Q: Why is AirDrop so difficult to use?

I have an iPad Air 2, an iPhone 5 and a rMBP 2013. Both of iOS devices are on 8.3 and rMBP is on 10.10.3. I have been trying to share files via AirDrop since day 1 on my old MacMini 2010 and it was never a success story. Every time it will take me approx. 15 minutes to find my other device and successfully transfer a picture to the other device. What I need to do is just keep trying(just keep the device on) and trying and trying and trying and eventually I will be able to see another device or I lost my patience.

Am I doing it wrong? Seriously? Why is it so hard to use AirDrop? Is there any trick to find my other devices?

Finding others seems to be easier.

Ryan

iPhone 5, iOS 8.3

Posted on Jun 8, 2015 2:39 PM

I have this question too

Q: Why is AirDrop so difficult to use?

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by brenden dv,

brenden dv Jun 10, 2015 1:56 PM in response to Ryan AnChin
Community Specialists

Jun 10, 2015 1:56 PM in response to Ryan AnChin

Hi Ryan AnChin,

I'm sorry to hear you have been having issues with AirDrop between your devices. If you continue to have issues discovering or transfering, you may find the information and steps outlined in the following articles helpful:

Share content with AirDrop from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
Mac Basics: AirDrop lets you send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices - Apple Support

Regards,
- Brenden
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by Desert Toad,Helpful

Desert Toad Jun 10, 2015 2:26 PM in response to Ryan AnChin
Level 1 (5 points)

Jun 10, 2015 2:26 PM in response to Ryan AnChin

It never works the first time for me. We have to iPhones and two iPads, sending from one to another always takes many many tries. Often times I give up and email the photo, web link, etc.

Seems so simply....
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by Ryan AnChin,

Ryan AnChin Jun 23, 2015 1:50 AM in response to Desert Toad
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Jun 23, 2015 1:50 AM in response to Desert Toad

Indeed. It was supposed to be a service works like magic. But in the end, only magic can make it work.
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by Ryan AnChin,

Ryan AnChin Jun 23, 2015 1:52 AM in response to brenden dv
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Jun 23, 2015 1:52 AM in response to brenden dv

As a computer engineer, I have no problem understanding how to set it up, and even how it works. But it never works as it should have. Like what I said in the other post:

"It was supposed to be a service works like magic, but in the end, only magic can make it work. "
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by Ryan AnChin,

Ryan AnChin Jun 23, 2015 1:54 AM in response to Ryan AnChin
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Jun 23, 2015 1:54 AM in response to Ryan AnChin

Or maybe in another word:

"It just doesn't work!"
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Q: Why is AirDrop so difficult to use?

All replies Helpful answers

by brenden dv,

by Desert Toad,★Helpful

by Ryan AnChin,

by Ryan AnChin,

by Ryan AnChin,

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by Desert Toad,Helpful