AirDrop has been of great help in terms of locally transferring files and data to other devices. The process is made possible with the aid of Bluetooth connections and/or Wi-Fi connections on paired devices.
During the recent iOS 13.2 update, a lot of complaints have been raised regarding AirDrop that stopped working after the new iOS implementation. And finding the right solution in fixing the AirDrop problem has been a challenge to every user. Though there is no such thing as “precise” fix for the AirDrop not working issue, we have gathered common and effective fixes that can be of help. It’s just a matter of trial and error, if the first option didn’t work as expected, then you can move on to the next possible solutions until you get the problem resolved. So, let’s get started.
But before anything else, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, then drop in on our iPhone XR Help Guides page for we have already solved some of the most common problems with this device. Try to find issues that are similar to yours and feel free to use our workarounds and solutions.
Understanding AirDrop
AirDrop by nature, can’t stand alone without having the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections turned on. Thus, not all Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled devices are compatible with AirDrop. If you are having difficulties in AirDropping your files to other devices, make sure that the receiving device is at least in iOS 7 for iPhones and iPad, and Mac 2012 or X lion or later versions for Mac devices. Also, when trying to transfer the files, ensure that the optimal distance between the devices are approximately 30 feet. If these requisites are met yet AirDrop remains dysfunctional, there might be other factors that trigger the feature to fail. As long as these factors are software-related, then fixing the problem is still attainable. Read on and learn how to fix AirDrop that stopped working on your iPhone XR device after installing the recent iOS 13.2 version.
First solution: Restart (soft reset) iPhone XR to fix AirDrop that stopped working after iOS 13.2.
Should the problem be attributed by minor software glitches transpired during the iOS update, restarting your iPhone can be of help in clearing out these errors. To do so, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Side/Power button and either Volume button simultaneously.
- Release both buttons when the Slide to Power Off command appears and drag the power off slider to the right to turn off your phone.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side/Power button again until the Apple logo appears.
This will also eliminate cache files saved on your phone’s memory. Once your phone has completely restarted, check if you are already able to use AirDrop without any issues. If it continues to malfunction, try the next solution.
Second solution: Refresh Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
Refreshing your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections might be of help in fixing the AirDrop that has stopped working on your iOS 13.2 iPhone XR. AirDrop requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when sharing files to other devices. Thus, its function will obviously be interrupted whenever either of the connections gets corrupted or disabled. To get this corrected, refresh your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections using these steps:
- To refresh Wi-Fi, head to Settings->Wi-Fi menu and toggle the switch to turn it off and on again.
- For Bluetooth, head to Settings->Bluetooth menu, and then toggle the switch to the feature off and on again.
After refreshing both connections, proceed to AirDrop or transfer the selected files from your device. If AirDrop continues to act up, try the next option.
Third solution: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off again.
This method provides the same output as with the second solution yet deemed to be more effective than any other tricks in refreshing your phone’s wireless services including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. So if the previous refresh didn’t work as expected, try performing the Airplane Mode trick using these steps:
- From Home, go to Settings.
- Select Airplane Mode.
- Toggle the switch to enable the features. All your phone’s wireless radios including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections will be disabled.
- While the Airplane Mode is on, restart (soft reset) your iPhone device.
- Then head back to Settings->Airplane Mode and toggle the switch to turn the feature off. Your phone’s wireless radios and services will then be restored.
Make sure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both turned on before you use Airdrop.
Fourth solution: Sign out and the sign in again in iCloud.
The iOS update may have signed you out from iCloud which is causing Airdrop to fail. Thus, re-signing in to iCloud might help fix the AirDrop that has stopped working on your iOS device. Doing so will also ensure that valid credentials are being used in signing in to iCloud. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Settings app from Home.
- Tap to select your name.
- Scroll to and tap Sign Out. Follow the onscreen prompts to confirm signing out from iCloud.
- Restart (soft reset) your iPhone XR.
Once your phone is already back on, head back to Settings and then to iCloud. Make sure to enter your correct iCloud login information.
Fifth solution: Reset network settings to fix AirDrop that stopped working after iOS iOS 13.2 on iPhone XR.
Network connectivity errors like corrupted Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth connections that took place during the iOS 13.2 update will likely affect AirDrop’s functions. To clear this out, reset network settings on your phone using the steps below:
- Launch Settings from Home.
- Select General.
- Scroll to and tap Reset.
- Select Reset network settings option.
- Enter your device passcode to continue.
- Then select the option to confirm network settings reset.
Your phone will restart by itself after the reset. Once back on, proceed to enable the necessary features including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. By then, you can turn on AirDrop again. This can be done on your phone’s settings menu or by launching the Control Center. If you prefer to manage it from the main screen, refer to these steps:
- Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen.
- Then tap and hold the Wi-Fi icon.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Select Contacts Only or Everyone to enable AirDrop.
After you have successfully enabled the feature, try to AiDrop some files from your iPhone and see if the problem has been fixed.
Is Airdrop still not working on your iOS 13.2 iPhone XR device?
More advanced-solutions like factory reset, recovery mode restore, and dfu mode restore can be carried out if AirDrop remains not working after exhausting the given solutions above. You can visit our Help and Guides page to be guided on how to perform these methods on your iPhone XR device. Furthermore, you can also contact Apple Support and ask alternative options or recommendations to fix the AirDrop issue on your device.
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