[Updated 2025] How to Fix AirDrop Stuck on Waiting

A user wrote on an Apple discussion forum: "My AirDrop is stuck on waiting for iPhone 13, and I can't share files! Help!!"

Another one complained: "When I use Airdrop to share pictures with my family, it gets stuck without any response for a long time. What happened?"

AirDrop is one of the most talked about services of Apple but it isn't immune to unexpected issues. If your AirDrop is stuck waiting, then you're not alone. This problem is quite common and can appear out of nowhere.

No worries. This article is going to outline several proven workarounds to fix AirDrop issues with minimum hassles. Give it a read and find out.

Part 1: Common Reasons for Why AirDrop Stuck on Waiting

Before heading to solutions, it's imperative to understand why AirDrop just says waiting when you try to send files. Here are the reasons that might hinder the normal functioning of AirDrop:

1. Software Glitches: Probably the most common culprit of why does my AirDrop not work. Mostly, a minor error in either of the device can prevent AirDrop from sending your files and getting stuck waiting.

2. The issue in iOS Update: Either you haven't updated your iPhone or iPad and maybe, the latest version may have brought some bugs that interrupt AirDrop. Many users have reported that AirDrop doesn't work after updating to iOS 16/15.

3. Wrong Configuration: It may happen that Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on either device is not turned on, or the personal hotspot is still enabled. This can result in AirDrop being stuck on waiting or not sharing files.

4. iPhone is Locked: The recipient's iPhone must not be screen locked, else it won't appear on your iPhone for sending files or may get stuck on waiting.

5. Devices are Not Close Enough: AirDrop works when devices are present within about 30ft of each other. Otherwise, they may not get a Bluetooth signal which may result in AirDrop stopping working.

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

Part 2: Simple Fixes for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting

Here's a step-by-step guide of some workable methods to make sure your AirDrop is working properly again.

1. Turn Off and Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If you have already enabled Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both iPhones but AirDrop is not working, try refreshing them.

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. If not, head to the next solution.

2. Turn Off the Personal Hotspot on iPhone

One of the common reasons why AirDrop failed is when you forget to turn off your personal hotspot. You need to turn it off. Luckily, it takes just a couple of taps to disable personal hotspot on an iPhone or iPad.

All you need to do is go to the Control Center > long-press the Bluetooth icon, and tap the Mobile Hotspot icon to turn it off.

3. Remove AirDrop Restrictions

Apple allows users to put restrictions on any app to limit or manage their usage. It may occur that you have mistakenly set up restrictions on AirDrop, which might be the reason why AirDrop not showing up.

4. Force Reboot Both Devices

As you already know that a minor bug in the system software can prevent AirDrop from working properly. Force restarting your iPhone is the quickest way to remove all such glitches.

Here's how to get AirDrop to work by force rebooting:

For iPhone 6 and earlier: Press the Sleep/Wake button and Home button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 and Plus: Press the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 8/X and later: Press the both Volume Up and Volume Down buttons together, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Wait until the iPhone restarts. Now, try sending the files again. If you're still facing an AirDrop problem, continue reading.

5. Update iOS

Each iOS brings automatic fixes for many pending issues on your device. Many users have reported that updating both devices to the latest iOS version has helped them get rid of the AirDrop says waiting problem.

6. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, the issue can be in the network settings of your iPhone – either sender or recipient. So, if none of the aforementioned methods has helped you get it, try resetting the network settings.

To do that:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset Network Settings.

Also Read: [Updated 2023] How to Fix AirDrop No People Found Issue on Your iPhone

Part 3: Bonus Alternative to AirDrop for Transferring Files

Sharing files via AirDrop has its own set of complications as you'll find many unexpected issues time and again. Want to avoid all this? Look no further and get AirDroid Personal.

Having been an industry leader for almost a decade, this powerful tool guarantees a seamless data transfer process. Not only it lets you transfer files between two Apple devices, Mac and iPhone, but it also supports cross-platform transfer.

Now, you move unlimited data between Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. This gives AirDroid a comprehensive edge over Airdrop – as the latter only supports Apple devices. And coming to speed, AirDrop Personal boasts of remarkably-fast transfer speed without losing any quality.

In the below steps, we will learn how to transfer data between two iPhones as well as iPhones and Mac. Note that the same procedure can be sued for Android and Windows. using AirDroid Personal.

Final Remarks

And that's all the information you need to get rid of the AirDrop stuck on waiting for error. Just implement the aforementioned AirDrop troubleshooting solutions until it is up and running smoothly.

If you want to get an alternative tool to send large data files quickly, try AirDroid Personal. It allows you to move files between any two devices, including iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android. Additionally, it acts as a remote desktop program to manage your smartphone from a PC.

Feel free to ask any questions about how to fix AirDrop.

Part 4: Common FAQs About Why AirDrop Stuck on Waiting

1. Why is my AirDrop stuck on waiting?

Charudatta

Some of the common causes of AirDrop stuck on waiting are:

1. Both devices are not close enough to each other to let AirDrop connect them.
2. Your iPhone or Mac is not fulfilling the AirDrop minimum requirements.
3. Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth is turned off on any device or a personal hotspot is enabled.
4. Glitches in system software or any app running in the background.
5. Outdated iOS version.

2. How to fix AirDrop stuck on

Charudatta

Try out the below solutions:

1. Make sure AirDrop permissions are given.
2. Restart the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
3. Update iOS
4. Reset the Network settings