Facing AirDrop Only Working One Way: Here’s How to Troubleshoot It

AirDrop is the go-to option for Apple users to transfer files between iOS and Mac devices. With just a few taps, you can share data with the target device at a remarkable speed.

But unfortunately, AirDrop is not a perfect tool, and often, users encounter unexpected errors like AirDrop only working one way. If you also face this problem and cannot transfer files, fret not.

In this article, we will talk about several simple ways to troubleshoot AirDrop to ease you back into transferring files. Let's find out!

Part 1: Why AirDrop Only Working One Way?

Before learning how to make AirDrop work, it's important to understand the main reasons behind this issue. Our research shows that the "AirDrop only working one way" problem is mostly caused by the following:

No matter the reason, the next section will introduce multiple ways to get AirDrop to work without any trouble.

Part 2: Ways to Troubleshoot AirDrop Only Working One Way

Just implement the tips below one after another, and hopefully, your issue will be resolved.

1Make Sure the Devices Are Compatible

First, be sure that the AirDrop tech is compatible with both of your devices. If you're trying to share data between iPhone and Mac, then:

2Check Basic AirDrop Settings

AirDrop allows users to customize the file-sharing or receiving settings to ensure they aren't victims of unsolicited sharing. It has three levels: Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone.

Be sure you have enabled the "Everyone" option in AirDrop and turn it off again after the transfer. This might fix the AirDrop not seeing iPhone issue.

Here's how to do that for iPhone:

You can set AirDrop receiving off after sending the files. Aside from privacy, this also somewhat preserves your iPhone's battery.

For Mac:

3Restart iPhone and Mac

If any minor bug is why AirDrop is only working one way, try restarting both devices. This is the quickest way to refresh the iPhone or Mac and get AirDrop to work. The good thing is rebooting takes just a couple of minutes at most.

Follow the below steps to restart iPhone:

For iPhone 8 and later models:

Press and quickly release the volume+ button and do the same for the volume-down button. Then, hold the side button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.

For the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

Press and hold power and volume-down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhones older than the 6s:

Press the power and Home buttons simultaneously for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears.

4Update Operating System

Sometimes, the new Apple update automatically fixes compatibility issues and minor glitches, including AirDrop troubleshooting. Installing the new iOS or macOS updates when available is always a better choice.

To install the update on iPhone:

For that:

To install the update on Mac:

After updating both devices, try using AirDrop again; hopefully, you won't face any issues.

5Disable the Firewall on the Mac

At times, the third-party antivirus program or your Mac's default security procedure might be why AirDrop is not showing on your Mac. Thus, be sure to disable or limit the strictness of Mac's firewall.

Here's how to get AirDrop to work by disabling the Mac Firewall:

Part 3: Bonus Tip: A Perfect Alternative to AirDrop for Transferring Files

Don't want to go through the hassle of how to make AirDrop work now and then? Look no further and get AirDroid Personal as a perfect alternative to AirDrop. It is a one-stop solution to wirelessly transfer photos, videos, songs, contacts, and any other data between two iPhones or iPhones and Mac.

Compared to AirDrop, this program can share data between any two devices, not just Apple devices. You can instantly transfer files between Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. It's transfer speed is also remarkably excellent.

And if that's not enough, users can send files to both Nearby and Distant devices, a feature not available in AirDrop.

Check out how to use AirDrop Personal to eliminate the AirDrop-only working one-way issue.

The sent files will be automatically downloaded to the AirDroid default folder on your Mac. And that's how easy it is to use AirDroid Personal.

Final Remarks

This article shows that many reasons can lead to AirDrop only working one way. But you don't have to worry; the abovementioned tips will help you troubleshoot AirDrop conveniently.

But if you want a more flexible method to share files, get assistance from AirDroid Personal. This versatile tool allows you to send unlimited data across different platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone.

Get its premium version to enjoy file transfer and other stellar features.

Common FAQs

Check out the common queries below about getting AirDrop to work for transferring files.

1. Why is AirDrop not seeing iPhone?

The main reasons include the following:

2. How to fix AirDrop only working one way?

Try the below solutions:

3. Do you need Wi-Fi for AirDrop?

Yes, AirDrop requires users to have Wi-Fi switched on. But you do not need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network