PAGE CONTENT:
- Reasons for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting
- Quick Solutions to AirDrop Not Working Waiting
- Best Alternative to Airdrop for File Transfer
AirDrop lets you conveniently and wirelessly share files between Apple products. However, it is not always working like a charm. One of the hiccups you might come across is that when you are airdropping a file, the AirDrop says waiting but never connects to the recipient. The AirDrop transfer spins but never sends the file.
Even though you cancel the AirDrop and try it again, the situation is not improved. The AirDrop is not working and gets stuck on the waiting status. This article will explain why your AirDrop gets stuck on waiting and how to fix the problem. In addition, you will find the best alternative for AirDrop - 🏅EaseUS MobiMover in this article. Read on.
Reasons for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting
Before proceeding to the specific fixes for the AirDrop not working on iPhone or iPad, you should understand why your AirDrop says waiting but is unable to connect. The most common reasons include:
- ⚙️Disabled Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. AirDrop relies on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, so Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on both Apple devices. If the personal hotspot on either device is turned on, turn it off as well.
- đź”—The two devices are not close enough. Although the sending and receiving devices are positioned within 30 feet of each other for AirDrop to work, the signal is not strong enough to establish the connection.
- 🔧Software conflicts. Some third-party apps, such as a firewall or antivirus software, can interfere with AirDrop functionality.
- âť•Outdated operating system. Make sure both devices have the latest software updates installed. An outdated version of iOS or macOS can sometimes cause compatibility issues with AirDrop.
Quick Solutions to AirDrop Not Working Waiting
This part contains 5 quick methods for the AirDrop not working waiting error. You can try them in order until you find the one that fixes it.
| Method | Effectiveness | Difficulty |
| Turn off and On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | It is helpful in fixing the AirDrop stuck waiting. | Easy |
| Turn Off the Personal Hotspot on iPhone | Turn off the personal hotspot to avoid interference with the AirDrop connection. | Easy |
| Reset Network Settings | Reset network-related settings, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth configurations. | Moderate |
| Force Restart of Both Devices | Force restart to fix the bugs and quit all background conflicting apps. | Easy |
| Update the System | The patches within the latest system may fix the error that prevents AirDrop transfer from working properly. | Moderate |
Fix 1. Turn off and On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Re-enabling Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth is helpful in fixing the AirDrop stuck on waiting.
How to disable and re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on iPhone/iPad:
Step 1. Swipe from the upper-right corner of your screen to pull down the Control Center.
Step 2. Tap on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons to turn them off.
Step 3. Wait for 5 seconds, and tap the icons again to enable them.
How to disable and re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on Mac:
If your AirDrop is not working on Mac, follow the steps below to re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Step 1. Click the Control Center icon in the top menu bar.
Step 2. Click "Wi-Fi" and click the slider to turn it off, and then do the same to turn off Bluetooth.
Step 3. Wait for 5 seconds, and use the same process to turn them back on.
Fix 2. Turn Off the Personal Hotspot on iPhone
The personal hotspot signal will interfere with the AirDrop connection, so you should turn it off on both iPhones.
How to turn off the personal hotspot on iPhone:
Step 1. Open "Settings" > "Personal Hotspot."
Step 2. Toggle the switch to turn off Personal Hotspot.
Fix 3. Reset Network Settings
If neither of the two solutions works around the AirDrop stuck on waiting, try to reset the network settings on the two devices. This will reset all network-related settings, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth configurations.
How to reset network settings on iPhone/iPad:
Step 1. Open "Settings" > "General" and scroll down to "Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad."
Step 2. Tap "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings."
Step 3. Reconnect to a Wi-Fi network.
How to reset network settings on Mac:
Step 1. Open "Apple Menu" > "System Settings" > "Network."
Step 2. Select "WiFi," click the minus button below, and click "Apply."
Step 3. Click the plus icon, select "WiFi," click "Create," and click "Apply."
Step 4. Rejoin a Wi-Fi network.
Fix 4. Force Restart of Both Devices
Some software glitches might have caused the "AirDrop not working waiting" issue. To fix the bugs or quit all background conflicting apps, it is advised to force restart both devices.
How to force reboot iPhone/iPad:
Force restart iPhone 8 or later and iPad models with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and press and hold the lock button until the Apple logo appears.
