[Solved] How to Fix AirDrop No People Found Problem on iPhone/iPad?

"When I try to airdrop a photo from my iPhone to my wife's iPhone, I get the message 'No People Found. There is no one nearby to share with'. She can airdrop to me, no problem. Our settings are the same, and we are in each others' contacts and operating on the same Wi-Fi network. I have tried shutting down and restarting both phones to no avail. Also (per another person's experience) turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and back on again. Help, please."

- from Apple Community

AirDrop is a convenient tool for quickly transferring files between Apple devices. However, many users may encounter the "AirDrop No People Found" issue. Why does this issue occur? This article will analyze the reasons why AirDrop cannot find people and provide comprehensive solutions.

Part 1. Why Does My iPhone Say No People Found on AirDrop?

If your AirDrop says no people found, the following are some possible reasons:

• Device Out of Range: AirDrop relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. If the devices are too far apart, it may prevent detection of other devices.
• Incorrect Settings: If AirDrop is set to "Receiving Off" or "Contacts Only", the device may not be discoverable by others.
• Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Disabled: AirDrop requires both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to be enabled. If either one is turned off, the feature won't work properly.
• System or Device Malfunction: System bugs or hardware issues with the device can also prevent AirDrop from detecting other devices.

Part 2. How to Fix AirDrop No People Found

After we know the reasons why AirDrop not finding anyone, here are some effective solutions you can try.

Fix 1. Check Device Distance

When the "AirDrop No People Found" message appears, the first thing to check is the distance between the devices. The optimal working range for AirDrop is within 9 meters. If the distance exceeds this range, the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals may weaken.

Fix 2. Check AirDrop Settings

Often, incorrect AirDrop settings are the main cause of the "AirDrop not finding anyone" issue. The simplest and most effective solution is to adjust the AirDrop visibility to "Everyone".

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > "General" > "AirDrop".

Step 2. In the options that appear, select "Everyone".

Step 3. If the other person still cannot discover your device, ensure that their AirDrop is also set to "Everyone".

Fix 3. Restart Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

AirDrop may not find people if Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is not working properly. Restarting both features can help resolve temporary issues.

To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Bluetooth", turn it off, and then turn it back on.

Step 2. In "Settings" > "Wi-Fi", similarly, turn off and then turn on Wi-Fi.

Fix 4. Disable Personal Hotspot

After enabling Personal Hotspot, AirDrop may display "No People Found" due to Wi-Fi channel conflicts. Turning off Personal Hotspot can effectively resolve this issue.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > "Personal Hotspot".

Step 2. Turn off the "Allow Others to Join" option.

Step 3. Return to the home screen and try using AirDrop again.

Fix 5. Remove AirDrop Restrictions

If you've set restrictions on AirDrop, your device won't appear as a nearby option on AirDrop, whether on your MacBook or another iDevice. Additionally, any AirDrop requests to your device will be automatically declined.

Here's how to remove AirDrop restrictions:

Step 1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap "Screen Time", then tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions". If prompted, enter your iPhone passcode.

Step 3. Tap "Allowed Apps".

Step 4. Find "AirDrop" and make sure the toggle next to it is green. If it's off, AirDrop is restricted. Turn it on to allow AirDrop.

Fix 6. Update iOS

Running an outdated iOS version on either device can also lead to the "AirDrop No People Found" issue. New iOS versions include automatic fixes for existing problems, so it's recommended to always update to the latest version when available.

Here's how to update your iOS to fix the "AirDrop No People Found" problem:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.

Step 2. Open "Settings", then tap "General".

Step 3. Tap "Software Update" and wait for the device to check for the latest iOS version. (iPhone software update failed?)

Step 4. Once the update appears, tap "Download and Install".

Fix 7. Force Restart iPhone

Force restarting the device is one of the effective methods to fix system malfunctions. If you encounter the "AirDrop not finding anyone" issue, you can try this method.

Here's how it works:

• iPhone 8 and newer models: Quickly press the "Volume Up" and "Volume Down" buttons, then hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 series: Press and hold the "Volume Down" button and the "Power" button until the device restarts.
• iPhone 6 and earlier models: Press and hold the "Power" button and the "Home" button until the device restarts.

Fix 8. Contact Apple Support

If you've tried all the above methods and still see "AirDrop No People Found", it may indicate a hardware or system issue. In this case, contacting Apple Support is the best option. However, this process may take several hours or even days. If you have urgent files to send or receive, you can continue reading the next section to learn about AirDrop alternatives for transferring files between Apple devices.

Part 3. Best AirDrop Alternatives to Transfer Files Between Apple Devices

If your AirDrop is consistently not working, the following two tools can serve as alternatives for transferring files between Apple devices.

3.1 Using Coolmuster Mobile Transfer to Transfer from iOS to iOS

If you want to transfer data between two iOS devices, Coolmuster Mobile Transfer is an excellent choice. Unlike AirDrop, Mobile Transfer doesn't require a network connection, is easy to use, and allows for transferring large amounts of data in a single operation.

Why choose Coolmuster Mobile Transfer?

• Transfer data between iPhones, from iPhone to Android, from Android to iPhone, and between Android devices.
• Support transfers of notes, calendars, bookmarks, eBooks, and contacts, especially between iPhones.
• Enable batch transfers for efficient data movement.
• Provide an easy, secure, and user-friendly experience.
• Be fully compatible with the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 17/18 versions.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to use Mobile Transfer to transfer data from iOS to iOS:

Video Tutorial:

3.2 Using Coolmuster iOS Assistant to Transfer Files Between iOS and Mac

For users looking to transfer data between iOS devices and Mac computers, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is the perfect solution. It supports a wide range of data types and enables seamless, one-click data transfer between iOS devices and Mac computers.

Highlights of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

• Transfer data between Mac and iPhone with ease.
• Automatically scan and display all files on your device in the main interface.
• Support a wide variety of file types, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, music, notes, calendars, and more.
• Backup and restore iOS devices with just one click.
• Manage your iOS data directly from your PC or Mac.
• Fully compatible with the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 17/18 versions.

Free Download for Mac

 

Free Download for PC

Here is how to use iOS Assistant to transfer files between iOS devices and Mac:

Video Tutorial:

Last Words

When AirDrop shows "No People Found" on AirDrop, you can try the above fixes to resolve the issue. If the problem persists, Coolmuster Mobile Transfer and Coolmuster iOS Assistant are two highly recommended alternative tools that make file transfer more efficient and convenient!

Related Articles:

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

AirDrop Contacts Only Not Working? - Reasons and 6 Solutions Inside!

[Answered] Where Do AirDrop Files/Photos/Videos Go on iPhone/Mac?

12 Fixes for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting or Stopped Working