What is AirDrop and why should I care?

With iOS 7, Apple introduced the AirDrop feature for all iPhone 5 models, the fourth-generation iPad, the iPad mini and the fifth-generation iPod touch. AirDrop is just a technology that allows users to swiftly and easily share information amid compatible iOS devices. A wide variety of information can be shared, such as photos, contacts, web pages, notes, iTunes radio stations, etc.

AirDrop Configuration

For AirDrop to work properly, you must be logged into an iCloud account, turn on Bluetooth on your device, and be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Additional configuration options are available in iOS 7 Control Center. To access the Control Center, swipe from the bottom to the top. You will see a window with quick access to many frequently used device settings. Bluetooth can be activated by selecting the icon in the middle of the top row.

Press the AirDrop button to choose whether your device will be discoverable by Everyone, Contacts only or if you want to disable the service. This basically lets you control who can send you information. The Contacts Only setting only accepts information from people listed in your contacts. To receive information from someone not in your contacts, select the Everyone setting.

Using AirDrop

If you're wondering how to use this AirDrop feature, you need to make sure the recipient needs to turn on the feature. To enable the feature, you must Swipe Up to display the Control Center and then access the AirDrop feature. If you want to receive shares from a specific group or from your contact list, choose the Contacts Only option. If you want to share information with someone nearby, choose Everyone. However, you must remember that the other person should also have activated the Everyone feature to make sharing possible.

When you want to send something to someone else, press the Share button. It has the shape of a square with an arrow pointing upwards.

A sharing sheet will open with various options for sharing information. If AirDrop recipients are available nearby (approximately 30 feet), their icon will appear automatically. If the recipient is listed in your contacts, their photo and nickname will be displayed. It may take a moment to identify if AirDrop compatible devices are present in the area. A recipient's device must be enabled (non-black screen) for the device to be identified.

Tap the person's icon to send the information. The recipient will receive a notification that you want to send something to him. They have the possibility to accept or refuse the information. If the item is accepted, a copy of the data is sent to their device and you will see a confirmation when the transfer is complete.

On the recipient's device, the information is automatically opened in the appropriate application. For example, if you send a web page link from Safari, the web page will automatically open in Safari on the recipient's device.

Another thing to remember is that you need an iCloud account. Your data transfer is secure because the transfers are encrypted to secure the privacy of the users involved.

After discovering how to use AirDrop, you'll enjoy your experience of sharing files and similar data with another user with relative ease.