Though AirDrop has long been a gold standard for sharing files across iDevices, it has become even better and more seamless than ever before. Thanks to the introduction of the “Proximity” sharing feature, you can now share files between two iPhones by just bringing them close together. Yeah, you no longer need to look for the AirDrop icon and hit the nearby device with which you would like to share any item. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Let me show you how to send files and photos with AirDrop proximity sharing on iPhone.
It’s worth pointing out that sharing files with the “AirDrop Proximity Sharing” works even if you have disabled the AirDrop receiving or limited it to contacts only. That means you can use this handy feature to share a file with anyone without having to change your AirDrop settings time and time again. From a user experience perspective, this is a great feature. And I’m sure it’s soon going to be one of the most loved features.
Enable AirDrop Proximity Sharing on Your iPhone
- First and foremost, ensure that the AirDrop Proximity Sharing is enabled on your iPhone.
- To do so, head over to the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 17 or later.
- After that, scroll down and choose General.
- Next, tap on Airdrop.
- Finally, turn on the toggle for Bringing Devices Together. And that’s about it.
- In order to kickstart the transfer process, just choose the desired photo or file that you wish to share with your friend or anyone else.
- Now, hold your unlocked iPhone next to your friend’s unlocked iPhone.
- Next, your iPhone will show a shared interface.
- Next up, tap on the Share button that appears on the screen to share the file, and you are good to go!
- Your sent file will be instantly received on the other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which iPhones are compatible with AirDrop Proximity Sharing?
Ans: All the iOS 17 or later supported iPhone models are compatible with the AirDrop Proximity Sharing.
2. When did AirDrop arrive?
Ans: AirDrop first debuted in OS X Lion on Mac way back in 2011. However, it launched on iPhone with the introduction of iOS 7 in 2013. Initially, AirDrop was designed to play between Macs. Later, it was rolled out to share files between iPhones/iPads. After a few years, it broke free and started to share files across iPhones, iPads, and Macs seamlessly.
3. How do you customize AirDrop settings on iPhone?
Ans: There are multiple ways you can fine-tune the AirDrop settings on your iPhone. Just bring up the Control Center on your device -> long-press on the four-icon platter that consists of Cellular -> long-press on the AirDrop icon and then choose Receiving OFF, Contacts Only, or Everyone for 10 minutes. Alternatively, head over to the Settings app -> General -> AirDrop and then choose the desired option.
