AirDrop Stuck on Waiting? Transfer Files on iPhone 16 Now
No doubt, AirDrop is among the best features on iPhone since it makes the file-sharing process much easier between iOS devices. However, the problem is that many users are complaining about AirDrop stuck on waiting. This means that AirDrop shows the "Waiting" message on the screen, but connecting your device to another is taking forever. In these cases, the good thing is that there are ways to get it solved! This post will show you the 7 fixes to solve the AirDrop stuck on waiting issue. Get it solved now!
Guide List
Why Your AirDrop Always Stuck on Waiting 7 Ways to Fix AirDrop Stuck on Waiting Get AirDrop Alternative for Smooth File Transferring FAQsWhy Your AirDrop Always Stuck on Waiting
Before heading to the fixes to solve AirDrop stuck on waiting problem, it’s nice to understand why AirDrop says waiting when you want to send photos or other files. Below are the potential reasons that influence the normal transferring process of AirDrop.
Both Devices Aren’t Close Enough.
Since AirDrop works wirelessly to send photos and files, the devices should be nearby with each other. If not, they might not get the signal that leads to AirDrop waiting forever problem.
The Device is Locked.
You may be experiencing the AirDrop being stuck on waiting if the recipient's phone is locked; there’s no way the process will be completed if they haven’t selected Accept or Decline the shared files.
If you have updated your iOS device to a new version, it might have brought bugs that block AirDrop from transferring files.
Software Glitches.
The most typical suspect behind the AirDrop stuck on waiting is a minor glitch inside your device. It prevents AirDrop from sending files and other apps from functioning normally.
Incorrect Settings.
If Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is not turned on both devices, it can result in why AirDrop is taking so long to load problem.
How to Fix AirDrop Stuck on Waiting – 7 Solutions for You
Following the list of possible reasons why you have the AirDrop stuck on waiting issue, keep reading to fix this problem. You can try the seven fixes one by one and see if it gets your problem resolved.
Fix 1. Unlock Both Devices.
When you’re about to share files with someone using AirDrop, ensure the recipient’s phone is unlocked. There’s no way Apple will let you AirDrop to a locked iPhone; it won’t show up on the list of available nearby devices. To do this, enter the screen password or use Touch or Face ID to unlock the sender and receiver’s iPhones. Still, if the AirDrop says waiting, proceed to the next solution.
Fix 2. Enable then Disable the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.Fix 2. Enable then Disable the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
AirDrop needs settings that should be perfect for sharing photos and files with another iOS device. If the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are already activated, try refreshing both options, then check if it solves your AirDrop stuck on waiting problem. All you have to do is deactivate both and wait momentarily before turning them back on.
1. Swipe down or up the upper right corner of your screen for iPhones to access the "Control Center".
2. Tap the "Bluetooth" and "Wi-Fi" button to turn them off. Both options aren’t blue-colored if turned off.
3. Enable them again after a few seconds.
Fix 3. Deactivate the Personal Hotspot.
If you regularly use AirDrop to transfer contents, you should know that sharing any kind of files is impossible if the Hotspot is enabled. Please turn it off to stop it from interfering with transferring files between iOS devices. It will take just simple taps to complete the job and fix AirDrop says waiting problem; here’s how:
1. Open the "Control Center" by swiping up or down, depending on your iPhone model.
2. Long tap on the "Bluetooth" icon to find the "Personal Hotspot" option, and turn it off.
3. You can also go to "Settings" to disable the Hotspot.
Fix 4. Turn on AirDrop Restrictions.
Most Apple users put restrictions on apps to manage or limit their usage, and you might have mistakenly put restrictions on AirDrop as well, which is why you have AirDrop stuck on waiting problem. So, ensure to have turned on the AirDrop restrictions on your iPhone.
1. Open up "Settings", then go to "Screen Time".
2. Locate "Content & Privacy Restrictions".
3. Head to "Allowed Apps", then tap the AirDrop switch button to turn it on.
Fix 5. Reset Network Settings.
