Pairing iPad Pro with iPhone 14 pro max

While AirDrop uses Bluetooth and WiFi to function, iPad and iPhone do not need to be paired via Bluetooth.

Here is Apple’s guidance for using AirDrop:

How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

You should note that to use AirDrop, individuals using the feature must be in each-others Contact list - or you must temporarily allow “Everyone” permission to receive an AirDrop file. To quote from the above linked document:

How to adjust AirDrop settings

3) 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. When you set your AirDrop option to Everyone in iOS 16.2 or later, your option will revert to Contacts Only after 10 minutes.

I had the same problem. Couldn’t pair my iPhone 14 Pro Max to my iPad Pro 11. I kept trying and it kept saying pairing unsuccessful. Then I thought of trying to turn my Apple Watch off so it would be disconnected from my iPhone’s Bluetooth temporarily thinking that it might be interfering with pairing my iPhone to another device. Tried pairing iPhone and iPad again, and lo and behold! They were paired successfully!