Even though the AirDrop feature has become a handy way of transferring files between Apple devices, you may still face issues like “AirDrop Declined.” This common AirDrop error mostly occurs when the recipient declines your AirDrop request. Sometimes, the issue can be caused by WiFi or Bluetooth. However, the causes of those errors might be basic, and you can easily fix them yourself.
In this article, we’ll look at some reasons and respective solutions to why you’re facing problems with AirDrop and explain some of the best fixes for the AirDrop declined error.
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Causes for AirDrop Declined Automatically
There are various causes for the issue of AirDrop failing to save items on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac due to AirDrop declined error.
Fixes for AirDrop Declined Automatically on iOS & Mac
After examining the general causes, we’ve tested and listed the possible solutions for the AirDrop declined issue on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Accept AirDrop on Receiving Device
The most common cause when AirDrop says declined is the recipient declined your AirDrop request. So, ensure the receiver Accepts the AirDrop request.
Check the AirDrop Compatibility
As you know, AirDrop is a unique feature for Apple devices that allows users to transfer data within a few minutes. However, the AirDrop functionality is not available on older model Apple devices. Check the table below for Airdrop compatibility and ensure your device meets the requirements.
Also, ensure the devices are running on iOS 7 or macOS Yosemite (10.10) or later versions.
Change AirDrop Receiving Settings
If the issue occurs even after accepting the AirDrop request, you must check the AirDrop settings on your Apple device and change the settings to Everyone or Contacts Only.
- Contacts Only: If this option is enabled, ensure the recipient has your Apple ID’s email address and mobile number saved on their contact card.
- Everyone (Everyone for 10 Minutes): This option will make your device visible to all Apple devices nearby.
- Receiving Off: To disable the AirDrop feature.
Change AirDrop Visibility Settings on iPhone/iPad
1. Select the General menu on the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Click the AirDrop setting.
3. Change the AirDrop settings to Everyone or Contacts Only.
4. Once enabled, you can try AirDropping the photos, videos, or other files between Apple devices.
Change AirDrop Visibility Settings on Mac
1. Open your iMac or MacBook and launch the Finder app.
2. From the left pane, scroll down and choose AirDrop.
3. Locate the Allow Me to be Discovered By option.
4. Further, click the option and choose Everyone or Contacts Only.
Check if this has fixed AirDrop declined not enough free space issue on your device while transferring. If not, try the fixes given below.
Disable and Enable WiFi & Bluetooth
Enabling WiFi and Bluetooth are the primary methods for AirDropping a file without issues. If you’ve enabled the option, try disabling it and enabling it again to fix AirDrop keeps declining automatically.
Disabling and Enabling WiFi & Bluetooth on iPhone/iPad
1. Unlock your iPad or iPhone and open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and turn off the WiFi and Bluetooth options separately.
3. Wait a few minutes and turn on the WiFi and Bluetooth option again.
Disabling and Enabling WiFi & Bluetooth on Mac
1. Locate the Control Center icon on your iMac/MacBook.
2. From the drop-down screen, tap WiFi and Bluetooth to turn it off.
3. After a few minutes, you can select the option again to enable and try AirDropping a file.
Note: You can also AirDrop a file without using the WiFi. So, we also recommend disabling WiFi if the error persists.
Check the Device’s Storage
If you’re transferring a large file from an iPhone to iPhone, it is necessary to check the storage and make sure there’s adequate space on your device. If no space is available on your device, AirDrop says declined. In such cases, you can delete unwanted applications and files on your device to rectify AirDrop fails on large files.
Check Storage on iPhone/iPad
1. Launch the Settings app and click on the General menu.
2. Select the iPhone/iPad Storage option.
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3. Now, see if there’s storage left on your device.
4. If not, delete the unused files and try AirDrop your desired files.
Check Storage on Mac
1. Select the Apple logo at the top left corner of your Mac.
2. From the drop-down menu, choose System Settings.
3. Now, scroll through and to the Storage option.
4. Search for the free space and clear the files if your Mac has insufficient storage.
Disable AirDrop Restrictions
There’s a possibility that you might accidentally restrict the AirDrop option from the Content and Privacy settings. If so, unblock the AirDrop restrictions on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Unblock AirDrop Restrictions iPhone/iPad
1. Fetch your iPhone or iPad and go to the Settings application.
2. Now, move down and select Screen Time.
Note: If you haven’t enabled Screen Time, ensure you turn it on by selecting Settings → Screen Time → Turn On Screen Time.
