Photos not syncing and AirDrop issues between iPhone and iPad

Continued...

You might also try general troubleshooting. If your iPad/iPhone are not operating as expected, begin with a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad - Apple Support

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your device settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from your iPad/iPhone settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the device to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, as previously indicated, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Your AirDrop and photo sync problems are likely caused by temporary network glitches from your recent internet outage combined with conflicts from sharing an Apple ID.

Try this

• Open the Settings app on both your iPhone and iPad.
• Tap General, then tap AirDrop.
• Choose Everyone for 10 Minutes on both devices so they can find each other again.
• Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on in the main settings menu (not just the control center) for both devices.

I believe you have encountered a bug with AirDrop that may be encountered when using OS 26.x. Several similar reports have been noted elsewhere within the Apple Support Communities.

I too am experiencing similar unresolved difficulties with AirDrop subsequent to updating to iOS/iPadOS 26.2...

I have one iPad (iPad #1 using AppleID #1) that is unable to AirDrop to one other iPad (iPad #2 using AppleID #2). However iPad #1 can still receive AirDrop from iPad #2 without issue - and similarly can freely AirDrop between iPad #1 and iPhone #1 (using AppleID #1) and iPhone #2 (using AppleID #2). iPad #2 has no such issues with unidirectional AirDrop between these users or associated devices. All devices are using the same WiFi network.

• iPad #1 (AppleID #1) >>> iPad #2 (AppleID #2) ❌
• iPad #1 (AppleID #1) <<< iPad #2 (AppleID #2) ✅

• iPad #1 (AppleID #1) >>> iPhone #1 (AppleID #1) ✅
• iPad #1 (AppleID #1) <<< iPhone #1 (AppleID #1) ✅

You and anyone else that encounters difficulties with AirDrop subsequent to updating to 26.2 or later would be best advised to submit a Bug Report via Apple's Product Feedback portal:

Feedback - Apple

When submitting your Bug Report, please ensure that you include details of your device model and installed OS versions within the body-text of your report along with details of the problem.  Do not rely upon the pick-list - as this often fails to include the most recent OS versions.

Every Bug Report counts. Unless sufficient reports are submitted (with adequate detail), Apple may not assign resources to investigate and correct the issue.

In addition [i.e., not as a substitute] to submitting a Bug Report, you might also consider seeking assistance directly from Apple Support.  You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page; you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

Reply to JubsyMaple

In addition to WheelieNick's suggestions …

Personal Hotspot & Allow others to join = Off .

The devices need to be within thirty feet of each other .

🛜