How do I fix AirDrop preparing and error on iPhone?

Airdrop preparing and then say error.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 5, 2025 2:57 PM

Similar questions

How do I fix AirDrop not completing or showing on iPhone 13 with iOS 18.4.1? im having iphone 13 ios 18.4.1 , i tried airdrop documents several times recently but airdrop stop at the last part of receiving without completing.but sender phone shows as "sent".airdrop stuck at this point showing on pic and no further proceeding or cant cancel the transfer. Then I tried again by airdrop off and again on but that time my device didn't showed on sender's phone. i tried rebooting the device and reset network settings but still problem is there. this has occurred recently.I have use airdrop without trouble more than a year in this phone. [Re-Titled by Moderator]
507 1
Airdrop is failing after upgrade to Sonoma 14.1 and iOS 17.1 Airdrop was working fine before updating to Sonoma 14.1 and iOS 17.1. Now the transfer times out and eventually fails. I am transferring from iPhone 12 to Mac Mini M1. I also have tried all sorts of turning on/off scenarios but no resolution.
940 2
Airdrop failing I am experiencing persistent AirDrop issues on my iPhone 16 Pro (iOS 17.0.3) and both my MacBook Pro 14” (Sonoma 14.1) and MacBook Air 13 M2, disrupting my workflow for over six months. Despite exhaustive troubleshooting, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth resets, software updates, and even system reinstalls, the problem endures. The items are recognised, I just always get a “failure” notice. The correct device name appears for AirDrop etc. Very occasionally a duplicate listing with an incorrect icon appears and the - and only then - a file transfer will work. This issue has not only persisted across different phones but also through recent software updates and even after a complete reinstallation of the operating system on my MacBook Pro.
543 1

2 replies

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,297 points

Apr 5, 2025 7:35 PM in response to Airdrop_not_working

This is a user to user support forum that is manned by volunteers, it is not a chat page and Apple does not participate here. You ask a question and wait for someone to read it and respond if they have an answer. If you would rather not wait, you can use the Support link at the top or bottom of the page here and contact Apple Support.

Otherwise, you can start your troubleshooting here, How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

and if that doesn't help, you can contact Support. Depending on settings for the other place you are trying to airdrop to, you would need to wait for them to accept the airdrop and if they don't, it would eventually close out.

Apr 5, 2025 2:58 PM in response to Airdrop_not_working

reply me

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I fix AirDrop preparing and error on iPhone?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up