How to Fix AirDrop Not Working on iPhone in iOS 16/15: Easy Ways to Fix AirDrop Stuck on Waiting

The disconnection of AirDrop is one of iOS 16’s problems. Let me show you how to fix iOS 16 AirDrop not working if your AirDrop is stuck on waiting. The iOS 16 upgrade was not what we anticipated. Literally. Don’t get me wrong; some of the new features in iOS 16 are excellent. Options for customization were a nice change. Even the privacy and security features were required for some iPhone apps.

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You can now add widgets to your lock screen, which is great despite everything else. On your lock screen, you can add activity rings as well. If you enjoy working out, you might be interested in learning more about the new Apple Watches.

The freshly released Apple Watch SE is a fantastic smartwatch to start with. Alternately, you might replace your current one with the Apple Watch Series 8.

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Relating to AirDrop’s improper behavior In iOS 16, how is it fixed? Here’s how to fix iOS 16’s broken AirDrop.

How to Fix iOS 16 AirDrop Not Working?

How to Fix iOS 16 Airdrop Not Working

AirDrop on your iPhone could malfunction for several reasons. AirDrop can have trouble with devices not showing up. Or you could get your AirDrop stuck on waiting. Sometimes it could be an error with the device you are using. Apple will fix this with the next iOS update. Till then, there are some ways you can try to fix it. Here is how to fix iOS 16 AirDrop not working.

1. Log Out and Sign-in to iCloud

How to Fix iOS 16 Airdrop Not Working

One reason you might face issues with your AirDrop could be because of iCloud sign-in. Here is how to fix iOS 16 AirDrop not working due to an iCloud error.

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1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap on your account.

3. Now, go to iCloud.

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4. Sign out of your iCloud account.

Once you have signed out of your iCloud account. Log in again using your credentials. This should fix the iOS 16 AirDrop not working error.

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2. Restart Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

How to Fix iOS 16 Airdrop Not Working

Another reason your AirDrop might not function properly is because of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. You will need to keep your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on when using AirDrop. One way to fix this is to switch off your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Turn it back on and try using AriDrop. Even if you enable Bluetooth and keep your Wi-Fi off, AirDrop will not function right.

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3. Restart iPhone

How to Fix iOS 16 Airdrop Not Working

Another way to fix your AirDrop is to restart your iPhone. You can restart your iPhone without a home button in this way.

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1. Hold the volume up/down and side keys simultaneously.

2. Release the keys once you see the screen’s Power ON/OFF toggle.

3. Swipe the toggle left to right to swift off your device.

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Restart your device after a few minutes.

For iPhone with a Home Button, this is how you can switch off your device.

1. Hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously.

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Your device will switch off. Restart your device after a few minutes. Restarting your device will fix AirDrop on your iPhone.

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4. Reset Network Settings

How to Fix iOS 16 Airdrop Not Working

One of the reasons why AirDrop might not be working properly could be because of your Network Settings. You can fix this by resetting your Network Settings. Here is how to fix iOS 16 AirDrop not working by resetting your Network Settings.

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1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap on General.

3. Now, tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.

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4. Tap on Reset Network Settings.

This will reset all your network settings. You might have to enter your Wi-Fi details to connect to your known network. You will have to pair your Bluetooth devices again after resetting your Network Settings.

Also, read Hands on: How to Use Apple Watch Mirroring in iOS 16?

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5. Update iOS on Your Device

How to Fix iOS 16 Airdrop Not Working

AirDrop on your device might also not function properly due to an outdated iOS. For this, you will have to check your iOS and update it to the latest iOS. For iPhone, you will have to update it to iOS 16 or later. After updating it to the recent iOS 16, ensure you update AirDrop from App Store as well.

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How to Fix iOS 16 AirDrop Not Working on iPhone

Here are some methods that can help you fix iOS 16 AirDrop not working issue.

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These methods work for all iPhone & iPad models, including:
iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone X/XR/XS (Max), iPhone 11 (Pro Max), iPhone SE 2022/2020, iPhone 13/12 (Pro Max/Pro/Mini), iPhone 14 (Pro Max/Pro/Plus), iPad Pro/Air/Mini.

Tip 1. Check AirDrop Settings

As we said before, AirDrop will only work when all conditions are met. First, you should go to have a check if all the settings are correct.

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> Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on two devices.

If they are already enabled, you can go to Settings to toggle off and on Wi-Fi/Bluetooth to have a try.

> If either of the devices has Personal Hotspot on, please turn it off.

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> Check three discovery settings.

There are three levels: OffContacts Only, and Everyone. If you are trying to AirDrop to someone that is not in your contacts, you should choose Everyone.

> Make sure two devices are nearby and within the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range (30 feet and preferably closer).

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If all settings are correct, but you still meet the AirDrop not working problem, please move on to get other fixes.

Tip 2. Log out/in iCloud

When you choose Contacts Only, your iPhone/iPad is only visible to individuals in your Contacts. And two devices need to be logged into iCloud. You can try to log out and then log in iCloud. This may help solve the AirDrop not working in iOS 16 problem.

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Go to Settings > Tap [your name] > Tap Sign Out > Enter your Apple ID and password > Tap Turn Off > Choose the data you want to keep on iPhone > Tap Sign Out > Tap Sign Out again to confirm.

Sign out of iCloud

Tip 3. Hard Reset iPhone

Force restart can help clear out all background apps and refresh your device’s memory, which can fix minor glitches that cause iOS 16 AirDrop not working on iPhone/iPad issue. This is a method worth trying.

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● Force restart iPhone 8 and later & iPad with Face ID :

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side/Power button until you see the Apple logo.

● Force restart iPhone 7/7 Plus:

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Press and hold the Top button and Volume Down button together > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

● Force restart iPhone 6s, SE and earlier & iPad with Home button:

Hold down the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

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Tip 4. Reset Network Settings

AirDrop requires a Wi-Fi connection. If there’s a Wi-Fi connection problem, you may find that iOS 16 AirDrop not working on iPhone. In this case, you can try to reset network settings to get rid of any Internet connection errors.

Go to Settings > Tap General > Tap Reset > Tap Reset Network Settings > Enter your passcode to confirm > Wait for the restart > Enter the Wi-Fi passcode to rejoin the Wi-Fi to see if it resolves the issue.

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Tip 5. Reset All Settings

The AirDrop not working issue may happen due to a deep software problem. In this case, you can try to reset all settings to troubleshoot the problem. After the reset, all settings will return to default, but no data will be erased.

Go to Settings > Tap General > Reset (Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset in iOS 15 and later) > Reset All Settings > Enter your passcode > Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm.

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Reset All Settings

Tip 6. Update to the Latest iOS Version

Sometimes, software update can occasionally cause trouble, but other times, software update will fix them. Go to Settings > Tap General > Tap Software Update and see if there is a new version of iOS available.

Wrapping Up

You can try these 5 effective solutions to fix iOS 16 AirDrop issues. There are a number of potential causes for the connection issue with AirDrop. For this, make sure your iPhone has the most recent iOS installed. We’ll keep creating new updates for your favorite tech gadgets. Keep visiting thetechxp for more such hacks and fixes!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my AirDrop on iPhone not working?

AirDrop on iPhone could not be working because your Wi-Fi is turned off. Turn on your Wi-Fi and try to use AirDrop again. You can also try to restart your iPhone.

Do you need Wi-Fi for AirDrop?

You don’t need a Wi-Fi connection for AirDrop. But you do need to turn your Wi-Fi on for Airdrop to function without interruption.

Is there a size limit for AirDrop?

No, there is no size limit for AirDrop. You can share unlimited files with AirDrop.

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