How to Use AirDrop Over Cellular on iOS 17.1? Apple improved the iPhone AirDrop in many ways in iOS 17, and with the introduction of iOS 17.1, it just got better, as you no longer need to be within the Wi-Fi range of someone to resume a file transfer over AirDrop. Continue reading to find out how it works.
Since its launch in iOS 7, AirDrop has been the preferred method for iPhone users to quickly and easily send photographs, movies, documents, and other files to neighbouring Apple devices. If you have the AirDrop screen open and are in close proximity to another user with a supported Apple device, they will appear on your screen and you can exchange files with them.
Until recently, AirDrop required you to be in close proximity to the other person’s device in order for the transfer to succeed. The transfer would fail if you left the AirDrop range, and the material would not be shared. This is especially aggravating when transmitting or receiving multiple large files, such as video footage.
This is changed in iOS 17.1, which allows wireless AirDrop file transfers to continue over a cellular connection outside of the AirDrop range if both your iPhone and the recipient’s iPhone are signed in to an iCloud account.
How to Use AirDrop Over Cellular on iOS 17.1?
When you choose the new cellular data option, you will be able to continue sending and receiving content using AirDrop over a cellular network even when Wi-Fi is not available. The transfer must still be initiated via Wi-Fi, but it will not be cancelled if you move to a different location outside of range. Here’s how to make sure your device has the new option enabled.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select General.
- Select AirDrop.
- To the right of “Out of Range,” toggle the option next to Use Mobile/Cellular Data.
That’s all there is to it. iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 are now available for all iPhones and iPads that support iOS 17 and iPadOS 17.1. More new features and adjustments can be found in our list of everything new in iOS 17.1.
Also Read: How to Use AirDrop Without Wi-Fi in iOS 17?
