Fix 1: Verify Bluetooth + WiFi both ON
AirDrop requires BOTH Bluetooth AND WiFi enabled. Bluetooth alone or WiFi alone won't work.
Check menu bar: WiFi icon (no slash) + Bluetooth icon (no slash) = both active.
Doesn't matter what WiFi network — they just need to be ON.
Fix 2: Check AirDrop discovery setting
Finder → Go → AirDrop → check 'Allow me to be discovered by' setting at bottom.
Options: Everyone, Contacts Only, No One.
If sender shows 'Contacts Only' and your Apple ID isn't in their contacts: change to 'Everyone' for 10 minutes (security: don't leave permanently).
Fix 3: Disable firewall temporarily (test)
System Settings → Network → Firewall → turn off.
Test AirDrop. If now works: firewall blocking. Re-enable firewall + System Settings → Network → Firewall → Options → allow AirDrop apps through.
Fix 4: Make sure devices are close enough
AirDrop range: ~9 metres / 30 feet. Bluetooth-based proximity required for initial handshake.
Walls reduce range significantly. Same-room is most reliable.
Fix 5: Don't use Personal Hotspot
If iPhone is acting as Personal Hotspot, AirDrop to it can fail. Turn off Personal Hotspot temporarily.
Fix 6: Restart Bluetooth + WiFi services
Toggle WiFi off + on. Toggle Bluetooth off + on. Wait 5 seconds between.
Sometimes solves stuck AirDrop discovery.
Fix 7: Sign out + back into iCloud
System Settings → Apple ID → Sign Out → wait → Sign In.
Resets AirDrop pairing with your account. Effective when AirDrop shows other devices but they don't receive your sends.
When it's hardware
All software fixes fail + Bluetooth + WiFi both work normally separately.
Cause: rare — usually WiFi/BT chip on logic board partially failed (specific protocol affected).
Workshop diagnosis. PKR 35k–55k for chip rework if confirmed.