How to Use AirDrop on the iPhone in iOS 7 (Video)

One of the new features that Apple has added to the iPhone in iOS 7 is Airdrop. It’s safe to assume that they added this in order to compete with Android Beam and Android’s use of NFC. While it does achieve the same functionality, in some respect, it needs to be initiated in a different way. That way might not be entirely obvious to some so we’re going to show you really quickly how to use AirDrop to share notes, photos, web pages, and more in a few easy steps.

I. Before You Begin

1. This feature is only available for iOS 7 devices.

II. Enable AirPlay on the Devices

1. In order for AirPlay to see the other devices and vise versa, you need to enable it. Pull up the command center from the bottom of the screen by swiping your finger up on to the screen from off it at the bottom.

2. Tap AirDrop.

3. Select Everyone or Contacts Only. One will allow anyone around you to send you things and the other will only allow people who are saved in your contacts to send you things (even if you select everyone, you’ll still have to accept anything they send you so not a huge issue with security there).

4. Have the person you want to send something to enable it as well.

III. Send Something via AirDrop

1. Go to whatever you want to share on your device. You can share places on your map (when using Apple Maps only), photos, notes, contacts, and anything from any app that has the Share icon enabled.

2. Once you are viewing the thing, simply tap the Share icon (box with an arrow coming out of it).

3. Tap AirDrop.

4. People around you with their AirDrop enabled will show up as circular icons. Tap the person you want to share it with.

5. The other person must click Accept.

6. The item is transferred and automatically opened on the other person’s iPhone.