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Use AirDrop on iPad to send items to nearby Apple devices

With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and more to other nearby devices and Mac computers.

Transfers are encrypted for security, and the recipient can accept or decline each transfer as it arrives.

Note: If you leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range after an AirDrop transfer is initiated, the transfer continues over the internet.

Before you begin

  • Make sure that the recipient you’re sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth range and that you both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

  • Check that the recipient you’re sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only.

  • If you’re not in your recipient’s contacts, have them set their AirDrop receiving setting to Everyone in order to receive the file.

  • If you are in your recipient’s contacts and they set AirDrop to receive from Contacts Only, they need to have your Apple ID email address or phone number included in your contact card for AirDrop to work.

Send an item using AirDrop

  1. Open the item on your iPad, then tap the Share button, Share, AirDrop, the More options button, or another button that displays the app’s sharing options.

  2. Tap the AirDrop icon, then tap the AirDrop user you want to share with. (You can also use AirDrop to share between your own devices.)

To use AirDrop to securely share app and website passwords with someone using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, see Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop on iPad.

Allow others to send items to your iPad using AirDrop

  1. Open Control Center, touch and hold the top-left group of controls, then tap the AirDrop icon.

  2. Tap Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes to choose who you want to receive items from.

    Note: The Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes options are available only on devices with minimum system requirements.

Turn off cellular data for AirDrop

Cellular data charges may apply when you use AirDrop.

If you don’t want to use cellular data when you’re out of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range, go to Settings > General > AirDrop, then turn off Use Cellular Data.

Typically this is a one-time setting, but you might want to change it if, for example, you’re traveling and want to avoid roaming charges.

See alsoUse AirDrop on your Mac to send files to devices near youHow to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad
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