Force restart iPad and iPhone 7 or earlier with the Home button: Press and hold the volume down or the home button and the lock button together until the Apple logo appears.
How to force restart a Mac:
For Mac desktops: Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until a full shutdown, wait 10 seconds, and press the power button to start it up.
For MacBook Pro/Air: Press and hold the Command + Control + Touch ID/Eject/power button together until your Mac laptop shuts down and reboots.
Fix 5. Update the System
Updating the system to the latest version will install patches to fix the errors that might hinder the AirDrop transfer from working properly.
How to update the iOS version:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2. Tap "Download and Install" if an update is available.
Step 3. Follow the onscreen process to finish installing the iOS update.
How to update the macOS version:
Step 1. Open "Apple Menu" > "System Settings" > "Software Update."
Step 2. Click on "Upgrade Now" if an update is available.
Step 3. Follow the onscreen process to finish installing the macOS update.
Best Alternative to Airdrop for File Transfer
If all solutions fail to solve the "AirDrop not working waiting" problem, you need to find an alternative way to transfer files between Apple products. EaseUS MobiMover is a perfect alternative to AirDrop because it can transfer data from one iPhone to another, iPhone to iPad, iPhone to Mac, and vice versa without hassle.
đź‘‘Key Features of EaseUS MobiMover
- Transfer 14 types of files between any two Apple devices, including photos, videos, messages, contacts, music, calendars, and more.
- Transfer unlimited files while maintaining the original quality of files.
- Fast and secure data transfer, just like AirDrop.
- Easy to use.
Download for PCDownload for Mac
How to transfer files from iPhone to iPhone using EaseUS MobiMover
EaseUS MobiMover is easy to operate. Follow the steps to learn how to use it:
Step 1.Connect both of the iPhones to the computer and launch EaseUS MobiMover. Then click"Phone to Phone", check the transfer direction, and click "Next" to continue.
Step 2.Select one category or multiple categories that you want to copy, and click "Transfer".
Step 3.Wait for the toolto transfer selected files from one iPhone to another. When the process finishes, go to the corresponding apps to check the newly added files.
Part 4. Conclusion
If your AirDrop transfer hangs on waiting but never connects to the recipient's device, this article tells you how to fix AirDrop stuck on waiting. You need to verify the connectivity of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If necessary, reset all network connections and update the entire system on both iDevices.
If the AirDrop is not working waiting issue persists, you can use EaseUS MobiMover to share data between Apple products easily.
Download for PCDownload for Mac
FAQs on AirDrop Not Working Waiting
This section gathers some most frequently asked questions on this topic. Read to know more.
1. Why is my AirDrop taking so long?
It's possible that the file being transferred is too big if an AirDrop transfer takes longer than intended. Another reason for slow AirDrop transfer is the weak signal between the two devices to ensure a fast transfer.
2. Why is my AirDrop not working when it's on?
It takes correct configurations on both sending and receiving devices to ensure the effectiveness of AirDrop. If the AirDrop is set up correctly, try to verify the other user's device.
3. Why isn't my AirDrop finding anymore?
There is a possibility that your AirDrop is restricted to Contacts Only; either of the devices turns off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and the devices are not close enough. These are all the possible reasons why your AirDrop is not finding any more.
FAQs
How to Fix AirDrop Not Working and Stuck on Waiting? ›
All you need to do is disable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, wait for a few seconds, and turn them on again. Hopefully, it will fix the issue.
Why is my AirDrop not working when it's on? ›Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
AirDrop relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files over the air. If you're still having trouble getting AirDrop to work correctly, try switching off both radios completely then turn them back on again.
To use AirDrop, both devices need to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on, and neither device should be acting as a personal hotspot.
Why is my AirDrop only for 10 minutes? ›AirDrop now offers three settings for users: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone for 10 Minutes. There is no longer a way to permanently leave AirDrop on. Users must open the Settings app and change their AirDrop settings manually to receive AirDrop requests from devices that are not saved in their Contacts.
Why is AirDrop stuck on waiting? ›Some of the common causes of AirDrop stuck on waiting are: Both devices are not close enough to each other to let AirDrop connect them. Your iPhone or Mac is not fulfilling the AirDrop minimum requirements. Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth is turned off on any device or a personal hotspot is enabled.
