PAGE CONTENT:
- Reasons for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting
- Quick Solutions to AirDrop Not Working Waiting
- Best Alternative to Airdrop for File Transfer
AirDrop lets you conveniently and wirelessly share files between Apple products. However, it is not always working like a charm. One of the hiccups you might come across is that when you are airdropping a file, the AirDrop says waiting but never connects to the recipient. The AirDrop transfer spins but never sends the file.
Even though you cancel the AirDrop and try it again, the situation is not improved. The AirDrop is not working and gets stuck on the waiting status. This article will explain why your AirDrop gets stuck on waiting and how to fix the problem. In addition, you will find the best alternative for AirDrop - 🏅EaseUS MobiMover in this article. Read on.
Reasons for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting
Before proceeding to the specific fixes for the AirDrop not working on iPhone or iPad, you should understand why your AirDrop says waiting but is unable to connect. The most common reasons include:
- ⚙️Disabled Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. AirDrop relies on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, so Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on both Apple devices. If the personal hotspot on either device is turned on, turn it off as well.
- 🔗The two devices are not close enough. Although the sending and receiving devices are positioned within 30 feet of each other for AirDrop to work, the signal is not strong enough to establish the connection.
- 🔧Software conflicts. Some third-party apps, such as a firewall or antivirus software, can interfere with AirDrop functionality.
- ❕Outdated operating system. Make sure both devices have the latest software updates installed. An outdated version of iOS or macOS can sometimes cause compatibility issues with AirDrop.
Quick Solutions to AirDrop Not Working Waiting
This part contains 5 quick methods for the AirDrop not working waiting error. You can try them in order until you find the one that fixes it.
| Method | Effectiveness | Difficulty |
| Turn off and On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | It is helpful in fixing the AirDrop stuck waiting. | Easy |
| Turn Off the Personal Hotspot on iPhone | Turn off the personal hotspot to avoid interference with the AirDrop connection. | Easy |
| Reset Network Settings | Reset network-related settings, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth configurations. | Moderate |
| Force Restart of Both Devices | Force restart to fix the bugs and quit all background conflicting apps. | Easy |
| Update the System | The patches within the latest system may fix the error that prevents AirDrop transfer from working properly. | Moderate |
Fix 1. Turn off and On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Re-enabling Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth is helpful in fixing the AirDrop stuck on waiting.
How to disable and re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on iPhone/iPad:
Step 1. Swipe from the upper-right corner of your screen to pull down the Control Center.
Step 2. Tap on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons to turn them off.
Step 3. Wait for 5 seconds, and tap the icons again to enable them.
How to disable and re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on Mac:
If your AirDrop is not working on Mac, follow the steps below to re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Step 1. Click the Control Center icon in the top menu bar.
Step 2. Click "Wi-Fi" and click the slider to turn it off, and then do the same to turn off Bluetooth.
Step 3. Wait for 5 seconds, and use the same process to turn them back on.
Fix 2. Turn Off the Personal Hotspot on iPhone
The personal hotspot signal will interfere with the AirDrop connection, so you should turn it off on both iPhones.
How to turn off the personal hotspot on iPhone:
Step 1. Open "Settings" > "Personal Hotspot."
Step 2. Toggle the switch to turn off Personal Hotspot.
Fix 3. Reset Network Settings
If neither of the two solutions works around the AirDrop stuck on waiting, try to reset the network settings on the two devices. This will reset all network-related settings, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth configurations.
How to reset network settings on iPhone/iPad:
Step 1. Open "Settings" > "General" and scroll down to "Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad."
Step 2. Tap "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings."
Step 3. Reconnect to a Wi-Fi network.
How to reset network settings on Mac:
Step 1. Open "Apple Menu" > "System Settings" > "Network."
Step 2. Select "WiFi," click the minus button below, and click "Apply."
Step 3. Click the plus icon, select "WiFi," click "Create," and click "Apply."
Step 4. Rejoin a Wi-Fi network.
Fix 4. Force Restart of Both Devices
Some software glitches might have caused the "AirDrop not working waiting" issue. To fix the bugs or quit all background conflicting apps, it is advised to force restart both devices.
How to force reboot iPhone/iPad:
Force restart iPhone 8 or later and iPad models with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and press and hold the lock button until the Apple logo appears.
