How to Fix AirDrop Stuck on Waiting or Sending
AirDrop stuck on Waiting or Sending usually results from disabled Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, incompatible visibility settings, weak device proximity, or a temporary iPhone software issue. Restart both devices, set AirDrop receiving to Everyone for 10 Minutes, keep devices nearby, and retry with a smaller file.
Steps
- Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Open Control Center and confirm Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices. Disable Personal Hotspot because hotspot connections can interfere with AirDrop.
- Adjust AirDrop visibility. Go to Settings > General > AirDrop and select Everyone for 10 Minutes on both iPhones. Keep both screens unlocked during the transfer.
- Move devices closer. Place both iPhones within a few feet of each other. Remove thick cases temporarily if proximity detection appears unreliable.
- Restart both iPhones. A restart can clear a temporary AirDrop connection failure. After restarting, enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop again.
- Retry with a smaller file. Send one photo or document first. Large videos, many files, or low available storage can cause an AirDrop transfer not completing.
Common Issues and Fixes
- AirDrop stuck waiting: The receiving iPhone may not be discoverable. Set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes, unlock the receiving iPhone, and keep the AirDrop screen active.
- AirDrop stuck sending: A Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection may have stalled. Toggle both services off and on, then restart the transfer.
- Transfer fails between different Apple IDs: Contact restrictions or a Contacts Only setting may block detection. Use Everyone for 10 Minutes instead of Contacts Only.
- AirDrop transfer not completing for large videos: Limited storage, file size, or slow processing may interrupt the transfer. Free storage space and send files individually.
- AirDrop stops after an iOS update: A software compatibility issue may be involved. Install the latest available iOS update on both devices.
🤔Note:
AirDrop does not require internet access, but both iPhones must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. If a transfer fails, also check that both devices are unlocked, nearby, and discoverable.
💡Protip:
Turn off Low Power Mode temporarily if background wireless activity appears restricted. For large transfers, send files individually and check available storage before retrying.
Quick Tips
- Keep both iPhones connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, although AirDrop does not require internet access.
- Turn off Low Power Mode temporarily if background wireless activity appears restricted.
- Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage when received files do not appear after a successful transfer.
- AirDrop does not transfer directly to Android or Windows devices. Cross-platform transfers require another compatible method.
Related Questions
Why does AirDrop stay on Waiting?
AirDrop usually stays on Waiting when the receiving iPhone is locked, undiscoverable, too far away, or restricted to Contacts Only. Unlocking both iPhones and selecting Everyone for 10 Minutes often restores detection.
Why does AirDrop send but not finish?
AirDrop may send but fail to finish because of unstable wireless connections, insufficient storage, large file sizes, or an iOS software problem. Restarting both devices and sending smaller groups can isolate the cause.
