September 18, 2026

Set AirDrop to Contacts Only

Settings > General > AirDrop. Everyone for 10 Minutes is the setting for a one-off transfer.

• Privacy & Security
• Easy · 1 min
• iPhone on iOS 18 and iOS 26
• Fix: limit AirDrop to contacts
• Cheat sheet

How to do it

1. 01

   Open Settings > General > AirDrop.

2. 02

   Choose Contacts Only.

3. 03

   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.