AirDrop: The Easiest Way to Share Files Between iPhones
Apple created a brilliant feature called AirDrop that allows you to share files between almost any Apple devices. It’s especially magical to watch it in action between iPhones. We decided to break down how this feature works, what you need to do to send a file, video, or photo, and why we think it’s super useful for new iOS — and especially iPhone — users.
How to Set Up AirDrop
Before you can use AirDrop, you need to set it up. Don’t worry — it only takes a couple of taps. Here’s how:
- Open Settings
- Go to General
- Tap on AirDrop
You’ll see three options for receiving files:
- Receiving Off — you won’t receive any AirDrop files
- Contacts Only — only people in your contacts can send you files
- Everyone for 10 Minutes — anyone nearby with an iPhone can send you a file, but only for the next 10 minutes
Personally, I use the “Everyone for 10 Minutes” option when I don’t have time to add someone to my contacts or figure out if they’re already there. I just need to send or receive a file quickly — simple as that. After 10 minutes, your settings go back to what they were before — either “Contacts Only” or “Receiving Off” — which helps keep things secure and private.
Another cool option is automatic file sharing by bringing two iPhones close together. If this feature is enabled, and both devices have AirDrop set to “Contacts Only” or “Everyone,” you can send a file just by holding the phones next to each other. If this feature is off, you’ll need to share through the regular menu — tap Share, select AirDrop, find the person’s icon, and they’ll need to confirm receiving the file.
When sharing by proximity, there’s even a fun animation where the file looks like it’s jumping as a wave from one phone to another — it’s smooth and fast, and honestly kinda mesmerizing.
There’s also a third setting in the menu that allows file transfers to use mobile data.
My personal AirDrop settings? I turn on proximity sharing, allow mobile data use, and keep it set to “Contacts Only.”
How to Send a File
You can send almost any kind of file from your iPhone — photos, videos, documents, even contact cards. Here’s how to send a photo, for example:
- Open the Photos app
- Select the photo you want to send
- Tap the Share button in the bottom left
- Tap AirDrop
- A list of nearby AirDrop users will pop up
- Tap the person you want to send it to
- Wait a few seconds (depending on file size and connection speed) — and voilà, the file is on their device
I often use AirDrop to transfer files between my own devices too — no need to use up iCloud storage.
The system automatically knows where to place the file on the other device. If it’s a photo or video, it’ll land in the Photos app. If it’s a document, like a Word file, it’ll go to the Files app.
Why I Use AirDrop
Of course, this feature only works between Apple devices. If I’m dealing with Android or Windows users, I use messaging apps or email — though I know I’m likely losing quality, especially for photos and videos.
But if both me and the recipient have Apple devices, I always go with AirDrop. It’s fast, keeps full quality, and doesn’t limit file size — though speed still depends on the connection.
So go ahead — make the most of AirDrop!
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CostPlusPhones team
