Airdrop waiting

Hey there PopPMC,

It sounds like you've done some good isolating. Have you also tried to AirDrop different types of data? Let's try a different Wi-Fi network, is possible, with the affected iPad.

Check your settings, as shown here: How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad

If the issue continues, reach out to Apple directly for additional assistance using: Official Apple Support They'll be the best hands possible to take a deeper look into this with you.

Take care.

Starting at the beginning - in case something might have been missed…

AirDrop is a pier-to-pier file sharing service. There are several reasons that you may not be able to send/receive an AirDrop file - these usually being resolved by changing your AirDrop receive settings (as shown here in being configured to only receive from known Contacts - this being the most secure setting short of setting to Off):

If changing your AirDrop settings doesn’t resolve the problem, toggling the WiFi and Bluetooth radios off and the on from iPad Settings can also clear AirDrop issues.

This guide from iMore may be helpful:

https://www.imore.com/how-to-fix-airdrop-iphone-ipad

If the problem remains unresolved, you will need to sign-out from your AppleID/iCloud on the device that cannot reliably send or receive AirDrop - then restart the device - and finally sign-in again to iCloud. This will properly reset a number of critical services.

1) Sign-out

Settings > [Your Name / AppleID] > Sign Out

NB: During sign-out, you have opportunity to save a local copy of your iCloud data. Should you save a local copy of this data, it is critical that you do not attempt to sign-in to a different AppleID account - as this data will be merged with the AppleID account to which you sign-in.

2) Force restart the iPad

• Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

• Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

3) Sign-in to iCloud

Sign-in to iCloud from iPad settings. If you saved a local copy of your iCloud data in step (1), this data will be merged with the AppleID account. Assuming that you have correctly signed-in to the same AppleID account, this process will be instant - as nothing needs to be merged. Be assured that this “merge” operation will not create duplicate information.

Having completed this procedure, you should again be able to send/receive AirDrop files as expected.

Hi PopPMC,

Thanks for trying those steps.

Quick question, is the iPhone or iPad mini also on iOS/iPadOS 16.1.1? If not, check with your Wi-Fi router instructions or manufacturer, to see if a firmware update is needed.

If other devices are on the same 16.1.1 version and AirDrop works with them, the next step is to contact Apple Support. They'll need to know what's happening, and what you've done so far, so they can look further into what's happening.

Apple Support

All the best!