Apple AirDrop, Don't Get Trolled!

by William Garcia

AirDrop

Pranksters have already trolled people through AirDrop. It seems that it's becoming a thing now. Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen to you! 

Not everyone decides to AirDrop hilarious memes, turbo race car videos, or informative web links to random strangers, there are some people that send unwanted explicit content. Especially to those that shouldn't be receiving them! The best practice would be to set AirDrop to receive only from people in your Contacts.

Yeah you may have the option to accept or decline the AirDrop request for each one that you receive, but leaving AirDrop open to everyone would leave you open to be TROLLED!! Say you were at a concert recording you favorite band, standing in line, or enjoying a movie while waiting for your next flight; all of sudden you get a random pop up of someone’s genitalia. Well that's really disturbing! Even your kids can be prone to getting trolled in public, without you around. I'd say,"better safe than sorry!"

   

By default, your iPhone or iPad has its AirDrop open to all nearby Apple devices. You can change the default setting to be more secure in your Settings. However, there’s an easier and faster way to change your visibility settings for AirDrop.

Choose who can send you content in AirDrop

Changing Visibility through Control Center:
Apple’s AirDrop feature makes it simple to share your photos, videos, documents and files with other Apple devices nearby, right from the Share Menu. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi together to accomplish a secure connection.

You can set your AirDrop options in Control Center by applying the following:

  1. On iPhone X or later, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. On iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press firmly or touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner.

  1. Tap AirDrop AirDrop icon.
  2. Then choose one of these options:
      • Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests. 
      • Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device.
      • Everyone: All nearby iOS devices using AirDrop can see your device.

Changing Visibility through AirDrop Settings:

Go to Settings > General > AirDrop. 

Things to keep in mind:

  • If you see Receiving Off and can't tap to change it, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.
  • Make sure that the person you're sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.
  • Certain iPhone features may temporarily suspend AirDrop, including Low Power Mode.
  • Check that you and the person you're sending to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either of you have Personal Hotspot on, turn it off.
  • Check if the person you're sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Contacts Only. If they do, and you’re in their Contacts, they need to have your email address or mobile number in your contact card for AirDrop to work.
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