6 Fixes for AirDrop from iPhone to iPad not Working

When it comes to transferring data from iPhone to iPhone/iPad wirelessly, AirDrop is one of the Apple’s most popular services , yet it is not without faults. You are not alone if you find AirDrop from iPhone to iPad not working or getting stuck. This is a rather typical issue that might occur out of nowhere.

Not to worry too much. This guide will detail 6 tried-and-true solution for resolving iPhone to iPad AirDrop not working issue. Let’s get started.

Why is your AirDrop not working from iPhone to iPad?

Before we go into solutions, it’s critical to figure out why your AirDrop is not working from iPhone to iPad. Here are some of the reasons behind it.

• Software glitches. Generally, a little fault on either iPhone or iPad can prevent AirDrop from sharing files between them.
• iOS update bug. You may not have updated your iPhone or iPad, or the current version may have included flaws that interfere with AirDrop.
• Incorrect configuration. It is possible that neither device’s Bluetooth nor Wi-Fi is turned on, or that the personal hotspot is still activated.
• Either device is locked. Your two devices must not be screen locked. Otherwise, you can’t AirDrop from iPhone to iPad.
• Devices are too far apart. AirDrop only works when devices are within 30 feet of each other. Otherwise, it cannot work properly.

6 fixes to AirDrop iPhone to iPad not working

Here’s a step-by-step guide to 6 effective solutions for AirDrop from iPhone to iPad not working. Try them one after another until your issue gets fixed.

Check AirDrop settings on iPhone and iPad

When you can’t AirDrop iPhone to iPad properly, as previously said, you may need to start from the beginning to verify your AirDrop settings. Follow the steps below to check relative settings.

> Turn off and enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Bluetooth is utilized to identify devices within its range while using AirDrop, while Wi-Fi is used to transfer data. As a result, data transfer via AirDrop is impossible without either of them.

> Turn off Personal Hotspot on iPhone and iPad if either of the devices has Personal Hotspot on.

> Ensure that your iPhone and iPad are close by and within Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range (30 feet and preferably closer).

> Check three discovery settings.
When you enable AirDrop, you will be prompted to select between Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone, as seen in the image below. It is recommended that you select Everyone so that any surrounding devices with AirDrop enabled may see your iPad.

Force restart iPhone and iPad

As you may be aware, a small glitch in the system software might prevent AirDrop from functioning properly. The simplest solution to fix any such bugs is to force restart your iPhone and iPad.

● For iPhone 8 and later with Face ID
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Perform the same operation on Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.

● Force restart iPad
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and Home button at the same time > Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo.

Sign out & in iCloud account

If you choose Contacts Only to AirDrop from iPhone to iPad. In addition, two devices must be logged into iCloud. You can try signing out and then back into iCloud. This may help resolve the issue iPhone to iPad AirDrop not working.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Tap [your name] > Scroll down to locate and tap Sign Out > Enter your Apple ID and password.

Step 2. Tap Turn Off > Choose the data you want to keep on iPhone > Tap Sign Out > Tap Sign Out again to confirm.

Reset network settings

Sometimes the problem is in your devices’ network settings - either your iPhone or iPad. Thus, if none of the above solutions have worked, try resetting the network settings.

To reset network settings, go to Settings > Tap General >Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad > Reset > Choose Reset Network Settings. When it is finished, enter the Wi-Fi passcode to rejoin the Wi-Fi to see if it resolves the issue.

Reset All settings

The AirDrop from iPhone to iPad not working issue might be caused by a serious software issue. To fix the problem, you might try to reset all settings. All settings will be returned to default after the reset, but no data will be deleted.

Go to the Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings > Enter your passcode, and tap Reset All Settings again to confirm.

Check for iOS/iPadOS update

Every iOS/iPadOS update brings with it automatic remedies for various unresolved bugs on your iPhone /iPad. It is suggested to upgrade both iPhone and iPad to the most recent iOS/iPadOS version resolved the AirDrop not working from iPhone to iPad.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Software Update. If there is a new iOS version, download and install it.

Bonus: Alternative to AirDrop for transferring files

Indeed, AirDrop is useful for sharing single files with others. AirDrop multiple photos may be difficult and time-consuming. In this case, FoneTool is highly recommended.

Key features of FoneTool
✔ Allows you to transfer batch files between iPhone and iPad quickly, like 100 photos in 3 seconds.
✔ Unaffected by the internet, you can transfer files stably over a USB connection.
✔ Guarantees lossless data transfer with no data lose.
✔ Completes the transfer task with a few clicks.

Now, free download FoneTool by clicking the icon below to see how to transfer files from iPhone to iPad.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer with USB > Open FoneTool, and choose Phone Transfer > Go to iPhone to PC.

Step 2. Click the plus icon to select the wanted photos, music, videos, contacts, and click OK to confirm.

Step 3. Click Start Transfer to begin. When it is finished, unplug your iPhone and plug the iPad into the computer > Choose PC to iPhone in FoneTool.

Step 4. Drag the transferred data into the box, or click the arrow icon to open and add the files.

Step 5. Finally, click Start Transfer > Click OK when the transfer finishes.

Conclusion

That’s all the solutions you can try when AirDrop iPhone to iPad not working. Just try these AirDrop troubleshooting methods until everything is back to normal.

You can also try AirDrop alternative - FoneTool for swiftly sending massive data files. It enables you to transfer data among iOS devices and computer. Feel free to contact us if you still have questions.