Mobile Transfer
 
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Why Does AirDrop Keep Canceling? 7 Quick Tips to Solve It!

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"I have an iPhone 6s, and whenever I try to AirDrop more than one video, I receive the AirDrop was canceled message. Airdropping one video works fine. If Apple says there is no file size limit to AirDrop, why can't I AirDrop multiple videos? Why am I forced to AirDrop one at a time?"

- from Apple Community

AirDrop is a convenient tool for transferring files between Apple devices, allowing quick transfers of photos, videos, documents, and more without needing a network connection. However, many users encounter issues where the transfer frequently gets interrupted, leading to failures. This not only wastes time but can also be quite frustrating.

So, why does AirDrop keep canceling? This article will analyze the potential reasons and offer effective solutions to help you successfully use AirDrop for file transfers.

 

Part 1. Why Does AirDrop Keep Canceling?

Why is my AirDrop always canceled? The following are some possible reasons:

  • Too Much Distance Between Devices: AirDrop relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for data transfer. If the devices are too far apart, the signal may become unstable, leading to interruptions in the transfer.
  • Unstable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Connection: AirDrop requires both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to function properly. If either of these connections is unstable or not working correctly, the AirDrop transfer might be canceled.
  • Insufficient Storage Space on the Receiving Device: If the device receiving the files doesn't have enough storage space, AirDrop will automatically cancel the transfer.
  • Device Compatibility Issues: Not all Apple devices are fully compatible with AirDrop. If either the sending or receiving device is outdated, it may cause transfer problems.
  • System Glitches or Bugs: Certain system versions may have bugs that affect the stability of AirDrop.
  • Too Much Interference: If there are too many devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi in the vicinity, signal interference might cause the transfer to be canceled.

Part 2. How to Fix AirDrop Keeps Canceling on iPhone

Why does my AirDrop keep shutting off? Now we know the reasons. Then, how to resolve the AirDrop canceled issue? Here are some fixes you can try.

Fix 1. Maintain an Appropriate Distance Between Devices

Ensure that your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other Apple devices are not too far apart, as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals have limited range. Generally, it's best to keep them within 30 feet (9 meters) for a more stable AirDrop connection.

Fix 2. Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connection Status

AirDrop relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so make sure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on and that the connections are stable. If the signal is weak, try turning both features off and then on again.

check wifi and bluetooth connection to fix airdrop cancelled

Fix 3. Ensure the Receiving Device Has Sufficient Storage Space

Is AirDrop getting discontinued? Maybe there is not enough storage space on the receiving device. Therefore, check the storage space on the receiving device before transferring. If storage is insufficient, you will need to free up space to ensure there is enough space for the data transfer.

To check the storage space on your iPhone, follow the steps below:

Step 1. On the receiving device, go to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage".

check iphone storage to fix airdrop keeps cancelling on iphone

Step 2. Check the available storage space. If storage is insufficient, delete some unnecessary apps or files.

Step 3. Then, try sending the file via AirDrop again.

Fix 4. Verify Device Compatibility with AirDrop

If your AirDrop keeps turning off, the next step is to check the device compatibility with AirDrop. AirDrop is only available on certain devices, and older iPhone or Mac models may not support this feature.

Check if your device supports AirDrop:

  • iOS devices need to be running iOS 7 or later.
  • Mac devices need to be running OS X Yosemite or a later version.

If the device is older or incompatible, you can try other transfer methods, such as those mentioned in Part 3.

Fix 5. Update iOS/macOS

Outdated versions of iOS and macOS can sometimes cause compatibility issues and problems with AirDrop. Updating to the latest version is one potential solution to resolve the issue of AirDrop keeps canceling.

To update your iOS version:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update". (iPhone software update failed?)

Step 2. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install".

update ios version to fix airdrop keeps turning off

Step 3. After the update is complete, restart your device and try using AirDrop again.

To update your macOS:

Step 1. Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences".

Step 2. Click on "Software Update". Wait for your Mac to check for available updates.

Step 3. Click "Update Now" to download and install the update.

update mac version to fix airdrop keeps turning off

Fix 6. Adjust AirDrop Settings

It's important to understand the three AirDrop settings: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone. When AirDrop is set to Receiving Off, it will continually turn off. In the Contacts Only and Everyone modes, you can transfer files either to people in your contact list or to anyone within range.

Ensure that AirDrop is turned on, and if it's not working, try changing the setting from Contacts Only to Everyone.

adjust airdrop settings to fix airdrop getting discontinued

Fix 7. Restart the Devices

If the above methods don't resolve the issue, restarting your device is a simple and effective solution.

To restart the iPhone:

Step 1. Press and hold both the "power" button and the "volume" button until the slider to power off appears on the screen.

Step 2. Slide to turn off the device. After a few seconds, restart the device.

restart the iphone

To restart the Mac:

Step 1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.

Step 2. Choose "Restart" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. If prompted, click "Restart" again to confirm.

restart the mac

Part 3. AirDrop Alternative to Transfer Data from iOS to iOS

If you find the AirDrop keeps turning off issue still exists, or if you prefer a more stable transfer tool, you might want to try Coolmuster Mobile Transfer. This professional data transfer tool allows for the quick transfer of various types of data between iOS devices. It is easy to use and doesn't rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so it's less susceptible to connection issues. It can handle any file size and distance with ease.

Key features of Coolmuster Mobile Transfer:

  • Transfer contacts, calendars, bookmarks, eBooks (PDFs & ePubs), and notes between iOS devices.
  • Transfer data between Android and iOS devices, from iOS to Android, between Android devices, and between iOS devices.
  • It is safe, easy to use, and offers fast transfer speeds.
  • It is compatible with nearly all iPhone and iPad models, including the latest iPhone 15/16 and iPad Pro M4/iPad Air M2.

Here's how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using Mobile Transfer:

01Download and install the appropriate version of the tool on your computer. Launch the software and connect your two iOS devices to the computer using USB cables.

02Unlock your devices and tap "Trust" when prompted. You will then see the interface showing the connected devices.

connect your devices to the computer

03Choose the content you wish to transfer from the list. Click "Start Copy" to begin the transfer process.

how to transfer data from iphone to iphone using mobile transfer

Video Tutorial:

Note: If you want to transfer files between your iOS devices and your Mac, there is still a powerful tool - Coolmuster iOS Assistant.

Part 4. FAQ on AirDrop Keeps Canceling

Q1. Will the file size cause AirDrop to cancel?

No, the size of the file or data you're transferring shouldn't cause an AirDrop cancellation. There is no limit to the file size or data you can send via AirDrop.

However, if the receiving device does not have enough storage space, the transfer will fail. Additionally, large files may take longer to transfer.

Q2. Does the screen need to stay on during an AirDrop transfer?

Yes, to ensure a smooth AirDrop transfer, it is recommended to keep the device's screen on during the transfer to prevent the device from entering sleep mode and interrupting the transfer.

Words in the End

While AirDrop is a convenient file transfer tool, if you frequently encounter the issue of AirDrop canceling, consider trying the aforementioned fixes. If you prefer a more stable transfer method, Coolmuster Mobile Transfer is a great option, especially for transferring large files or multiple files between iOS devices.

Related Articles:

12 Fixes for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting or Stopped Working

[7 Quick Fixes] How to Fix AirDrop Declined on iPhone/iPad?

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

[Solved] 8 Effective Ways to Fix AirDrop Failed to Save Item

    iPhone Recovery     Why Does AirDrop Keep Canceling? 7 Quick Tips to Solve It!
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