How to Fix Airdrop Dimmed/Grayed out on iPhone (iOS 17.4)

If you're experiencing AirDrop Grayed out on iPhone or Disabled in the control center. Want't touch and Enable AirDrop on your iPhone.

The AirDrop – Apple’s one of best ad-hoc services which enables users to transfer files among supported macOS and iOS devices. In the latest iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), the file-sharing function Airdrop is located in the Control center. Just one tap is enough to turn off/ turn on for transferring Content from iOS to Mac, between iOS to iOS, and from Mac to Mac. For example, if you want to try to share data between two devices of Apple using AirDrop and it shows dimmed, what should you do to fix it? Here are potential clues that would clear your AirDrop Icon being Greyed out on iPhone or missing on Mac problem.

Luckily, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are working even though, unluckily, AirDrop not working on iOS due to dimmed or grayed-out issues; hence, you are feeling AirDrop missing or grayed out on iPhone with the latest iOS. Then you should apply the following solution first; this would be helped you to resolve quickly.

Easy Ways to Get Resolve Airdrop Dimmed/Grayed Out on iPhone and iPad (iPadOS)

Airdrop Grayed out on iPhone
Airdrop Grayed out on iPhone

Find and Turn off Airdrop Restrictions From iPhone Settings: iOS/iPadOS

Step 1: Go to the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad. Next, Tap on ScreenTime. If it’s not enabled, then enable screentime first.

Open Screen Time on your iPhone
Open Screen Time on your iPhone

Step 2: Scroll and Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Enable Airdrop toggle, and That’s it.

Enable Airdrop from Screen Time Restrictions on iPhone
Enable Airdrop from Screen Time Restrictions on iPhone

If this happens with your Mac, here’s Airdrop Grayed Out on Mac. Follow the steps to fix it or Use this feature Turn off Or Block Airdrop on Mac.

Clue 1. Remove AirDorp Restrictions on iOS 11/ 10

  • Go to Settings General – Tap Restrictions – Enter 4-digit Restrictions Passcode – Turn AirDrop ON/Green.

In iOS 12 and later devices, a new feature is available called Screen Time. So Restrictions settings have been moved into the screen time function. Let’s See how to use Restrictions in iOS 12.


If AirDrop toggle is already green, however, AirDrop dimmed/missing on iPhone, then continue for an alternative solution.

How to get back missing Airdorp on iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

That’s it!

In iOS 11 Find AirDrop in Control Center, Swipe up finger on the screen to launch Control Center. Get here how do I customize the Control center on iPhone.

6 Enable AirDrop on iOS 11 control center

Clue 2: You should Restart your iPhone once

To Restart iPhone – Press and Hold the Power button until you will appear Slide to Power Off. after that again Power On your Phone and check out for AirDrop. (To turn on your iPhone – Press and Hold on Sleep/Wake button until your appear Apple logo)

I hope, this trick would be successful.

Clue 3: Restart or Hard Reboot

Press and hold sleep/wake buttons until you see the Apple logo on Screen,

  • iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home button at the same time until the device turns off.
  • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Pressing and holding on the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down button simultaneously to power off the device then again press the power button to turn on.
  • The trick for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, XS, XR, X,  iPhone 8 Plus/8 Plus: See steps in the below image.
    • Quickly Press and Release Volume Up button.
    • Next, Quickly Press and Release Volume Down button.
    • Now, Only Press and Hold Side/Power button until you see the Apple logo on screen after the black screen.
Force Restart iPhone XS max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR when Face id disabled

Solution for Mac How to Do I Fix AirDrop Option Missing on Apple Mac Sidebar

one of the common problems that Mac users address while they trying to use the AirDrop feature on Apple Mac macOS Catalina or Earlier is to find the AirDrop option missing from the left sidebar menu in Finder.

Below instruction will help you to get back the Missing AirDrop Option on Mac Sidebar.

  • Step #1. Let’s Login your mac and make the ready Home screen.
  • Step #2. Next Click on the Finder icon located in the bottom or side Dock on your Apple Mac.
  • Step #3. Now click on the Finder option in the upper menu-bar on your Mac and then click on System Preferences on the drop-down menu.
  • Step #4. You can see the Finder Preferences screen, please click on the Sidebar tab and then check the option for AirDrop.

And your job is done!! I hope, this post found helpful. Share your experience with us in the comments.

Having a problem AirDrop missing on iPhone?

Let’s share with you what clue has been fixed your problem Airdrop Dimmed/Grayed out on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

To get more How to’s on iPhone Plus and earlier models please stay tuned in touch with us.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood, a Wellington-based journalist, excels in covering Apple and tech trends. With a diverse background in public safety, government, and education reporting, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, offering readers a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. Contact Her Team:- [email protected] [OR] [email protected]

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