Where do Airdropped files land?

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Level 1

24 points

Where do Airdropped files land?

I frequently Airdrop PDFs from my iMac to my iPad. Until a week or two ago (I think this corresponds to my update to 14.4) the iPad would give me a choice of apps to open the file with. Now it has stopped giving me a choice. I the files are in fact being transferred.

1) Is there some way to get the app menu back?

2) If not, can someone at least tell me where the files are going in the file structure? They seem to be somewhere in iCloud, but it's in "Downloads" or "Documents."

iPad Pro, iOS 12

Posted on Feb 4, 2021 9:28 AM

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Answer 1

mario49

Community Specialist

Feb 9, 2021 2:30 PM in response to ariggsby

ariggsby,

Where are you opening Preview from or where are these files stored on your Mac? Also, if you haven't already, restart your iPad then try AirDrop again. This is a simple step that can help resolve many issues.

Make sure that you have enough space on your iPad to accept these files. You can find that from Settings > General > iPad Storage.

Have a great day!

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Answer 2

judysings

Community Specialist

Feb 7, 2021 10:38 AM in response to ariggsby

Hi ariggsby,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having some trouble finding files that were sent using AirDrop.

AirDropped files should come in through the same app that was used to send the file. So, for example, if you sent a file from the Files app it should now appear in your Files app on your iPad. Sent photos will appear in the photos app, websites will appear in Safari and so on. We found this and further information about AirDrop from How to use AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Take care.

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Answer 3

ariggsby Author

Level 1

24 points

Feb 7, 2021 10:46 AM in response to judysings

I’m generally sending them from Preview, which doesn’t exist on the iPad, so that doesn’t help.

Up until a couple of weeks ago I was given a choice of app. Is that really no longer possible?

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Where do Airdropped files land?

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