AirDrop Not Working on iPhone XS Max After iOS Update? Here’s How to Fix It
AirDrop is one of the easiest ways to wirelessly send files between Apple devices, but it doesn’t always work as expected—especially after a software update. If AirDrop suddenly stopped working on your iPhone XS Max, don’t worry. There are several proven ways to get it running again.
Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix AirDrop when it’s not working after an iOS update.
Restart Your iPhone and the Other Device
Glitches after an update are common and usually harmless. A simple restart often fixes them:
To restart your iPhone XS Max:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button.
- When the power slider appears, drag it to turn off your phone.
- After 30 seconds, press the Side button again to turn it back on.
Or try a force restart:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Restart the other Apple device you’re trying to AirDrop with, too—this can often fix connection issues.
Sign Out of iCloud and Back In
Sometimes your iCloud session gets a little buggy after an update. Logging out and back in can refresh key services like AirDrop.
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.
- Reboot your iPhone.
- Go back to Settings, and sign in again with your Apple ID.
- Test AirDrop again.
Use the Airplane Mode Trick
This little toggle trick resets your wireless radios and often helps fix AirDrop issues:
- Go to Settings > Airplane Mode and turn it on.
- Restart your iPhone while Airplane Mode is still on.
- Once the phone boots back up, turn Airplane Mode off.
Then turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on, and test AirDrop.
Reset Network Settings
Network misconfigurations can interfere with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which AirDrop relies on:
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This erases all Wi-Fi networks, VPNs, and paired Bluetooth devices—so you’ll need to reconnect afterward.
Once reset, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth again, then try using AirDrop.
Check Your AirDrop Settings
Sometimes the issue is as simple as AirDrop being set to receive from the wrong audience:
- Go to Settings > General > AirDrop.
- Choose Everyone for easiest testing.
- “Contacts Only” requires both devices to be signed into iCloud and have each other saved.
Make sure both devices have AirDrop visibility set correctly.
Make Sure the Other Device Is Ready for AirDrop
If you’re trying to AirDrop to a Mac:
- Open Finder.
- Click AirDrop in the sidebar.
- Set Allow me to be discovered by: to Everyone or Contacts Only.
Keep the Finder window open when sending files.
Erase and Restore (If All Else Fails)
If AirDrop is still not working, a deeper system issue may be to blame. Factory resetting your iPhone could fix it:
⚠️ This will erase everything. Back up your iPhone first using iCloud or a computer.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode and follow the prompts to reset.
After setup, configure AirDrop again and see if it works.