Why is my AirDrop not working iOS 15? ›Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
Believe it or not, DND has the tendency of preventing AirDrop from working normally. So, turn off Do Not Disturb on both the devices and try to transfer files again. On your iPhone and iPad with Face ID: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen.
What is AirDrop's file size limit? AirDrop has no file size limit, and Apple hasn't specified a limit either. While larger files may take longer to transfer, the time is typically well under a minute. Unlimited file size is yet another reason why you should take advantage of AirDrop.
Can airdrops expire? ›Airdrop redemption codes do not expire. You can redeem your Airdrop redemption codes whenever you'd like.
How long can you AirDrop? ›Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop
The Everyone for 10 Minutes option is available only on iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or later. On earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, this option is just Everyone.
There's no limit on how many photos you can AirDrop at the same time.
How do I get AirDrop to work? ›
...
Touch and hold the AirDrop button , then choose one of these options:
- Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests.
- Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device.
- Everyone: All nearby Apple devices using AirDrop can see your device.
AirDrop restriction is turned off might be a reason for Airdrop stuck on waiting then failed, you need to enable it. Go to the Settings app > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps, then turn on the toggle of AirDrop.
How far can you AirDrop on Iphone? ›The two Apple devices you are using for AirDrop both have to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on and they need to be within 9 metres (30 foot) of each other.
How many airdrops per day? ›Airdrops is a gameplay feature that appears in Dying Light, containing humanitarian aid sent by the Global Relief Effort. These air drops appear 2-3 per day, but at random times, though none contain Antizin outside of select story missions.
Why does AirDrop immediately cancel? ›Reasons and Fixes
Check the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Disable and enable these two settings and then try to transfer the media files using the AirDrop feature. Reset the settings: It is high time to reset the network settings to overcome connectivity issues amidst the video transfer.
Since the AirDrop relies on the WiFi network to work, most of the time, the reason why AirDrop doesn't work has something to do with the network condition. At this time, resetting the network settings is a good fix. Go to Settings > General > Transfer and Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Where do AirDrop photos go? ›Airdrop photos and other files are saved in the “Downloads” folder. To access this folder, you could click "Go" > "Downloads" or use the dock option on the Mac OS. Photos transferred via Airdrop are automatically saved in the iPhone's photos folder.
Is AirDrop working on iOS 16? ›Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop
Note: The Contacts Only option is available on devices with iOS 10, iPadOS 10, macOS 10.12, or later. The Everyone for 10 Minutes option is available only on iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or later. On earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, this option is just Everyone.
You don't even need the latest iPhone 14 Pro or a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 Max chip to use AirDrop. It works with any iOS device running iOS 7 or newer and any Mac running OS X Yosemite or newer.
Can files be too big to AirDrop? ›The best thing about AirDrop is that there's no file size limit. Also, you can use other types of files besides videos. Just ensure that the devices are close to each other.
How long does it take to AirDrop 1Gb? ›
However, if you are transferring a file/video of size 1Gb or a few hundred MB then it will take a considerable amount of time. The transfer speed is between 20MB per sec to 30MB per sec.
Does AirDrop use iCloud? ›It does not use iCloud when using AirDrop from one device to another. Both must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi On.
Can AirDrop be traced? ›As mentioned earlier, AirDrop is a non-conventional way to transfer files across iPhones, iPad, Macbooks, etc. Therefore, Apple doesn't keep the logs of the files airdropped. So the answer to the question of "can you see AirDrop History?" is no.
Are airdrops real money? ›While some are legitimate, other airdrops have been seen as fraudulent when attempting to steal wallet or personal information. Airdrops may be based on those who express interest, hold existing tokens, are intentionally selected, or win raffles.
Do airdrops cost money? ›An airdrop is an unsolicited distribution of a cryptocurrency token or coin, usually for free, to numerous wallet addresses.
Can you AirDrop 100gb? ›There is not a file size limit when using AirDrop.
Can you AirDrop 50gb? ›Even if the files can be transferred larger files do take a longer time. There is actually no size limit. It just takes longer for sending bigger data, but there is no limitation to the size of data you send via AirDrop. How fast is AirDrop?
How do I change my AirDrop name? ›- Unlock your iPhone. To access the settings and make changes, you first need to unlock your iPhone. ...
