How to Fix AirDrop Not Working on iPhone 14 Pro

Having trouble with AirDrop not working on iPhone 14 Pro?

While other smartphones use Bluetooth connectivity to share and transfer data between devices, Apple took a step further and introduced AirDrop. However, it relies on several connectivity features like Bluetooth LE for device broadcasting and Wi-Fi for data transmission. But it often encounters issues that affect its functionality and trouble users.

With the iPhone 14 Pro’s release, we expected this issue to have been resolved, but unfortunately, that was not the case. In fact, many are starting to experience this issue shortly after installing the latest iOS 16. Other than that, incorrectly configured AirDrop settings may also lead you to experience problems sharing data across other devices.

Whatever the reason, we have all the possible fixes. So if you’re having difficulty due to AirDrop not working on iPhone 14 Pro, this guide is all you need. We’ve covered all remedies in detail, and all that is left for you to do is follow through.

So let’s get started right away!

1. Ensure AirDrop Is Enabled.

The first thing you must do when AirDrop doesn’t work is to ensure that it is enabled in the first place. In addition, you would want to check further options in AirDrop settings to allow receiving shared files.

Below are the steps you must follow:

1. To start, go to the Settings app on your device.
   
2. Next, tap on General.

3. From there, go to AirDrop.

4. Then, either choose Contact Only or Everyone, depending on who you want to share data with.

After that, make sure your device is unlocked, as it won’t appear available when turned off.

2. Check Your Connections. 

Since AirDrop relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, they should be kept enabled. If you still face an issue, restart these connections and see if that works. Other than that, make sure you don’t have Personal Hotspot turned on, as AirDrop and Hotspot cannot be used at the same time.

In case you meet all the requirements and are still facing the AirDrop not working on iPhone 14 Pro issue, check and disable Airplane mode if it is active. When enabled, Airplane mode shuts down your device’s wireless radios, preventing data transfer via AirDrop. You can access all these features from the Control Center.

3. Ensure Devices Are in Close Proximity.

If a Wi-Fi network isn’t available, AirDrop switches to complete dependency on Bluetooth for both finding devices and transferring data. On the latest iPhone models, the range for Bluetooth connectivity is around 33 feet or 10 meters. But signal strength may get affected by external factors.

Therefore, whenever you face a hindrance in sending or receiving files via AirDrop, bring the two devices as closer to one another as possible.

4. Disable VPN.

Many of the iOS errors, including the AirDrop not working on iPhone 14 Pro, are mostly resolved by disabling VPN. The cause behind this is unknown, but there’s no harm in testing this method.

Here’s what you need to do to disable VPN:

1. From the home screen, launch the Settings app.
   
2. Then, switch on the toggle next to VPN to disable it.

Another way to disable VPN in your iPhone is as follows:

1. Open Settings and go to General.
   
2. From there, tap on VPN.

3. Finally, turn off the toggle for Status to disconnect your VPN.

5. Disable Focus Mode.

Focus mode on Apple devices might hinder AirDrop’s activity by not only blocking connection requests but also making your iPhone 14 Pro undiscoverable to other devices. For this reason, you’re advised to keep all Focus modes off when trying to use the AirDrop feature.

Here’s how to do it:

1. From the top right corner of your screen, swipe down to access the Control Center.
   
2. Tap on the activated focus icon to disable it.

6. Update iOS.

Since this is a widespread issue, Apple might be looking into the matter and would release an official fix anytime soon via a version update. For this reason, keep checking for any software updates and install them immediately when available.

Here’s how to do it:

1. From the Settings app, go to General.
   
2. Then, tap on Software Update.
   
3. If an update is pending, tap on Download and Install to start the process.

7. Restart Both Devices.

A lot of times, unknown temporary bugs may attack your device software, causing all types of errors. If you believe the same to be the reason behind AirDrop not working on iPhone 14 Pro, a simple restart will fix this issue. 

Follow these steps to restart your iPhone 14 Pro:

1. Long-press the Side button and Volume button simultaneously.
   
2. Let go once the slide to power off screen appears.

3. Drag the slider to the right to turn off your device.
   
4. This time, long-press the Side button to turn on your device.

8. Limit Firewall on Mac.

If you’re trying to AirDrop files from your iPhone 14 Pro to a Mac, but it doesn’t appear as an available device, check its Firewall settings. Sometimes, the Firewall may become over strict and block receiving data from other devices.

Here’s how to limit FireWall activity on your Mac:

1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.

2. When the window opens, click on Security & Privacy.

3. Click on the padlock icon then enter your password or use the Touch ID to access administrative privileges.
   
4. Next, click on Firewall Options.
   
5. Finally, uncheck the box for Block all incoming connections and check the box for Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections.
   
6. Lastly, click OK to save the changes.

9. Avoid Sharing Multiple File Types At Once.

If you’re getting the Cannot receive all of these items at the same time error, it means you’re sharing multiple file types at once. To avoid this, only send similar items at once and see if that resolves the issue.

10. Reset Network Settings.

Since AirDrop relies on network features, their correct functionality is also important for AirDrop to operate properly. If it doesn’t, we recommend you reset the network settings of your iPhone 14 Pro, which will hopefully resolve any misconfigured settings or glitches in the stated features.

Here’s how to do it:

1. From the Settings app, go to General.
   
2. Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.

3. Then, choose Reset.

4. Finally, from the options, tap on Reset Network Settings.

This concludes our guide on how to fix AirDrop not working on iPhone 14 Pro. If you have any questions related to the topic, do not hesitate to ask us through the comment section below. We’ll be happy to provide further assistance.

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