With “AirDrop Proximity Sharing”, sharing files between two iPhones is as seamless as you can ever imagine. To bring this feature into action, all you have to do is just hold your iPhone close to your friend’s iPhone to share a file. Though this new handy file-sharing feature is pretty reliable, it doesn’t always work as expected. And when that happens you feel like dealing with a really buggy and embarrassing feature. But bother not, we’ve lined up the best tips and tricks to fix AirDrop Proximity Sharing not working on iPhone in iOS 18/17.
Fix AirDrop Proximity Sharing Not Working on iPhone
To begin with, let’s briefly discuss the reasons that could be hindering this handy feature from functioning properly!
Why is AirDrop Proximity Sharing Not Working?
So, what has caused the “AirDrop Proximity Sharing” issue or prevented it from functioning as expected? While a software bug might be the biggest culprit, things like wrong configuration or ill-fated network issues could be in the running. Besides, there could be other factors like incompatibility as well.
1. Be Sure You Have Compatible Devices
Keep in mind that the AirDrop Proximity Sharing supports only iPhone XR/XS or later. Not just your iPhone but also the one with which you are sharing a file must be compatible as well.
2. Ensure That Both the iPhones are Unlocked
To begin with, make sure that both iPhones are unlocked while sharing and receiving the selected files. As this is a must-have requirement, be sure to check it off without fail.
3. Make Sure Both iPhones are Running iOS 18/17
Another important requirement that you must tick off beforehand is to ensure that both iPhones are running iOS 18/17. If your friend’s iPhone (or, anyone’s device) is not updated, head into the Settings app -> General -> Software Update -> download and install the latest version of iOS.
4. Turn OFF/ON Bluetooth on Both the iPhones
Disabling/enabling Bluetooth has worked in fixing the ill-functioning AirDrop Proximity Sharing feature for some users. Therefore, we will give this handy tip a chance as well.
- On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Control Center -> Now, tap on the Bluetooth icon to turn it off/on.
5. Hard Reset Your iPhone
If you still can’t share files using the “AirDrop Proximity Sharing” feature, hard reset your iOS device as it’s been exceptionally effective in getting rid of random software glitches.
- On your iPhone, press and release the volume up button -> After that, press the volume down button.
- Next, hold down the power button until the Apple logo comes up on the screen.
6. Disable/Enable AirDrop Proximity Sharing
Should the proximity sharing feature continue to malfunction, disable/enable this feature.
- Go to the Settings app -> General -> AirDrop -> Turn off the toggle next to Bringing Devices Together.
- Now, reboot your device and then turn on the switch next to Bringing Devices Together.
7. Customize the AirDrop to Receive Files from Everyone
It’s worth pointing out that AirDrop Proximity Sharing works even when AirDrop is turned off or restricted to just “Contacts Only”. However, if the problem continues to haunt you, allow the AirDrop to receive files from everyone.
- On your iPhone, bring up the control center -> long-press on the four-icon platter that consists of the cellular icon -> long-press on the AirDrop icon and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes.
8. Reset Network Settings
I can’t remember how many times I have been able to fix AirDrop-related issues by resetting the network settings. Therefore, I’m going to count on it to resolve the AirDrop Proximity Sharing feature issue.
- On your iOS device, navigate to the Settings app -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings.
9. Update Software
If the proximity sharing is yet to kick in, there might be a software bug preventing this new feature from working properly.
- On your iPhone, launch the Settings app -> General -> Software Update and then download and install the latest version of iOS.
Resolved AirDrop Proximity Sharing Feature on iPhone..!
That’s pretty much it! I hope you have succeeded in fixing the AirDrop Proximity Sharing issues and it has started to work as usual. Feel free to share your thoughts about the guide and the tip that has helped you overcome the problem.
Read more: iOS 18 Software Update Got Stuck? 20 Ways to Fix It!
its still not working and my iPhone 15 pro says whenever I tried this feature of airdrop that keep holding to share nearby every time this pop up can up