3. Choose Content & Privacy settings.
4. Select Allowed Apps and locate AirDrop from the list.
4. Toggle on the switch next to turn on AirDrop.
Unblock AirDrop Restrictions on Mac
1. Open System Preferences on your Mac by selecting the Apple logo.
2. Now, click Screen Time from the left pane.
3. Then, enable Content & Privacy and click Apps Restrictions.
4. Ensure that AirDrop is ticked.
If you still see AirDrop getting a declined error message, you need to proceed with the fixes below.
Turn Off Do Not Disturb Mode
Your device can’t receive AirDrop transfer requests if DND (Do Not Disturb) or Focus mode is turned on. So, you have to disable it by going to the Control Center and tapping the Focus icon on your Apple device. After that, accept the AirDrop request to receive files without errors.
Disable Personal Hotspot on iPhone/iPad
The AirDrop will decline if you enable the personal hotspot while transferring files from your iPad or iPhone.
1. Launch the Settings app and click Personal Hotspot on your iPad or iPhone.
2. Locate the Allow Others to Join option.
3. Disable the option to turn off the hotspot.
After disabling the hotspot, you can choose a photo or video from the Photos app on your iPhone/iPad and try to share via AirDrop.
Disable Firewall on Mac
Basically, the Firewall settings will prevent your Mac from receiving unwanted files on your Mac. It also has a negative effect on AirDrop and leads to the decline of AirDrop automatically on Mac. So, we recommend you disable the firewall settings while sending and receiving AirDrop files via Mac.
1. Click the Apple icon at the top left and click System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Now, select Security & Privacy.
3. Further, click the lock icon at the bottom and enter your device’s password. You can also use Touch ID to unlock access to the firewall settings.
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4. Switch to the Firewall tab.
5. Now, click Turn Off Firewall or click Firewall Options
6. Uncheck the box next to Block all incoming connections and click OK.
Restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
If there is a technical issue with your device, restarting it will help. It will clear the background processes of your device that have been consumed for functioning. First, restart your iPhone/iPad and check whether AirDrop works. If the request is still declining, you can also restart your Mac.
Update the Device’s Firmware
An outdated firmware version can lead to AirDrop stuck on waiting and causing the declined error. So, update the device’s software to the latest version to fix the issue.
Update iPhone/iPad
1. Go to the Settings app and select General.
2. Click Software Update and look for available software updates.
3. If an update is available, click Download and Install.
4. Enter your device’s passcode to start installing the update.
5. After installing the update, click Install Now to restart and upgrade the device to the latest version.
Update Mac
1. Click the Apple menu at your MacBook’s top left.
2. Now, select System Settings.
3. Then, click General on the left side of the System Settings.
4. Next, select the Software Update option.
5. If an update is available, click the Upgrade Now option to update the Mac to its latest version.
Turn Off VPN on iPhone/iPad/Mac
Sometimes, the VPN connection may be the culprit, which might affect incoming AirDrop requests. You can disable the VPN on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac by visiting the settings. After turning off the VPN, check whether the AirDrop issue is resolved.
Reset Network Settings
If you’re unable to rectify the AirDrop declined issue after initiating all the troubleshooting techniques, you can opt to reset the network settings. Remember that resetting the Network settings will delete all the connected devices via WiFi and Bluetooth.
Reset Network Settings on iPhone/iPad
1. Unlock your iPhone or iPad with a touch ID or face ID.
2. Navigate to Settings and select General.
3. Now, scroll down and click Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
4. Click Reset and choose Reset Network Settings from the popup.
5. Enter the device’s passcode to reset the network settings.
Reset Network Settings on Mac
1. Power on your MacBook and click the Apple icon.
2. Now, select System Preferences.
3. Choose the Network option and select your WiFi network from the available ones.
4. Click the minus icon under the list of connections and click Apply.
6. Finally, click the plus icon and choose your WiFi network to add the network again.
Contact Apple Support
If all the troubleshooting methods fail, there’s a chance of technical malfunction on your device. In that situation, you can contact Apple technical support for aid. The experts will guide you to the professional methods to solve the issue. Also, you can replace the malfunctioning device with a new one if it’s under warranty.
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Category: WHY
