To turn AirDrop on, here are the simple steps depending on your Apple device.

On iPhone or iPad (via Control Center)

  1. Unlock your device.
  2. Swipe:
    • On iPhone with Face ID / newer iPad: swipe down from the top‑right corner of the screen.
    • On older iPhone with a Home button: swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
  1. In Control Center, press and hold the box with Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode icons.
  2. Tap AirDrop.
  3. Choose:
    • Receiving Off (no one can AirDrop you)
    • Contacts Only (only people in your contacts)
    • Everyone or Everyone for 10 Minutes (any nearby Apple device)

When AirDrop is on, its icon will usually turn blue in Control Center.

On iPhone or iPad (via Settings)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap AirDrop.
  4. Select Contacts Only or Everyone / Everyone for 10 Minutes to turn it on.

On Mac

  1. Open the Finder.
  2. In the menu bar at the top, click Go → AirDrop.
  3. At the bottom of the AirDrop window, set “Allow me to be discovered by” to:
    • No One
    • Contacts Only
    • Everyone
      Choosing Contacts Only or Everyone turns AirDrop on.

Quick safety tips

  • Prefer Contacts Only so random people can’t send you files in public places.
  • Turn AirDrop to Receiving Off after you’re done sharing if you’re in crowded or public areas.

If you tell me what device and iOS/macOS version you’re on, I can tailor the steps exactly to your screen.