Force restart iPad and iPhone 7 or earlier with the Home button: Press and hold the volume down or the home button and the lock button together until the Apple logo appears.
How to force restart a Mac:
For Mac desktops: Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until a full shutdown, wait 10 seconds, and press the power button to start it up.
For MacBook Pro/Air: Press and hold the Command + Control + Touch ID/Eject/power button together until your Mac laptop shuts down and reboots.
Fix 5. Update the System
Updating the system to the latest version will install patches to fix the errors that might hinder the AirDrop transfer from working properly.
How to update the iOS version:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2. Tap "Download and Install" if an update is available.
Step 3. Follow the onscreen process to finish installing the iOS update.
How to update the macOS version:
Step 1. Open "Apple Menu" > "System Settings" > "Software Update."
Step 2. Click on "Upgrade Now" if an update is available.
Step 3. Follow the onscreen process to finish installing the macOS update.
Best Alternative to Airdrop for File Transfer
If all solutions fail to solve the "AirDrop not working waiting" problem, you need to find an alternative way to transfer files between Apple products. EaseUS MobiMover is a perfect alternative to AirDrop because it can transfer data from one iPhone to another, iPhone to iPad, iPhone to Mac, and vice versa without hassle.
👑Key Features of EaseUS MobiMover
- Transfer 14 types of files between any two Apple devices, including photos, videos, messages, contacts, music, calendars, and more.
- Transfer unlimited files while maintaining the original quality of files.
- Fast and secure data transfer, just like AirDrop.
- Easy to use.
Download for PCDownload for Mac
How to transfer files from iPhone to iPhone using EaseUS MobiMover
EaseUS MobiMover is easy to operate. Follow the steps to learn how to use it:
Step 1.Connect both of the iPhones to the computer and launch EaseUS MobiMover. Then click"Phone to Phone", check the transfer direction, and click "Next" to continue.
Step 2.Select one category or multiple categories that you want to copy, and click "Transfer".
Step 3.Wait for the toolto transfer selected files from one iPhone to another. When the process finishes, go to the corresponding apps to check the newly added files.
Part 4. Conclusion
If your AirDrop transfer hangs on waiting but never connects to the recipient's device, this article tells you how to fix AirDrop stuck on waiting. You need to verify the connectivity of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If necessary, reset all network connections and update the entire system on both iDevices.
If the AirDrop is not working waiting issue persists, you can use EaseUS MobiMover to share data between Apple products easily.
Download for PCDownload for Mac
FAQs on AirDrop Not Working Waiting
This section gathers some most frequently asked questions on this topic. Read to know more.
1. Why is my AirDrop taking so long?
It's possible that the file being transferred is too big if an AirDrop transfer takes longer than intended. Another reason for slow AirDrop transfer is the weak signal between the two devices to ensure a fast transfer.
2. Why is my AirDrop not working when it's on?
It takes correct configurations on both sending and receiving devices to ensure the effectiveness of AirDrop. If the AirDrop is set up correctly, try to verify the other user's device.
3. Why isn't my AirDrop finding anymore?
There is a possibility that your AirDrop is restricted to Contacts Only; either of the devices turns off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and the devices are not close enough. These are all the possible reasons why your AirDrop is not finding any more.
FAQs
How to Fix AirDrop Not Working and Stuck on Waiting? ›
All you need to do is disable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, wait for a few seconds, and turn them on again. Hopefully, it will fix the issue.
Why is my AirDrop not working when it's on? ›Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
AirDrop relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files over the air. If you're still having trouble getting AirDrop to work correctly, try switching off both radios completely then turn them back on again.
Adjust Airdrop
In case of an Airdrop iOS 13 not working situation, you can adjust the feature to “Everyone” and try again. If adjusting Airdrop does not help, try turning it off and on.
To use AirDrop, both devices need to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on, and neither device should be acting as a personal hotspot.
Why is AirDrop stuck on waiting? ›Some of the common causes of AirDrop stuck on waiting are: Both devices are not close enough to each other to let AirDrop connect them. Your iPhone or Mac is not fulfilling the AirDrop minimum requirements. Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth is turned off on any device or a personal hotspot is enabled.
Why is my AirDrop not working iOS 15? ›Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
Believe it or not, DND has the tendency of preventing AirDrop from working normally. So, turn off Do Not Disturb on both the devices and try to transfer files again. On your iPhone and iPad with Face ID: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen.
