How to set AirDrop to Contacts Only
Go to Settings > General > AirDrop and choose Contacts Only. When you need a file from someone else, pick Everyone for 10 Minutes. It switches back by itself.
- Privacy & Security
- Easy · 1 min
- iPhone on iOS 18 and iOS 26
- Cheat sheet
How to do it
Open Settings > General > AirDrop.
Choose Contacts Only.
When you need a file from someone else, switch to Everyone for 10 Minutes. It returns to Contacts Only by itself.
Receiving Off is the stricter choice. You can still send. You will not see incoming requests.
Questions people ask
Why is there no plain Everyone option?
Apple replaced it with Everyone for 10 Minutes, so it can't be left open by accident.
What does Receiving Off do?
Nobody can send you anything. You can still send.
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