AirDrop is the quickest way to transfer files between iOS devices and Macs. With it, you can easily share and receive photos, videos, contacts, webpages, or basically anything else from other Apple devices that are close by.
However, if you’re not near a wireless hotspot, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to use this feature on your iPhone. In this article, we’ll explain how to airdrop without wifi and show you some tips for getting the most out of this handy function.
How airdrop works:
AirDrop is a wireless technology that allows you to send files between Apple devices without the need for cables or Internet. It works by searching for and establishing a point-to-point Wi-Fi network connection with the device you’re sending from, then transferring data. To utilize AirDrop, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your computer and the device you’re sending to. The transmission rate is greater when using Wi-Fi rather than cellular data or Bluetooth.
It’s important to note that while AirDrop uses Wi-Fi, it doesn’t require an active Internet connection. This means you can use AirDrop in places where there is no Wi-Fi hotspot, as long as both devices are within range of each other.
The range of the Airdrop Bluetooth connection about 10 meters or 30 feet. If the devices are further than that, they might not be able to connect to each other.
How to airdrop without wifi:
1) Ensure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on. To do this, go to Settings > General > Network and make sure both switches are in the ON position.
2) Open the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom bezel of your device. You should see the AirDrop icon in the top left corner. If you don’t see it, tap the Wi-Fi icon to expand the Control Center.
3) Tap on the AirDrop icon and choose one of the following options: Contacts Only, Everyone, or Receiving Off.
4) If you chose Contacts Only, a list of your contacts that have AirDrop enabled will appear. Tap on the name of the person you want to share with.
5) If you chose Everyone, any nearby Apple device that has AirDrop turned on and is within range will appear. Tap on the name of the device you want to share with.
6) Once you’ve selected the person or device you want to share with, a new window will open with the sharing options. Tap on the type of file you want to share, then select the file and tap Share.
7) The recipient will receive a notification that you’re trying to share a file with them. They can then choose to Accept or Decline the transfer. If they Accept, the file will begin transferring wirelessly.
How to AirDrop without Wi-Fi on Mac
1) Open Finder on your Mac and click on AirDrop in the sidebar.
2) Select Allow me to be discovered by: Everyone or Contacts Only.
3) If you have selected Contacts Only, a list of your contacts that have AirDrop enabled will appear. Click on the name of the person you want to share with as shown below;
4) If you have selected Everyone, any nearby Apple device that has AirDrop turned on and is within range will appear. Click on the name of the device you want to share with.
5) Once you’ve selected the person or device you want to share with, a new window will open with the sharing options. Click on the type of file you want to share, then select the file and click Share.
6) The recipient will receive a notification that you’re trying to share a file with them. They can then choose to Accept or Decline the transfer. If they Accept, the file will begin transferring wirelessly.
Tips for using AirDrop without Data or Internet
1) If you’re trying to share a file with someone who is not in your Contacts, make sure they have the AirDrop icon visible in their Finder window. To do this, they need to open Finder and click on AirDrop in the sidebar. Then, they should select Allow me to be discovered by: Contacts Only or Everyone.
2) If you’re sharing with someone who is not in your Contacts, make sure their device name does not include their full name or email address. This information is visible to anyone within range, so it’s best to keep it private.
3) AirDrop is designed for small files. If you’re trying to share a large file, it’s best to use another method such as email or iCloud.
4) If you’re sharing with someone who is not in your Contacts, they will need to accept the transfer on their device before it begins. If they decline the transfer, it will not begin.
5) AirDrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect devices, so it will use battery life. If you’re worried about conserving battery life, you can turn AirDrop off when you’re not using it. To do this, go to Settings > General > Network and toggle the AirDrop switch to OFF.
How to airdrop/share files between iDevices without a Wi-Fi connection
AirDrop isn’t the only Apple mobile sharing option. AOMEI MBackupper is a professional iOS data transfer and backup program that may help you move photos, videos, music, messages, contacts from iPhone to iPhone/iPad or computer. Its iPhone backup function also can save your important information. Here are some of its benefits.
- Transfer larger files over non-wifi network
- Faster speed
- Easy to use
- Guaranteed data safety
You can get more detail on AOMEI MBackupper on Ubackup’s website here as they have shared screenshots of how to use this alternative Airdrop product.
Conclusion: Can airdrop work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, as explained above, Apple’s Airdrop does not require a Wi-Fi connection to transfer files between two devices, and AOMEI MBackupper can also move data between iOS devices without Wi-Fi. If you need to share larger files or backup iPhone data, these two products may be better choices.
FAQs
Q: What is Airplay vs Airdrop?
A: Airplay is a wireless streaming protocol while Airdrop is a file-sharing feature.
Q: Can you share with someone not in your contacts?
A: Yes, but the recipient will need to have their device name set to something other than their full name or email address for privacy reasons.
Q: Can you use Airplay without wifi?
A: Yes, but you will need an Apple TV or other Airplay-compatible device.
Q: What is the range for Airplay?
A: The range for Airplay is about 30 feet.
Hey there! I am Nate, the editor here at Tech Without Wifi. I am a SaaS-certified tech expert with widespread experience using gadgets in off-grid locations without wifi. I run this blog and provide my readers with detailed guides on how to use tech gear including cameras, phones, TVs, baby monitors, smart homes, among others without wifi. He has published his work and guides widely including and he also offers specialized consulting services on setting up various installations without wifi. You can reach me on nate@techwithoutwifi.com