Top 5 Best Fixes for AirDrop Stuck on Waiting on iPhone, iPad, and Mac 2025

Are you trying to send files via AirDrop, but it's stuck waiting? If you're having trouble transferring things between an iPhone, Mac, or other Apple device, it could be due to a variety of issues. Fortunately, these can be solved in a few simple steps. This wiki will show you how to fix your iOS or Mac device when it's stuck on preparing or waiting to send.

Probably the most common culprit is why my airdrop doesn't work. In most cases, a minor error on any of the devices can prevent AirDrop from sending your files and get stuck waiting. Either you haven't updated your iPhone or iPad and maybe, the latest version comes with some bugs that prevent AirDrop. Many users reported that AirDrop does not work after updating to iOS 16/15. This can happen if one of the devices doesn't have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi turned on, or if Personal Hotspot is still active. This can cause AirDrop to get stuck waiting or not share files. The recipient's iPhone must not have the screen locked, otherwise it will not appear on your iPhone to send the file or may get stuck waiting. AirDrop works when devices are within about 30 feet of each other. Otherwise, they may not receive a Bluetooth signal causing AirDrop to stop working.

AirDrop is probably one of the reasons you switched to the Apple ecosystem. The quick convenience of AirDrop lets you easily transfer files between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac You can change your AirDrop name when transferring files to your friends and family.

But users face this situation when AirDrop says 'waiting' on their Apple devices. This becomes a hindrance when you want to quickly send something via AirDrop. If you are facing the same, here are the best working solutions to help you fix AirDrop stuck waiting on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

1. Check if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled

The most important prerequisite for AirDrop to work is to turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your Apple device. So if AirDrop is not working properly on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, you need to enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on all your Apple devices first. After that, check if AirDrop can be used properly.

2. Bring your device closer

Another basic solution is to bring your Apple devices closer to each other to transfer files via AirDrop. The distance between your devices needs to be a maximum of 30 feet If the distance exceeds this number, your AirDrop transfers will be canceled or it will take time to connect to another device

3. Turn off hotspot (iPhone and iPad)

If hotspot is enabled on your iPhone or iPad (with SIM card functionality), you can't use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files via AirDrop. If you can't send files via AirDrop, we recommend turning off Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad. The steps remain the same for both platforms.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Tap on Personal Hotspot.

Step 3: Tap the toggle next to Allow others to join to disable Personal Hotspot.

Step 4: Close the Settings app and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Check Airdrop Restrictions

If AirDrop is still stuck waiting on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, you need to check if AirDrop is restricted from sending and receiving files. Here's how.

On iPhone and iPad

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Scroll down and click on General.

Step 3: Tap on AirDrop.

Step 4: Check the receiving settings. Make sure it is not closed.

Step 5: Close Settings and check if the issue is resolved.

Additionally, you can test AirDrop limitations using Screen Time on your iPhone and iPad.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Select Screen Time.

Step 3: Tap on Content and Privacy Restrictions.

Step 4: Tap on Allowed apps.

Step 5: Tap the toggle next to AirDrop to enable it if it's disabled.

Step 6: Close Settings and check if the issue is resolved.

Mac

Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar keyboard shortcut to open Spotlight search, type system settings and press return.

Step 2: Select General from the left menu.

Step 3: Click on AirDrop and Handoff.

Step 4: Click the drop-down menu next to AirDrop and make sure it's not turned off.

Additionally, here's how to check AirDrop restrictions using Screen Time on your Mac.

Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar keyboard shortcut to open Spotlight search, type system settings and press return.

Step 2: Click on Screen Time from the left menu.

Step 3: Select App Restrictions.

Step 4: Scroll down and click the toggle next to AirDrop to enable it.

Step 5: Click Done in the bottom-right corner.

5. Reset Network Settings (iPhone and iPad)

If you can't send your files using AirDrop, you can try resetting the network settings on your iPhone and iPad. The steps remain the same for iPhone and iPad.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on General.

Step 3: Scroll down and select 'Transfer or Reset iPhone'.

Step 4: Tap on Reset.

Step 5: Select Reset Network Settings.

Step 6: Enter your iPhone or iPad passcode.

Step 7: Tap Reset Network Settings again to confirm.

Step 8: After resetting the network settings, check if the issue is resolved.