How to Turn off or Block AirDrop on Mac, iPhone, iPad

Key takeaway: Disabling AirDrop on Apple devices can enhance privacy in public places and reduce confusion when sharing files among multiple devices. Follow the provided steps to easily turn off AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, or completely restrict it for added security.



Apple’s AirDrop is a Bluetooth-powered network that allows Apple devices to share quick files and easily wirelessly. Unfortunately, it also allows an unknown device to send questionable files. In this scenario, it’s advised to disable AirDrop, and if you don’t know the procedure – here’s how to disable AirDrop on Mac, iPhone & iPad.

How to Turn off OR Disable AirDrop on Apple Device

Below are steps to turn off AirDrop on your iPhone, Mac, & iPad. But let’s know the possible reasons why to turn off AirDrop.

Why Turn off AirDrop

Privacy: If you’re in a public place, turning off AirDrop will make your device undiscoverable and ensure you don’t get unsolicited AirDrop requests for receiving unwanted files.

Less confusion amongst multiple devices: If there are Apple devices surrounding you, choosing which device to send a file may get confusing. In this scenario, you can disable AirDrop on one of your devices where you don’t want to send and receive files. 

Steps to Turn off AirDrop iPhone & iPad

Step 1: Go to the Settings App on your iPhone or iPad. Search and select AirDrop.

Open Airdrop Settings on iPhone
Open Airdrop Settings on iPhone

Step 2: On the next screen, select Receiving Off, which will turn off AirDrop on your iOS & iPadOS.

Turn off AirDrop Receiving Off
Turn off AirDrop Receiving Off

Alternative method,

Step 1: Swipe down from the top of the screen and hold in-between to access Control Center.

Step 2: Hit AirDrop and select Receiving Off.

Steps to turn off AirDrop Mac

Step 1: Go to the Apple Menu on your Mac computer. Select System Settings…

Step 2: Click General from the left pane. Now, select AirDrop & Handoff.

AirDrop and Handoff Settings on Mac
AirDrop and Handoff Settings on Mac

Step 3: From the right side, select the AirDrop drop-down. Choose No One.

Turn off AirDrop on Mac
Turn off AirDrop on Mac

Alternative method,

Step 1: Click on the Finder Icon from your Dock. Select AirDrop from the left pane.

Step 2: Choose Allow Me To Be Discovered By and select No One, which will turn off AirDrop on this Mac.

Completely restrict AirDrop on iPhone, iPad & Mac

The steps mentioned above will disable AirDrop. But what if you want to completely turn off AirDrop on your Apple device? Luckily, it’s easy to do so. Here’s how you can do it. 

Steps for iPhone users

  1. Go to the Settings App on your iPhone.
  2. Search and select Screen Time.
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  4. Enable the toggle next to the Content & Privacy Restrictions. Select Allowed Apps.
  5. Disable the toggle next to the AirDrop.

Steps for Mac users,

Step 1: Go to the Apple Menu on your Mac. Select System Settings…

Step 2: Click Screen Time. Choose Content & Privacy.

Content & Privacy Settings in Screen Time on Mac
Content & Privacy Settings in Screen Time on Mac

Step 3: Click on the toggle next to the Content & Privacy. Go to App Restriction.

App Restrictions in Screen Time on Mac
App Restrictions in Screen Time on Mac

Step 4: Disable the toggle next to the Allow AirDrop. At last, select Done. 

Block AirDrop on Mac
Block AirDrop on Mac

That’s It! This will block AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, & Mac.

Final Thought!

This is how you can turn off AirDrop on your iOS, macOS, & iPadOS. It’s pretty simple to do so. If this guide is helpful to you, share as much as you can. 

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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