Mobile Transfer
 
...

AirDrop Contacts Only Not Working? - Reasons and 5 Solutions Inside!

...

"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

In the process of using Apple devices, AirDrop is often a very convenient feature, allowing us to quickly transfer photos, videos, files, and more between devices. However, recently, some users have reported encountering an issue: AirDrop Contacts Only not working, which has caused certain inconveniences in their usage. This article will delve into the reasons why AirDrop is not finding contacts and provide a series of effective solutions. Additionally, we will introduce several practical alternative tools for data transfer to ensure a smooth data-sharing experience.

airdrop contacts only not working

 

Part 1. Why Is My AirDrop Not Connected to Contact?

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. However, there are occasional issues that can prevent AirDrop from working properly, such as:

  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues: AirDrop relies on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functioning properly. If either of these functions encounters a problem, AirDrop may not work correctly.
  • Settings issue: AirDrop settings may be incorrect. AirDrop may be set to receive files from everyone instead of just contacts.
  • Network settings issue: Resetting network settings may be necessary to ensure AirDrop operates correctly.
  • iOS version issue: Running an outdated iOS version on your device may affect AirDrop functionality.
  • Device malfunction: Occasional software errors or hardware issues can also cause AirDrop functionality to behave abnormally.

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?

Part 2. How to Fix AirDrop Contacts Only Not Working

If your AirDrop is set to "Contacts Only" but still not working properly, you can try the following troubleshooting methods.

Fix 1. Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth form the foundation of AirDrop functionality. Sometimes, due to changes in the network environment or minor conflicts between devices, these two functions may experience temporary disruptions. Restarting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can clear potential connectivity issues and allow devices to establish a stable communication link again.

On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center, and ensure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on.

restart wifi and bluetooth on iphone to fix airdrop contacts only not working

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.

Fix 2. Choose to Receive from Everyone

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".

change the airdrop settings to receive from everyone on iphone

For Mac, open "Finder", go to "AirDrop", and set "Allow me to be discovered by" to "Everyone".

change the airdrop settings to receive from everyone on mac

Fix 3. Reset Network Settings

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.

reset network settings to fix airdrop not finding contacts

Fix 4. Update iOS and macOS

If your device is running an outdated version of iOS and macOS, there may be known issues related to AirDrop. Updating iOS and macOS can ensure your device has the latest features and fixes. Here are the steps:

For iPhone, navigate to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update", then tap "Download and Install". (iPhone stuck on software update?)

update ios to fix airdrop not finding contacts

For Mac, click the Apple icon > "System Preferences" > "General" > "Software Update", then click "Upgrade Now".

update mac to fix airdrop not finding contacts

Fix 5. Restart the Devices

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 iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press and release the "Volume Up" button, then quickly press and release the "Volume Down" button. Press and hold the "Power" button until the Apple logo appears.
  • For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the "Power" button and the "Volume Down" button for several seconds. Release when the Apple logo appears.
  • For iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold both the "Power" button and the "Home" button for several seconds until the Apple logo appears.

restart iphone to fix airdrop not finding contacts

For Mac:

Click the "Apple" menu, then select "Restart" to reboot your Mac.

restart mac to fix airdrop contacts only not working

Part 3. AirDrop Alternatives to Transfer Data

If AirDrop still doesn't work properly, you may consider using the following third-party tools for data transfer:

3.1 Transfer Data from iOS to iOS Using Coolmuster Mobile 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 doesn't require a network connection, is easy to use, and allows you to transfer large amounts of data at once.

What Coolmuster Mobile Transfer can do for you:

  • Transfer data between iPhones, from iPhone to Android, from Android to iPhone, and between Android devices.
  • Support transferring notes, calendars, bookmarks, eBooks, and contacts, specifically between iPhones.
  • Support batch transfer.
  • Easy and safe to use.
  • Compatible with the latest iPhone 15 and iOS 17 versions.

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".

trust your device

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.

the main interface of iphone to iphone transfer

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.

transfer data from iphone to iphone with mobile transfer

Video Tutorial:

3.2 Transfer Data Between iOS and Mac Using Coolmuster iOS Assistant

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:

  • Transfer data from Mac to iPhone or vice versa.
  • Automatically scan all files on your device and display them on the main interface.
  • Support photos, videos, contacts, messages, music, notes, calendars, and more.
  • Backup and restore your iOS devices with a single click.
  • Manage your iOS data directly on your PC or Mac.
  • Support the latest iPhone 15 and iOS 17 versions.

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.

the main interface of ios assistant

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.

transfer files between iphone and mac using ios assistant

Video Tutorial:

Summary

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]

[2024] Does Airdrop Reduce Quality? Here're the Answers

    More Solutions     AirDrop Contacts Only Not Working? - Reasons and 5 Solutions Inside!
Mobile Transfer
Transfer all files from phone to phone by file category with one click.
Support photos, videos, music, contacts, SMS, call logs, eBooks, apps, etc.
Work with Android and iOS operating systems, including the latest version.
Support wired and wireless data transfer for Android devices.
Terms & Conditions Privacy (UPDATED) License Agreement Uninstall Copyright © 2024 Coolmuster. All Rights Reserved.
feedbackFeedback