• Open iPhone Settings and go to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > enable the AirDrop toggle.
  • When you receive the AirDrop file transfer notification, try manually saving the file. You can also change the file format and try again.
  • Reset the network settings and use AirDrop again on your iPhone.

Basic Fixes:

  • Ensure AirDrop is enabled: If the relevant AirDrop settings haven’t been enabled, it can cause issues like the AirDrop keeps failing error. Check and see if AirDrop is enabled.
  • Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled: AirDrop uses your iPhone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to search for nearby devices and send and receive files. So, if you’re facing issues using AirDrop, ensure both settings are enabled on your iPhone.
  • Restart your iPhone: Rebooting your iPhone is an effective way to fix issues caused by temporary bugs or glitches. Doing this will refresh your device’s memory and restart AirDrop functions.
  • Check iPhone storage: Your iPhone must have enough space to accept and save the incoming file. If there’s insufficient space, AirDrop might fail. So, check and free up some storage space and try again.
  • Check for iOS updates: If the issue is software-related, Apple may have already released an update to rectify it. If so, check and install the latest iOS update on your iPhone.

Fix 1: Check Content & Privacy Restrictions Settings

If your device is restricting AirDrop settings, it can cause issues, like the AirDrop keeps failing error. In this case, ensure that the Screen Time settings do not restrict AirDrop on your device. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on Screen Time . Scroll down and tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions .

Open Screen time settings - 1

Step 2: Here, tap on Allowed Apps . Then, ensure the toggle for AirDrop is enabled.

Allow AirDrop - 2

Fix 2: Manually Save the File

You can see all incoming transfer requests from your iPhone’s screen. So, if you can see the AirDrop file but can’t locate it on your iPhone, try saving it manually instead. Use the ‘Save to iCloud’ option from the AirDrop notification screen to do this. Then, move the file from iCloud to your iPhone.

Fix 3: Try With a Different Device or File

If you have more than one iPhone, we recommend transferring the file to the second iPhone instead. If the issue persists, transfer a different file or change the file format, size, etc., and try again. If AirDrop works as expected, the issue might be with your iPhone. So, move on to the next fix.

Fix 4: Reset iPhone Network Settings

Resetting the network settings on your iPhone will erase all your saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth devices, cellular settings, etc. This is an excellent way to fix errors with other network settings, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, causing AirDrop not to save the file on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on General . Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone .

Open iPhone Reset Settings 16 - 3

Step 2: Tap on Reset . Then, tap on Reset Network Settings .

Reset iPhone Network Settings - 4

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the reset process. After that, receive the AirDrop file again on your iPhone.

Bonus: Use Alternative Methods

You can also use other native methods or third-party apps to transfer files between your Apple device . Certain apps also allow your iPhone to transfer to Windows and Android devices. However, try using alternative methods, like cable or iTunes, before moving on to third-party apps.

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