AirDrop Not Working on iPad Pro? Here’s How to Fix It
Trying to share files with AirDrop but it’s not working on your iPad Pro? Whether it’s not detecting other Apple devices or failing to send files, this guide will walk you through the best ways to get AirDrop up and running again.
Make Sure AirDrop Is Enabled
Before anything else, double-check that AirDrop is turned on:
- Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner).
- Press and hold the wireless settings box (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
- Tap AirDrop and select either Contacts Only or Everyone.
Also ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on, and your iPad is awake and unlocked. AirDrop won’t work if the screen is off.
1. Restart Your iPad (Soft Reset)
A quick reboot can clear temporary glitches:
- Press and hold the Top (Power) button + Volume Up until you see the slider.
- Slide to power off.
- After 30 seconds, hold the Top button again to turn it back on.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
This resets your wireless radios:
- Go to Settings > Airplane Mode.
- Turn it ON, wait a few seconds, then turn it OFF.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi if needed and try AirDrop again.
3. Sign Out and Back Into iCloud
If AirDrop is acting weird, your Apple ID session might need a refresh:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name].
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Enter your password and confirm.
- Restart your iPad, then sign back in.
4. Update iPadOS
Outdated software can cause AirDrop problems:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
After installing the update, restart your device and try again.
5. Reset Network Settings
If there’s a deeper network misconfiguration:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This will wipe Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, so reconnect afterward.
Still Not Working?
- Make sure the receiving device also has AirDrop on, is awake, and has Bluetooth/Wi-Fi enabled.
- If all else fails, contact Apple Support or visit a nearby Apple Store.