- Open the Settings app. ...
- Navigate to General settings. ...
- Access About settings. ...
- Tap on Name. ...
- Edit your Name. ...
- Save the new Name.
Check your settings
On your device, go to Settings > General > AirDrop and ensure that “Receiving Off” is not selected. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on your iPhone 13. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and check. If you see a button saying “Allow New Connections”, tap the button to turn on Bluetooth.
It's inconsistent because of the way it works. It forces an ad-hoc hybrid Wi-Fi+Bluetooth network, in a manner incompatible with some network configurations. With some configurations, the incompatibility is so bad, that AirDrop can interfere with normal Wi-Fi connectivity.
Why does AirDrop only work one way? ›
It's possible that the firewall is blocking the connections, causing the problem of AirDrop only operating in one direction. If you want to use AirDrop from your MacBook to your iPhone, but not from your iPhone to your MacBook, you will need to disable the firewall on your MacBook.
How do I restart my iPhone 13 pro? ›- Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. ...
- To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.
In general, the reasons for AirDrop slow transfers are: Being too far away from receiving devices. Trying to share files on a slow WiFi network. Having issues between different versions of iOS or macOS.
Does AirDrop use Bluetooth? ›AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. That means you don't need to be connected to your router or even the internet in order to have an AirDrop connection. You do have to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, however.
Where are AirDrop settings? ›- From a Home screen on your Apple® iPhone®, navigate: Settings. General. . If an app isn't available on your Home screen, swipe left to access the App Library.
- Tap. AirDrop. .
- Select the AirDrop setting: Receiving Off. : AirDrop turned off. Contacts Only.
Even though AirDrops are encrypted, the files or links can contain viruses. Hackers can AirDrop links that could send the recipient to a malicious website, putting them at risk of cyberattacks like scareware.
How many photos can you AirDrop at once? ›Since there is no file size limit to how much you can AirDrop at once, you can send as many photos as you like.
Why didn't I get my AirDrop photos? ›When airdropped photos not showing up iPhone, you can try to restart your iPhone or AirDrop photos in a smaller group. If all methods don't work, you may let AirDrop-like apps help you transfer photos wirelessly or let FoneTool help you transfer photos via the USB cable.
What is permanent AirDrop? ›Hardfork airdrop
A hardfork airdrop occurs when there is a permanent split or new version of a blockchain that is released, hence creating the need for a new token to go with it.
Make sure the person you're sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. Check that you and the person you're sending to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either of you have Personal Hotspot on, turn it off. Check if the person you're sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Contacts Only.
How do I reset my network settings on my iPhone? ›
Reset your network settings
If you're using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. If you're using iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
If AirDrop isn't showing up at all, you might have blocked it in your Content & Privacy Restrictions. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > App Restrictions.
Why can't i AirDrop to my husband's iPhone? ›Make Sure You're Both Signed into iCloud
If you or the person you want to AirDrop with have your discoverability set to “Contacts Only” rather than “Everyone,” you'll both also need to be signed into iCloud.
Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop
The Everyone for 10 Minutes option is available only on iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or later. On earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, this option is just Everyone.
AirDrop works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, but wirelessly transferring files from iPhone to Android requires the use of a third-party app.
Why is my iPhone 14 AirDrop not working? ›On your iPhone, go to Settings -> User Name -> iCloud. Tap on "Sign Out" and then sign in iCloud again to check if the AirDrop issue is fixed.
How do I connect to AirDrop? ›Open the content you'd like to share to a nearby device and tap the share icon. Choose "Nearby" from the menu and select a device with "Nearby Share" enabled. You can configure how Nearby Share works from Settings > Google > Devices & Sharing > Nearby Share.
What happens if I reset network settings iPhone 13? ›When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren't installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you're on.
Will I lose anything if I reset network settings on iPhone? ›Resetting network settings on an iPhone or Android smartphone will not delete any mobile carrier functionality or account information. The process resets any changes to mobile preferences you may have made since you activated your device.
Is it OK to reset network settings on iPhone? ›Whether you're facing issues with your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, you can reset your iPhone's network settings to fix the problem within seconds. This solution is effective most of the time, but remember that doing this will remove all the saved Wi-Fi networks, and you'll need to connect to them manually again.