User profile for user: Fun-in-the-sun-beach-life
Fun-in-the-sun-beach-life Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

AirDrop won't work

I'm trying to AirDrop photos from my iPhone 7 to my MacBook Pro. I keep getting an error message that says "Unable to Share, There was an error while preparing to share. Please try again later." Bluetooth is on, both devices are connected to the same WiFi network, all devices are up to date on software. Both devices are either plugged in or have plenty of battery charge (i.e. low power mode is not turned on). I have tried restarting the phone and the Mac. I have tried signing out of iCloud and signing back in. Is there anything else I can do to fix this error? Thanks in advance!

iPhone 7, 14

Posted on Jul 13, 2021 6:46 AM

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User profile for user: SravanKrA
SravanKrA
User level: Level 10
431,488 points

Posted on Jul 13, 2021 8:40 AM

Please check your Screen Time restrictions on your iPhone.


Screen Time

Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > AirDrop [Enable]

Watch the GIF below



If you have Contacts Only turned On then please add Apple ID of the sending device to your list of contacts on the receiving device. See the pic at the bottom of this post for better clarity


Before you begin

  • Make sure that 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. If they do, and you’re in their Contacts, they need to have your email address or mobile number in your contact card for AirDrop to work.
  • If you're not in their Contacts, have them set their AirDrop receiving setting to Everyone in order to receive the file.

You can put your AirDrop receiving setting to Contacts Only or Receiving Off at any time to control who can see your device and send you content in AirDrop.



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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: SravanKrA
SravanKrA
User level: Level 10
431,488 points

Jul 13, 2021 8:40 AM in response to Fun-in-the-sun-beach-life

Please check your Screen Time restrictions on your iPhone.


Screen Time

Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > AirDrop [Enable]

Watch the GIF below



If you have Contacts Only turned On then please add Apple ID of the sending device to your list of contacts on the receiving device. See the pic at the bottom of this post for better clarity


Before you begin

  • Make sure that 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. If they do, and you’re in their Contacts, they need to have your email address or mobile number in your contact card for AirDrop to work.
  • If you're not in their Contacts, have them set their AirDrop receiving setting to Everyone in order to receive the file.

You can put your AirDrop receiving setting to Contacts Only or Receiving Off at any time to control who can see your device and send you content in AirDrop.



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AirDrop won't work

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