AirDrop works when you're within about 30 feet of another device, though the actual range depends on obstacles and which devices you're using
AirDrop is Apple's tool for sending files between iPhones, iPads, and Macs without using email or messaging apps. The distance that works depends on whether you're sending to someone nearby or across the room. Most of the time, if you can see the other person's device or they're in the same room, AirDrop will work. If you're separated by walls, floors, or more than about 30 feet, the connection often drops.
The exact range varies. Bluetooth, which AirDrop uses to find devices, can reach about 30 feet in open space with no obstacles. WiFi Direct, which AirDrop switches to for the actual file transfer, has a similar range but works better through walls than Bluetooth does. In practice, this means AirDrop usually works across a house or apartment, but not reliably between buildings or across a parking lot.
Key Takeaways
- AirDrop typically works within 30 feet in open space, but walls and distance reduce the range significantly.
- Both devices must have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, even if you're not connected to the same network.
- The receiving device must have AirDrop set to receive from "Everyone" or "Contacts Only" — if it's off, the sender won't see it.
- If AirDrop doesn't find the other device, moving closer and restarting Bluetooth on both phones usually fixes it.
Why distance matters for AirDrop
AirDrop uses two wireless technologies in sequence. First, Bluetooth searches for nearby devices and creates a connection. Then it switches to WiFi Direct to move the actual file. Bluetooth has a shorter range than regular WiFi — about 30 feet in open air, less through walls and obstacles. Once the connection is made, WiFi Direct takes over and maintains the link, but if you move too far away during the transfer, the connection breaks.
The 30-foot range is a rough guideline, not a hard limit. In an open room with no walls between you and the other person, you might send a file from 40 feet away. In an office with multiple walls, the range might drop to 15 feet. Thick walls, metal objects, and other WiFi networks all reduce how far the signal travels. If you're trying to AirDrop to someone and it's not working, the first thing to check is whether you've moved too far apart.
How to check if you're close enough
The easiest way to know if you're in range is to open the share menu on your iPhone or iPad and look for the other person's device. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer models) to open Control Center, then tap the share icon. On iPad, swipe down from the top right corner. If you see the other device listed under AirDrop, you're close enough. If you don't see it, the device is either too far away, has AirDrop turned off, or isn't set to receive.
If the other device should be in range but isn't showing up, try moving closer and waiting a few seconds. Bluetooth takes a moment to scan for devices. If it still doesn't appear, ask the person with the other device to check their AirDrop settings. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is on. Then open Control Center again and check that AirDrop is set to "Everyone" or "Contacts Only" rather than "Receiving Off."
What to do if AirDrop stops working mid-transfer
If you start sending a file and the transfer stalls or fails partway through, distance is usually the culprit. During the actual file transfer, both devices need to stay within WiFi Direct range, which is roughly the same as Bluetooth range but sometimes more stable. If you or the other person moved during the transfer, the connection may have broken.
To fix this, move back closer to each other and try again. Before you resend, turn Bluetooth off and back on on both devices — this clears out any stale connections. Wait a few seconds, then open the share menu again and look for the device. Once you see it listed, you're definitely in range. Then send the file and stay in the same spot until the transfer completes, which usually takes less than a minute for photos or documents.
AirDrop range on Mac
Sending files from a Mac to an iPhone or iPad, or between two Macs, follows the same distance rules. The Mac's Bluetooth and WiFi radios have similar range to an iPhone's. To send from a Mac, open Finder, click AirDrop in the sidebar, and wait for nearby devices to appear. If you don't see the other device, check that its AirDrop is turned on and that you're within 30 feet in open space.
One difference: Macs sometimes take longer to discover nearby devices than iPhones do. If you're sending from a Mac and the iPhone doesn't appear right away, wait 10 to 15 seconds before assuming it's out of range. If it still doesn't show up, try moving the Mac and iPhone closer together, then check the iPhone's AirDrop settings to make sure it's set to receive.
Why Bluetooth and WiFi both need to be on
AirDrop won't work if either device has Bluetooth or WiFi turned off, even if you're standing right next to each other. Bluetooth is what finds the other device, and WiFi Direct is what transfers the file. You don't need to be connected to the same WiFi network — AirDrop creates its own direct connection — but both radios have to be active.
This is a common reason AirDrop fails. If you've turned off WiFi to save battery, or if Bluetooth is off, the other person won't see your device in their share menu. Check Control Center on both phones: make sure the Bluetooth icon is blue (on) and the WiFi icon is showing. If either is grayed out, tap it to turn it back on, wait a few seconds, and try AirDrop again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I AirDrop across a WiFi network instead of using Bluetooth?
No. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to find devices and WiFi Direct to transfer files. You can't AirDrop over your home WiFi network to someone on a different network, and you can't AirDrop to someone outside your Bluetooth range no matter what network they're on. The 30-foot Bluetooth range is the hard limit.
Does AirDrop work through walls?
Yes, but the range is shorter. Bluetooth and WiFi Direct both pass through walls, but the signal weakens. A wall between you and the other device might cut your range from 30 feet to 15 feet. Multiple walls or thick concrete walls reduce it further. If AirDrop isn't working, try moving to the same room or removing obstacles between the devices.
What if the other person's device is set to "Contacts Only"?
If their AirDrop is set to "Contacts Only," you'll only see their device if you're in their contacts. If you're not, their device won't appear in your share menu even if you're close enough. Ask them to change it to "Everyone" temporarily, or make sure your contact information is saved on their phone.
Does AirDrop work between iPhone and Android?
No. AirDrop only works between Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Android phones don't support AirDrop. If you need to send a file to an Android user, use email, a messaging app, or a cloud storage service like Google Drive instead.
Can I increase AirDrop range by using a WiFi extender?
No. AirDrop doesn't use your home WiFi network, so a WiFi extender won't help. It uses Bluetooth to find devices and WiFi Direct to transfer, both of which have fixed ranges. The only way to extend AirDrop range is to move closer to the other device.