using Mobile Transfer:
01Download, install, and open this tool on your computer. Connect both of your iPhones to the computer using USB cables. Tap "Trust" on each iPhone when prompted to "Trust This Computer".
02Once you have successfully connected two iOS devices to the program, you will see the following interface. Ensure that the source and target devices are correctly positioned. If not, click the "Flip" button to swap their positions.
03Choose the items you want to transfer from the list of content, such as Contacts, Notes, Calendars, Bookmarks, and Books. Then, click the "Start Copy" button to begin the transfer process automatically.
Video Tutorial:
For users who need to transfer data from iOS devices to Mac computers or from Mac to iOS devices, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is an ideal choice. It supports various data types and allows seamless data transfer between iOS devices and Mac computers with just one click.
Core features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
Follow these steps to transfer files between your iPhone and Mac:
01Download, install, and launch the tool on your Mac computer. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable and ensure you trust the device when prompted. Once connected successfully, you will see the interface below.
02Select a category from the left panel, then choose specific items from the right panel. To transfer from iPhone to Mac, click the "Export" button. To transfer from Mac to iPhone, click the "Import" button.
Video Tutorial:
When encountering issues with AirDrop Contacts Only not working, you can try resolving it by ensuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections are active, adjusting AirDrop settings, updating iOS and macOS, or restarting your devices. If the problem persists, consider using third-party tools like Coolmuster Mobile Transfer or Coolmuster iOS Assistant for data transfer. These tools provide stable and reliable solutions for file transfers across various scenarios.
We hope the information provided in this article helps you resolve AirDrop connection issues and find suitable solutions for your data transfer needs.
Related Articles:
[Complete Guide] How to AirDrop Contacts from iPhone to iPhone?
12 Fixes for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting or Stopped Working
Easy Ways to AirDrop from iPhone to Mac [Support Various File Types]
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