Can’t Fix AirDrop Failed to Save Item? Get 8 Proven Ways

Sharing files seamlessly via AirDrop between Apple devices is one of the many conveniences of the Apple ecosystem. However, what happens when AirDrop fails to deliver and save items, including photos, videos, music, and more? It can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you're in a hurry to transfer important documents, photos, or other files. This guide will explore eight practical solutions to tackle the AirDrop "Failed to Save Item. Save to iCloud Drive instead" issue on your iPhone. Whether you're looking for quick fixes or a more comprehensive solution, you can discover the answer here.

7 Possible Solutions to Fix AirDrop Failed to Save Item on iPhone/Mac

This part will provide you with seven common solutions to fix the problem that AirDrop failed to save item. These methods could all be done on your Apple devices with their built-in settings. Keep reading and learn about these useful solutions. However, if you encounter further issues with AirDrop failing to transfer and save items, consider trying the additional methods:

Method 1: Keep iPhone Screen Awake During AirDrop Transfer

Step 1.When AirDrop isn’t working on your iPhone, you can open "Settings" on your iPhone. Scroll through the list of settings options and tap the "Display & Brightness" button. Inside the "Display & Brightness" section, locate and tap the "Auto-Lock" button.

Step 2.Among various duration options, choose the one that could prevent your iPhone from going to sleep during an AirDrop transfer. Now, your iPhone screen will stay awake during AirDrop transfers, which may prevent AirDrop from failing to save large items.

Method 2: Don't Close the AirDrop Window

When Airdrop from a Mac to other Apple devices, you might encounter AirDrop failed to save item issues if you close the AirDrop window in Finder prematurely. Here's how to avoid this problem:

When sending files from your Mac to your iPhone (or vice versa), don't close the AirDrop window in Finder. This is especially important if your Mac is running an older macOS version.

By leaving the AirDrop window open, you ensure that the file transfer process can be completed successfully. Instead of closing the AirDrop window, if you wish to view or access the received files, open your "Downloads" folder separately.

This simple precaution should help prevent AirDrop issues when transferring and saving files between your Mac and iPhone. However, if you continue to experience problems, explore the additional methods outlined below.

Method 3: Restart Your Apple Device

When dealing with temporary glitches that might interrupt your AirDrop transfers, a simple restart of your iPhone or iPad often does the trick. Here's how to fix AirDrop failed to save item problem by restarting your iPhone or iPad:

Step 1.Simultaneously press and hold the "Power" button (side key) and either of the "Volume" buttons on your device. When you see the "slide to power off" button on the screen, swipe it to turn off your device.

Step 2.After your device has completely powered off, long-press the "Power" button again. Keep holding it until you see the Apple logo, indicating that your device is restarting. Then, you can check if the AirDrop failed to save item issue is resolved.

Method 4: Turn Off and On Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

If you're facing AirDrop issues like failing to save items on your iPhone, a quick reset of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings might solve the problem. Here's how to do it:

Step 1.Swipe down from the top right corner. In the Control Center, tap the "Bluetooth" button and the "Wi-Fi" button in the Control Center to turn them off. They will also turn gray when off.

Step 2.Now, tap both the "Bluetooth" button and the "Wi-Fi" button again in the Control Center to reactivate them.

Step 3.After re-enabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, attempt the file transfer using AirDrop to check if the issue of AirDrop failing to save an item is solved.

Method 5: Check Free Storage

When your iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer, you should know that insufficient storage on the recipient's iPhone or iPad can lead to AirDrop failing to save items. Make sure you have adequate free space for incoming files by following these steps:

Step 1.Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the "General" button and then tap the "iPhone Storage" button. Here, you can view the available storage on your device and identify what's consuming the most space.

Step 2.If storage is limited, you can tap the listed items to review and delete unnecessary files, creating more room for successful AirDrop transfers with the "AirDrop failed to save item" error.

Method 6: Temporarily Turn Off Cellular Data

In some cases, disabling cellular data temporarily can solve AirDrop transfer failures on your iPhone 16/15. It will ensure a smooth AirDrop experience by preventing potential interference from cellular data. Follow these steps:

Swipe down from the top right to access the Control Center. Locate and tap the "Cellular Data" button to turn off your cellular data. With cellular data off, attempt the AirDrop transfer again.

Method 7: Reset Network Settings

When all else fails, resetting your network settings can solve many issues related to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which may be affecting your AirDrop functionality. But you should note that it will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, and you'll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks afterward. If you're still unable to send or receive files through AirDrop, follow these steps to reset your iPhone's network settings:

Step 1.Launch the "Settings" app on your iPhone. Navigate and tap the "General" button. Then, find and tap the "Transfer or Reset iPhone" button.

Step 2.Tap the "Reset" button and then tap the "Reset Network Settings" button. You'll be prompted to enter your iPhone's passcode. After doing so, tap the "Reset Network Settings" button to confirm. Then, have a try again to check if the AirDrop failed to save item issue is fixed.

The Safest Way to Transfer Your Item Between Devices Without AirDrop

If you're looking for a reliable and secure way to transfer files between your Apple devices without AirDrop, AnyRec PhoneMover is the answer. This user-friendly tool provides numerous benefits for seamless data transfer, with which you can not only transfer files quickly and securely but also edit your files for better sorting. Here's how to use it as an alternative option to fix AirDrop failed to save item problem:

Step 1.Start by using a lightning USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Ensure both devices are securely connected.

Step 2.Once connected, you will see a popup window on your iPhone. Follow the instructions on AnyRec PhoneMover to let your iPhone trust the computer.

Step 3.You can preview, check, edit, and organize your phone files based on your specific needs. With your desired files chosen, click the "Export to PC" button on the top bar. This initiates the transfer process.

AnyRec PhoneMover is your best choice for secure and efficient data transfer without encountering issues like AirDrop failing to save items. Enjoy the benefits of a user-friendly interface, compatibility across various devices, selective data transfer, and more.

FAQs About Fixing AirDrop Failed to Save Item

• Why does AirDrop fail to save items?

  There are many possible reasons, including device incompatibility, file format issues, AirDrop restrictions, overlarge files sizes, or network problems.

• How do I set up AirDrop on my Mac?

  To turn on AirDrop on your Mac, right-click anywhere on your desktop. Then, click the "Go" button and click the "AirDrop" button. Finally, click the "Allow me to be discovered by" button and choose who can send files to your Mac.

• Can I still access received files after closing the AirDrop window on my Mac?

  Yes. Once you accept the transfer, the file is downloaded and saved to your device. So, you can still access those files by opening the Downloads folder separately.

• How can I turn off AirDrop when I encounter the issue of AirDrop failing to save items?

  Swipe down from the top-right corner. In the Control Center, long-press the box that contains "Wi-Fi", "Bluetooth", and other buttons. The "AirDrop" button will then appear. Tap the "AirDrop" button, then tap the "Receiving Off" button.

• Is it safe to reset network settings on my iPhone to fix AirDrop’s failed-to-save-item issues?

  Yes. It’s definitely a safe way. But you need to note that it will remove all the saved Wi-Fi passwords, and you'll need to reconnect them.

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