What is AirDrop's file size limit? AirDrop has no file size limit, and Apple hasn't specified a limit either. While larger files may take longer to transfer, the time is typically well under a minute. Unlimited file size is yet another reason why you should take advantage of AirDrop.
Can airdrops expire? ›Airdrop redemption codes do not expire. You can redeem your Airdrop redemption codes whenever you'd like.
How long can you AirDrop? ›Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop
The Everyone for 10 Minutes option is available only on iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or later. On earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, this option is just Everyone.
If you can't see the other device in AirDrop
Make sure that both devices are within 9 metres (30 feet) of each other and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
Why is my iPhone 14 AirDrop not working? ›
On your iPhone, go to Settings -> User Name -> iCloud. Tap on "Sign Out" and then sign in iCloud again to check if the AirDrop issue is fixed.
Why is my AirDrop cancelled? ›Summary Of“Why Is My Airdrop Cancellation”
First of all,you need to make sure that your crypto airdrop is legit. Check their official website,social media,and check their community. If it is legit,you must check their selecting criteria. Those may be the reasons why your airdrop is cancellation.
There's no limit on how many photos you can AirDrop at the same time.
How do I get AirDrop to work? ›...
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.
As mentioned earlier, AirDrop is a non-conventional way to transfer files across iPhones, iPad, Macbooks, etc. Therefore, Apple doesn't keep the logs of the files airdropped. So the answer to the question of "can you see AirDrop History?" is no.
Why is AirDrop only 10 minutes? ›Apple has revised its AirDrop settings with the release of iOS 16.2 today, scrapping the previous “Everyone” option that allowed users to constantly receive new incoming AirDrop requests from anyone, and replacing it with an “Everyone for 10 Minutes” setting which aims to tackle spam by limiting the duration that users ...
Where do AirDrop Photos go? ›Airdrop photos and other files are saved in the “Downloads” folder. To access this folder, you could click "Go" > "Downloads" or use the dock option on the Mac OS. Photos transferred via Airdrop are automatically saved in the iPhone's photos folder.
Is AirDrop working on iOS 16? ›Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop
Note: The Contacts Only option is available on devices with iOS 10, iPadOS 10, macOS 10.12, or later. The Everyone for 10 Minutes option is available only on iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or later. On earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, this option is just Everyone.
You don't even need the latest iPhone 14 Pro or a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 Max chip to use AirDrop. It works with any iOS device running iOS 7 or newer and any Mac running OS X Yosemite or newer.
Can files be too big to AirDrop? ›The best thing about AirDrop is that there's no file size limit. Also, you can use other types of files besides videos. Just ensure that the devices are close to each other.
How far can you AirDrop on iPhone? ›
The two Apple devices you are using for AirDrop both have to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on and they need to be within 9 metres (30 foot) of each other.
How many airdrops per day? ›Airdrops is a gameplay feature that appears in Dying Light, containing humanitarian aid sent by the Global Relief Effort. These air drops appear 2-3 per day, but at random times, though none contain Antizin outside of select story missions.
Are airdrops real money? ›While some are legitimate, other airdrops have been seen as fraudulent when attempting to steal wallet or personal information. Airdrops may be based on those who express interest, hold existing tokens, are intentionally selected, or win raffles.
What is permanent AirDrop? ›Hardfork airdrop
A hardfork airdrop occurs when there is a permanent split or new version of a blockchain that is released, hence creating the need for a new token to go with it.
If you are the sender and the recipient declines your share, nothing happens; you still have the file and it stays in the same place. If there's a file that you're seeing in the Trash (or as you mentioned it 'recently deleted'), that means the file was accepted and was then deleted.
Why can't I AirDrop to my wife's iPhone? ›Make sure 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.
Can you AirDrop text messages? ›You can easily start airdropping messages if both your devices have WiFi or Bluetooth. On top of that, you can also airdrop messages to your friends and family members if they are connected to you via Bluetooth or WiFi. You can send text messages, photos, or even a video through this method to another device.
Why does AirDrop only work one way? ›It's possible that the firewall is blocking the connections, causing the problem of AirDrop only operating in one direction. If you want to use AirDrop from your MacBook to your iPhone, but not from your iPhone to your MacBook, you will need to disable the firewall on your MacBook.