Since you need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections to share photos and files through AirDrop, resetting the network settings is worth trying in solving the AirDrop stuck on waiting problem. The problem might be the Wi-Fi connection that stops you from AirDropping; follow the guide below to get it fixed:
1. Open "Settings", select "General" and scroll down to locate the "Transfer or Reset iPhone". Afterward, go to "Reset" and select "Reset Network Settings" from the options.
2. Pursue the on-screen instructions to verify the action.
Fix 6. Restart Your Device.
To fix minor glitches, it is suggested to restart your iOS device regularly. So, if you haven't restarted your iPhone for many weeks, it could have glitches inside that result in AirDrop stuck on waiting problem. Restart your iPhone now to fix the problem.
For iPhones without a Home button:
1. Long press either the "Volume" or "Side" buttons.
2. When the "Power-off slider" appears, drag it and wait seconds to shut down your device.
3. After a few moments, hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo is visible.
For iPhones with a Home button:
1. Keep holding the "Power" button, whether on the "Side" or at the "Top", until the "slider" appears on the screen.
2. Please drag it to turn off your device.
3. Press and hold the "Power" button to turn your iPhone back on.
Fix 7. Update iOS Version.
Most trouble comes in when you’re using an old iOS software. The device performance sometimes slows down, apps glitch, and affect the normal functioning of AirDrop, leading to AirDrop stuck on waiting. In this case, try updating your device to the latest iOS 18 version.
1. Open the "Settings" app, then head to "General".
2. Tap the "Software Update", and check whether an update is available.
3. If there is, tap on "Download and Install" .
Best Way to Transfer Files without AirDrop Stuck Problem
After knowing why AirDrop not working on iPhone, do you want to avoid having a crisis regarding the AirDrop stuck-on waiting problem? Then, think about trying the most promising way to transfer files - AnyRec PhoneMover. It is a program that allows you to have a one-click data transfer solution where you can handle, share, and backup necessary files between mobiles and computers. This program manages to share multiple files at once without a problem like AirDrop stuck on waiting screen. It also supports previewing and selecting the desired data to transfer.
Transfer all files, such as messages, contacts, videos, and more.
Preview all files, categories, metadata, and sequences before transferring.
Promise quick and safe transfer without problem like AirDrop stuck on waiting.
Allow you to batch transfer multiple files between all iPhone models.
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Step 1.Launch the program now. Get a USB cable first to connect both of your iPhones to your computer. Then, choose the data you wish to transfer from the left side tab, like "Photos", "Videos", "Music", "Contacts", and "Messages."
Step 2.The data you choose will be visible on the screen. Click the checkboxes of the ones you want to transfer. Double-click on each to preview the data you’ve selected.
Step 3.Without AirDrop not working problem, you can click the "Export to Device" button to share your iPhone files with another iPhone. Wait for the transfer process to finish.
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FAQs about How to Fix AirDrop Stuck on Waiting Issue
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Why is AirDrop taking so long to send photos and files?
One common reason is that the devices are not close enough to let the AirDrop connect them to send photos or other files. You may also take a look at other causes in this post.
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How close should the devices be to each other while AirDropping?
Ensure both devices are within 30 feet or about 10 meters to work correctly and have a smooth transferring process.
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Did Apple make a limitation in AirDrop?
Yes. With the launch of iOS 16, Apple expanded the AirDrop limitation, restricted the device visibility to Contacts Only, and allowed the Everyone option for 10 minutes.
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Can I share 1000 photos at once via AirDrop?
No. Although there’s no limitation regarding how many photos you can AirDrop, you might encounter issues while sending. You might encounter an AirDrop stuck-on waiting problem because of the amount of time the sharing of photos will take.
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Why’s my AirDrop not finding any devices?
Check if the AirDrop visibility is set to Everyone and not Contacts Only; the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi might be disabled, or the target device isn’t close enough to your iPhone.
Conclusion
As for your problem regarding the AirDrop stuck on waiting, you know there are many reasons behind this problem. And thankfully, solutions are waiting for you, too! The seven fixes above are must-try solutions to get out of the AirDrop says waiting, but it is taking forever problem. However, if you wish to avoid this problem and find a quick solution, try the AnyRec PhoneMover today. It is a powerful tool that can transfer a bunch of files quickly between iOS devices, Android, and computers. Download it now and enjoy the features yourself.
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