You do not know How to use AirDrop to send items from your iPad? We explain it to you. AirDrop is one of the most useful and unknown features of your iPad.This tool allows you to quickly and securely transfer files between nearby Apple devices. Whether you want to send photos, documents, videos, or contacts to another iPhone, another iPad, or even a Mac, AirDrop is the easiest way to do it, without the need for cables or external applications.
This ultimate guide teaches you everything you need to know to get the most out of AirDrop on your iPad.AirDrop: what you need to use it, how to set it up correctly, how to send and receive files, and what to do if it's not working as expected. Plus, you'll see why AirDrop is a better option than Bluetooth or traditional Wi-Fi sharing. For more information on how to use AirDrop, read on.
What is AirDrop and why should you use it?
AirDrop is a wireless technology exclusive to Apple which allows you to send and receive files of all kinds between nearby Apple devices. It works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple TV. The great advantage of AirDrop is that you don't need to be connected to the internet: just have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
AirDrop takes advantage of the best of two technologies: uses Bluetooth to find other nearby devices and create an initial connection, and then uses WiFi Direct to transfer files at high speed. This is how it is achieved a fast and secure transfer using end-to-end encryption, so files are protected throughout the entire process.
What types of files can you send with AirDrop?
AirDrop is very versatile when it comes to file types.You can send almost anything you have on your iPad, and here are some common examples:
- Photos and videos from the Photos app.
- web links from Safari.
- Contacts from your calendar.
- PDF, Word, Excel documents and others from Files or any compatible app.
- Locations from Maps or similar apps.
- Songs or audio clips.
The best thing is that you can send multiple files at once without putting a huge strain on your battery.Unlike Bluetooth, which is slow, or Wi-Fi, which consumes a lot of resources, AirDrop combines both technologies effectively. To learn more about how to use it, check out How to activate AirDrop on iOS.
Requirements for using AirDrop on your iPad
Before you start using AirDrop on your iPad, make sure you meet the following requirements for everything to work properly:
- You must use Apple devicesAirDrop only works between devices running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or tvOS.
- WiFi and Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices. If you have Personal Hotspot enabled, you should temporarily disable it.
- Devices must be within range: approximately 10 meters between them.
- Both devices must have AirDrop active and configured to allow the reception of files.
Also, if you are trying to share files between your own Apple devices, make sure you use the same Apple ID on both.This streamlines the process, and you won't have to manually accept connection requests. For additional details on setup, visit This guide on how to activate AirDrop.
How to enable and set up AirDrop on iPad
To start using AirDrop, you first need to set it up. You can do this in two different ways: from Settings or from the iPad's Control Center.
From Settings
- Go to Settings > General admission.
- Toca AirDrop.
- Choose one of these options:
- Reception disabled: : no one can send you files.
- Only contacts: Only people in your contacts will be able to find you.
- All: Any nearby Apple device will be able to send files to you.
In recent versions of iOS or iPadOS, when you choose the “All” option, it only stays active for 10 minutes.. It then automatically returns to "Contacts Only" for security reasons. For more information about this limitation, see this article.
From the Control Center
- Swipe up from the top right corner of the screen (on iPad with iOS 12 or later).
- Press and hold the network settings card (where WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. are).
- Press the icon AirDrop.
- Select between Do not receive, Contacts only or Everyone.
How to send files from your iPad with AirDrop
The procedure for sharing files with AirDrop is very simple., and it's practically the same across all apps. Just follow these steps:
- Open the app that contains the file you want to share (Photos, Files, Notes, Safari, etc.).
- Select the file or files.
- Press the button Share (the icon of a box with an arrow pointing up).
- Tap the option AirDrop.
- Choose the device or contact you want to send the file to.
Once sent, the other device will receive a notification asking to accept or reject the file., unless they are devices with the same Apple ID. In that case, it will be sent automatically without the need to accept. If you'd like to learn more about how this process works, visit this article about How to use AirDrop and Windows.
How to accept files with AirDrop
When someone wants to send you a file via AirDrop, you'll see an alert on the screen asking if you want to accept or decline.. Upon acceptance, the file will automatically open in the corresponding app based on its type:
- Photos or videos will be saved in the Photos app.
- Documents will open in Files.
- web links will open in Safari.
- App links will take you directly to the App Store.
If the file is from another of your own Apple devices with the same Apple ID, the notification will not appear.: Content is transferred automatically. Remember, you can rename your devices for easier identification, which you can learn in this article.
Where are files received via AirDrop saved?
This will depend on the type of file and the device in question.:
- Pictures and videos are stored in the Photos app.
- Documents and files can be saved in the Files app.
- Links or web pages will open directly in Safari.
- On Mac, they are automatically saved to the Download folder.
In some cases, the system may also ask you where to save the file., especially if you're sending it from third-party apps. To learn more about how AirDrop works, you can check out the AirDrop guide.
Common AirDrop Problems and How to Fix Them
Sometimes, AirDrop may not work as it should. Here's a list of solutions to the most common problems:
1. Reboot devices
A reboot can resolve many connectivity issues.. Turn your devices off and back on and try again.
2. Check compatibility
AirDrop is available on:
- iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7 or later.
- iPad 4th generation or later with iOS 7 or later.
- iPod Touch (5th gen and later) with iOS 7 or later.
- Macs from 2012 with OS X Yosemite onwards.
3. Disable Personal Hotspot
Having the Hotspot active prevents AirDrop from working. Go to Settings and temporarily disable it. For more details on this, check out This article about iOS errors.
4. Check your AirDrop settings
Your device may be set to not receive files. or contacts only. Change this option to “All” for easier testing.
5. Unlock the receiving device
AirDrop won't work if the other device is asleep or the screen is off.. Make sure it's active.
6. Get closer
AirDrop only works if the devices are relatively close together., within about 10 meters.
7. Contact Apple Support
If all of the above fails, you can always Go to Apple Support for further review.
AirDrop It's undoubtedly one of the most practical tools offered by the Apple ecosystem. It allows you to send all types of files between devices wirelessly and without complications, quickly, securely, and with great efficiency. If you configure its options correctly and know how to resolve potential errors, it's unlikely anything will go wrong. Whether between your devices or with friends, AirDrop saves you a lot of steps and makes sharing as simple as pressing a button.We hope you now know how to use AirDrop to send items from your iPad.