Why didn't I get my AirDrop photos? ›When airdropped photos not showing up iPhone, you can try to restart your iPhone or AirDrop photos in a smaller group. If all methods don't work, you may let AirDrop-like apps help you transfer photos wirelessly or let FoneTool help you transfer photos via the USB cable.
Why does it say iPhone 2? ›The simple answer is that there is more than one phone shared with Find My that have the same name, so it adds a suffix to differentiate the phones. And the solution is to go to Settings/About/Name and make each phone's name unique.
Can you AirDrop 100gb? ›
There is not a file size limit when using AirDrop. What happens when you try to use AirDrop between the two devices? Do you get an error message?
Can you AirDrop 50gb? ›You can send unlimited files in Airdrop. Through Gmail, you can share files up to 25MB. AirDrop creates a peer-to-peer network through Bluetooth and an internet connection.
How do I share a ton of photos? ›- Airdrop.
- Dropbox.
- Facebook.
- Instant messaging apps (like Telegram or Whatsapp)
- Google Photos.
- Flicker.
- WeTransfer.
It does not use iCloud when using AirDrop from one device to another. Both must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi On.
What's the difference between AirDrop and AirPlay? ›AirDrop allows for the sharing of files while AirPlay targets the streaming of media to compatible devices. If you require additional details on AirDrop and how to set it up these can be found here while additional details on how to set up AirPlay can be found here.
Is AirDrop a security risk? ›Is it safe to share a file using AirDrop? Generally, using AirDrop to share photos or other content is safe. However, the risks emerge in the form of bugs detected in software or networking protocols. In other cases, users might take risks with AirDrop settings, like accepting data from everyone.
How anonymous is AirDrop? ›AirDropping is instant, anonymous (if your device doesn't have your name in its title), and 100% irreversible.
Does AirDrop show your number? ›When you use AirDrop to send files on an iPhone, it's possible for people nearby to learn your phone number, warns security firm Hexway. The iPhone doesn't directly broadcast its phone number. Instead, it transmits a few bytes of what's called a hash of the number.
Why is my AirDrop sending but not receiving? ›Since the AirDrop relies on the WiFi network to work, most of the time, the reason why AirDrop doesn't work has something to do with the network condition. At this time, resetting the network settings is a good fix. Go to Settings > General > Transfer and Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Why is my AirDrop only for 10 minutes? ›AirDrop now offers three settings for users: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone for 10 Minutes. There is no longer a way to permanently leave AirDrop on. Users must open the Settings app and change their AirDrop settings manually to receive AirDrop requests from devices that are not saved in their Contacts.
How do I reset my network settings on my iPhone? ›
Reset your network settings
If you're using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. If you're using iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
There's no limit on how many photos you can AirDrop at the same time. However, there are practical issues with transferring lots of photos simultaneously, not least the amount of time it will take, even on a high-speed Wi-Fi network, to move lots of photos.
Why is my iPhone cancelling AirDrop? ›If AirDrop isn't showing up at all, you might have blocked it in your Content & Privacy Restrictions. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > App Restrictions.
Why can't i AirDrop to my husband's iPhone? ›Make Sure You're Both Signed into iCloud
If you or the person you want to AirDrop with have your discoverability set to “Contacts Only” rather than “Everyone,” you'll both also need to be signed into iCloud.
Allow others to send items to your iPhone using AirDrop
The Everyone for 10 Minutes option is available only on iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or later. On earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, this option is just Everyone.
There are many file transfer apps, but AirDrop of Apple is unrivalled. If you're a Mac user or iPhone/iPad user, you can benefit from the seamless file-transferring features of AirDrop. But unfortunately, AirDrop is not available for platforms like Android, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems.
Is there a time limit on AirDrop? ›After 10 minutes, the "Everyone" option will change to "Contacts Only." AirDrop has three options for sharing and receiving content.
How far can you AirDrop on Iphone? ›The two Apple devices you are using for AirDrop both have to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on and they need to be within 9 metres (30 foot) of each other.
Is there a distance limit to AirDrop? ›Make sure that the person you're sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. Both devices are within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
Will I lose anything if I reset my iPhone? ›Reset All Settings: All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
Will I lose anything if I reset network settings on iPhone? ›
Resetting network settings on an iPhone or Android smartphone will not delete any mobile carrier functionality or account information. The process resets any changes to mobile preferences you may have made since you activated your device.
Will I lose everything if I reset my phone? ›Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot Android issues. To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info.