Airdrop not working?

You have done all the most likely solutions to resolve the problem. I only have some less likely options left.

• Is either device connected to a VPN? It should still work, but there have been users that have noted trouble while using a VPN. You should not need to be connected to a Wifi network, just have to have Wifi on.
• Try to Reset Network Settings. This will delete your Wifi passwords and forget any Bluetooth devices that you have connected to. You would need to log back into your Wifi network with the password and re-pair any Bluetooth devices. On the iPhone it is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On the iPad it is Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• Force Restart Devices. The last step of holding the side button on the iPhone takes longer than expected for the Apple Logo to appear. It could be up to 20 seconds.

Force restart iPad - Apple Support

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

I would not expect a hardware issue, but there may be a problem with Bluetooth connectivity. I also assume both devices are updated to their latest software version. Even though the iPad is at the earliest possible version to support Airdrop, it should still work. Is it possible to check both devices with a friends phone to see which one may be causing problems?

If you do find a solution, please update as I have not seen the issue not being resolved with the steps you have already done and I am very curious why you are unable to use this very useful feature.

Not sure what you have tried, so these are the basics:

• Restarted phones?
• Wifi needs to be on and not connected to Personal Hotspot. Try toggling off/on
• Bluetooth needs to be on. Try toggling off/on
• On the receiving phone, try changing Airdrop receiving to Everyone to rule out wrong Contacts info. It is located at Settings > General > Airdrop
• Receiving phone needs to be unlocked
• What device is the receiving device? Usually that is the one you need to look at.
• Is the problem that you cannot see the receiving device or the file does not get transferred?

Is the iPad using iPad OS 13 or greater?

Is the iPad signed in with your Apple ID?

Are you able to send files from your iPad to the iPhone?