- iOS 16 update has caused AirDrop failures for many users; receivers often do not get the invitation to accept transfers.
- Issue mainly occurs when the receiving device is saved as a contact; reports began with iPhone 14 but other models affected.
- Workaround: set AirDrop to Everyone instead of Contacts Only; iOS 16.0.3 did not fix the bug and Apple has not acknowledged it.
Recently the issue of AirDrop not working for many iPhone users has come up after the latest iOS 16 update.
AirDrop is a useful tool for iPhone users as it lets them share pictures and files without internet۔
Reports of iOS 16 airdrop not working
According to multiple reports, the iOS 16 update has caused AirDrop functionality issues. Users are not able to transfer files to other users due to an error.
AirDrop linking system is similar to Bluetooth on other devices. A user selects an available device to send files, and the receiver gets an invitation to accept.
However, after problems with the feature, the receivers don’t get get the invite, and the process is failed.
“This is sheer lunacy when i am unable to make this transfer work when I have reset network settings, toggled Bluetooth, toggled airdrop settings on both devices,” a user posted.
Some have reported that they are unable to receive anything but can send files to other people.
“Trying to AirDrop something to my Wife (known contact that shows up in People, or directly in the share menu) does not work. She doesn’t receive a request to approve or anything,” another posted.
As per reports, the issue main occurs when the receiving device is saved as an existing contact.
While many iPhone models are affected, initially the reports were mainly from iPhone 14 series users.
“Having this issue airdropping things from my 12 Pro to my partner’s new 13 as well, iOS 16 problems?” a user posted.
Potential workaround
There is a suggested fix to make the tool work. You can turn off the ‘Contacts Only’ option in the AirDrop settings. Additionally, you can change the option to ‘Everyone’ and see if it works.
“I upgraded from iphone SE1 to iphone 13 mini. Everything swapped across and the new iphone works perfectly in everyway except airdrop. I have it set to Contacts Only for airdrop, as is my old SE and my wife’s iphone,” a user posted.
A recent iOS update v16.0.3 did not resolve the issue as well. Also, there is no official acknowledgment of the bug from Apple yet.
