AirDrop is a function that surely sounds like many users, especially those with an Apple device. This is a system that many see as one of the best functions that we have available in the ecosystem of the Cupertino firm, also envied in Android phones for example.
Next we are going to tell you everything you need to know about AirDrop: What is it, on what devices is it available, what it is for and how it works. It is a function that generates special interest among users, so it is important to know more about it. So below we give you all the information you should know about this function at Apple.
As many of you already know, AirDrop is a really easy system to use, another reason it's such a popular feature. Although the way it works may be something that many are unaware of. Therefore, below we leave you with more information about this function and its history.
What is AirDrop and what is it for?
AirDrop is a feature that Apple officially launched in 2011 in iOS 7. This function allows iPhones and iPads to send files (photos, videos, links, documents, and more) to each other directly, without the need for cables. This function was also incorporated later to other devices such as Macs, thus reaching macOS. In this way, all Apple devices all have this function integrated natively. This allows an exchange of files between them.
AirDrop is a function that therefore allows file sharing without the need for cables. This function makes use of the bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas of the devices, be it an iPhone, iPad or a Mac, for that sending or receiving of the files in question. The absence of cables makes the process of sending or receiving files much faster and more comfortable for users, as well as being able to be done anywhere, one of the keys to the introduction of this function in the Apple device ecosystem.
As it is based on Bluetooth and / or WiFi, it is necessary that the devices between which these files will be exchanged are close to each other. The range in this case is 10 to 15 meters maximum, so it is important to always take that distance between both devices into account when using it. If they are closer, it will be ideal, since then it will be more comfortable to be able to send those files, avoiding problems with the signal and the process taking longer or stopping, for example.
Requirements to use this function
In addition to knowing what AirDrop is, it is important for users with Apple devices that certain requirements have to be met when using this feature on your devices. These are a series of aspects to take into account if we want to use this function, which also help us to better understand how it works on Apple devices.
- The two devices between which files are to be exchanged should be relatively close (less than 10 or 15 meters).
- You have to activate the WiFi and Bluetooth options. These functions are not going to be used, since the Apple device will create a private network between both devices to share the files in a safe way, but having them activated is essential for its operation.
- Disable the Personal Access Point option on your device.
- You can configure who can send you files via AirDrop: everyone or contacts. This way you can choose an option that best suits your needs in terms of privacy, limiting who can send files using this function.
- Both devices must be unlocked for this exchange to take place properly. If it's locked, it won't start or end until it's unlocked again. So you have to make sure that it is unlocked during the whole process of sending that file.
How to use AirDrop
As we have mentioned, using AirDrop is really simple. This function is therefore one of the preferred ways of users with Apple devices when exchanging files. Especially if you have to send something from your iPhone to your Mac or vice versa, it can be comfortable, since you will not have to use cables for it. The interface of this function on the devices is really simple, something that has also contributed to the fact that many people use it on their devices.
Before using it, you must verify that you meet the requirements mentioned in the previous section, such as having activated Bluetooth and WiFi on your device or have deactivated the Personal Access Point. If you have done this, then you are ready to start using AirDrop on your device. The steps you have to follow in this case are:
- Go to the device from where you want to share a file.
- Find the file you want to share (a photo, video or document) or links by copying that link from the browser.
- When you are in that file, click on the Share button.
- Select AirDrop from the options that appear on the screen.
- Select the person you want to send that file to from the list that appears on the screen.
- Click OK.
- Wait for the other person to accept.
- Wait for the file submission to complete.
The process itself is fast, although it will depend on the size of the file in some cases. As you can see, using AirDrop is not a problem, thanks to a simple interface and steps that are understandable for all types of users with Apple devices. So you can use it without any problem on your iPhone, iPad or on your Mac.
Accept requests
In the previous section we show you how it works if we are the ones who send a file to another person. Although as we already know, there are times when we are we who receive a file via AirDrop. When someone sends us a file using this function, the device where we receive that file will issue an alert. This alert is to inform us that there is a request to send, which we can then accept or decline.
When someone shares a file with you using AirDrop, you will see that notification on the screen. You are also shown a preview of that file that someone is sending you at that moment. In addition to mentioning who is the person who is sending us that file, so we can know if it is someone we know or not, especially in the event that this file has come to us by surprise, if we did not know that someone was going to send us something using this function.
Under the file preview we have two options: accept or reject. So we just have to click on the option we want at that time. If we have clicked on accept, then the process of sending that file will begin. This is something that will take a few seconds and then we will be able to see a message on the screen that informs us that the shipment has been completed correctly. That file is already on our device in this way, so we can do whatever we want with it at all times.
Privacy and security in AirDrop
Something that we have mentioned before is that if you have AirDrop activated on your iPhone for example, and you have the setting that allows everyone to send you files, you may find that people you do not know try to send you files in some situations, if you are in a bar, cafeteria or in class, for example. This is something that many users do not see as a good option, as they feel that their privacy is at risk in this way. The fact that anyone can send you files is something that carries its risks.
On one hand, if someone we don't know sends us a file, we do not really know what is hidden behind that file or the intentions that this person has. It may be a file that seeks to introduce malicious software into the device, such as spyware to obtain personal information from us or our bank details, for example. It is a risk that must be taken into account, especially in the case of also accepting that shipment from the person.
Also, many users they do not consider this to be good in terms of privacy. Anyone will be able to send you files in AirDrop, and this is something that is uncomfortable for many people. Therefore, it is best to configure AirDrop in such a way that only your contacts are the ones who can send you something using this function. This is a setting that gives the user much more power, by limiting the number of people who have the ability to send you something. In addition, this way we protect ourselves against those users who really do not have good intentions and could be trying to send malicious software to one of our devices at that moment.