"I want to exchange files between my MacBook and iPhone by Bluetooth, when I'm not on Wi-Fi. Is that possible with AirDrop or other apps?"
- from Apple Community
AirDrop is a feature that allows for fast file transfer between Apple devices, offering high speed and ease of use, making it popular among users. However, many people wonder: can you AirDrop without Wi-Fi? This article will explore this question in detail and provide the relevant answer.
Does AirDrop need Wi-Fi? The answer is yes. However, it should be noted that AirDrop does not rely on an external Wi-Fi network (such as a router or the internet). It does, however, require both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions on the devices to be enabled in order to establish a peer-to-peer connection between them. Therefore, even without an available Wi-Fi network, AirDrop can still function properly as long as the following conditions are met:
Does AirDrop work without Wi-Fi? As we know from Part 1, AirDrop can still function properly even without a router or the internet, as long as the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions are enabled. Below are the detailed steps for using AirDrop to transfer files, which apply even without an internet connection.
Step 1. On iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top or up from the bottom to open the "Control Center", then enable "Bluetooth" and "Wi-Fi".
Step 2. In the Control Center, press and hold the network settings module, tap "AirDrop", and choose either "Contacts Only" or "Everyone". (AirDrop Contacts Only not working?)
Step 3. Open the "Photos" or "Files" app, and select the file you want to send.
Step 4. Tap the "Share" button (the square icon with an arrow), select the recipient device, and wait for the file transfer to complete.
Step 5. On the receiving device, you'll get a notification asking whether you want to accept the file transfer. Tap "Accept".
Step 1. Open Finder on your Mac. Ensure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your Mac.
Step 2. In the Finder sidebar, click on "AirDrop", or go to "Go" in the menu bar and select "AirDrop".
Step 3. At the bottom of the AirDrop window, click on the drop-down menu next to "Allow me to be discovered by" and select either "Contacts Only" or "Everyone", depending on your preference.
Step 4. Drag and drop the file you want to share into the AirDrop window, or right-click the file and select "Share" > "AirDrop".
Step 5. In the AirDrop window, select the nearby device you want to send the file to.
Step 6. Once the recipient accepts the transfer, the file will begin transferring, and you'll be notified when it's complete.
Although AirDrop is a very efficient tool, it does have certain limitations, such as file type and transfer distance restrictions. For more efficient file transfer needs, you can try the following alternatives.
Coolmuster Mobile Transfer is a professional mobile data transfer tool designed for quickly sharing files between two iOS devices. This tool is ideal for users who want to transfer data quickly and without loss, especially when migrating a large amount of data from an old device to a new one. Compared to AirDrop, it doesn't rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, making the transfer process more stable and reliable.
Highlights of Coolmuster Mobile Transfer:
Here's how to use Mobile Transfer to transfer data from iOS to iOS without Wi-Fi:
01Download, install, and launch the tool on your computer. Connect both iPhones to the computer using USB cables. When prompted, tap "Trust" on each iPhone to establish the connection.
02Once both devices are connected, the program interface will appear. Verify that the source and target devices are correctly identified. If not, click the "Flip" button to switch their positions.
03Choose the items you wish to transfer from the content list, such as Contacts, Notes, Calendars, Bookmarks, and Books. Then, click the "Start Copy" button to initiate the transfer process automatically.
Video Tutorial:
Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a professional data management tool designed specifically for iOS users. It supports backing up data from iPhone or iPad to Mac and importing files from Mac to iOS devices. This tool is perfect for users who frequently need to share data between iOS and Mac devices, especially when dealing with large-scale backups or file management, where its functionality stands out.
Key features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
Here's how to use iOS Assistant to transfer files between iOS devices and Mac:
01Download, install, and launch the tool on your Mac. Connect your iPhone to the Mac using a USB cable and trust the device when prompted. Once connected, the interface will appear.
02Select a category from the left panel and choose the specific items from the right panel. To transfer files from iPhone to Mac, click the "Export" button. To transfer files from Mac to iPhone, click the "Import" button.
Video Tutorial:
Does AirDrop need Wi-Fi? AirDrop can indeed be used without an internet connection, but it requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be enabled in order to establish a peer-to-peer connection. However, if your AirDrop is not working properly, there's no need to worry.
These tools offer more efficient and flexible solutions, making them an excellent choice for Apple users.
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