[Easily Fixed] iOS 17 NameDrop Not Working

Why is iOS 17 NameDrop not working? Don’t worry! This post will tell you the reasons and show you corresponding methods to solve the problem.

By @May Last Updated November 1, 2024

Why Is iOS 17 NameDrop Not Working?

iOS 17 introduces a novel feature called NameDrop that simplifies the process of sharing contact information. Simply hold your iPhone close to another iPhone or Apple Watch and instantly share contacts between iPhones. However, some users have encountered the “iOS 17 NameDrop not working” issue when trying to share their contacts.

Why does this happen? Some common reasons are as follows:

Incompatibility: The other party may not be using iOS 17, which is a prerequisite for NameDrop functionality. Connectivity issues: The absence of WiFi or Bluetooth activation on either device can prevent seamless transfer of contact information. AirDrop deactivation: If AirDrop is disabled on either device, NameDrop may not function smoothly. Temporary glitches: Occasionally, glitches within iOS may affect the functionality of NameDrop. …

How to Fix iOS 17 NameDrop Not Working on iPhone

Now that you know why NameDrop is not working in iOS 17, then follow this guide to fix this issue.

Method 1: Reboot Your iPhone

To fix the NameDrop not working issue, the first thing that you should do is reboot your iPhone, which can resolve temporary system issues such as the one discussed in this post. Here is how to reboot your iPhone:

Step 1: Simultaneously hold down the Power button and the Volume Up button on your iPhone until the shutdown screen appears > Press and keep holding the power-off slider and slide it towards the right.

Step 2: Hold down the Power button until the Apple logo emerges on the iPhone display > Unlock your iPhone using your passcode > Use NameDrop to share contacts again to check if this issue is fixed.

Method 2: Make Sure AirDrop Is Enabled on iPhone

Misconfigured AirDrop settings may also trigger the “iOS 17 Name Drop not working” issue. NameDrop can share contacts with people you don’t know well, so your iPhone’s AirDrop settings should be configured to Everyone instead of Contacts Only.

So, how to adjust AirDrop settings for Everyone on an iPhone running iOS 17? Follow the simple steps below:

Step 1: Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap General > AirDrop.

Step 2: Choose Everyone for 10 Minutes > Engage the toggle alongside Bringing Devices Together to activate it.

Method 3: Ensure Both Devices in iOS 17 Beta

For this feature to work properly, both your iPhone and the recipient’s iPhone must be running on iOS 17. It’s important to verify that both devices have been upgraded to iOS 17. Here is how to do that:

Step 1: Access iPhone Settings > Proceed to General, followed by Software Update.

Step 2: Choose Beta Updates > iOS 17 Developer Beta > Then, Click the Download and Install button to get the most recent iteration of iOS 17.

Method 4: Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, resetting network settings can also help you solve the “iOS 17 NameDrop not working” problem. How to do that? Follow the simple steps below:

Step 1: Start the process by visiting the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Select General > In the Reset category, tap Reset Network Settings > Confirm your decision by tapping Reset.

Bonus Tip: Regularly Backup Your iPhone Contacts to PC/USB Drive

Contacts are an important part of daily life, so it’s vital to back up your contacts in case of data loss. In this case, it’s highly recommended to use a free, safe, and professional iPhone backup tool called FoneTool. More features of this tool are listed below:

Selective Backup: With FoneTool, you can choose specific contacts you want to back up, enabling efficient utilization of storage space. No Network Required: FoneTool runs independently of your network connection, ensuring that you can initiate contact backups to your PC without relying on an internet connection. Flexible Backup Storage: FoneTool gives you the flexibility to choose a preferred storage location on your PC for backing up your iPhone contacts. Backup Preview: FoneTool provides a preview of the contacts before initiating the backup, giving you control over the process.

So, how to back up your iPhone contacts using FoneTool? Now click the download button to install FoneTool on your PC and then follow the instructions.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable > Launch FoneTool > Navigate to the Phone Backup option > Access Selective Backup and click Get Started.

Step 2: Click the Contacts icon to preview and select desired contacts to back up > Click OK to continue.

Step 3: Choose the backup path of your preference (It allows you to backup iPhone to external SSD.) > Click Start Backup to initiate the backup process.

Once done, you can go to the Backup History to view the backup files. When you need to restore your iPhone backup, you can connect your iPhone and access the Backup History section to selectively restore iPhone backup with ease.

The Bottom Line

That’s all about how to fix iOS 17 NameDrop not working. There’s no doubt that the new NameDrop feature is a standout aspect of iOS 17 and serves its purpose when needed.

Notably, it’s a good habit of backing up your contacts or other iPhone data such as photos, videos, messages, and more. FoneTool is a good iPhone backup and transfer tool that can give you help. In addition, when you need to buy a new iPhone, you can make use of FoneTool to transfer your data from old iPhone to new iPhone.