[Detailed Guide] How to Airdrop PDF to iPhone/iPad

AirDrop is often used as a quick and easy way to share files between Apple devices. Users can airdrop multiple photos, contacts, documents, etc. between macOS and iOS device. Occasionally, some users may want to transfer PDF files or Word document from Mac to iPhone/iPad for viewing, editing, and signing.

However, they have no idea how to airdrop PDFs from Mac/iPhone/iPad/to another iPhone/iPad and where the files go after the airdrop. Today, this article will focus on there issues to discuss.

Before we start, let's take a look at the prerequisites for airdropping PDF to iPhone/iPad.

Preparation: Set up Airdrop to transfer PDF to iPhone/iPad

There are three important preparations for airdopping PDF to iPhone/iPad:

• Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Airdrop settings
• The iOS version

1#. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Airdrop use Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. To use airdrop, both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be turned on. AirDrop utilize Bluetooth to locate other devices nearby and uses the Wi-Fi network to transfer files. So, before sending PDF to iPhone airdrop, make sure both devices have Bluetooth and the same Wi-Fi turned on.

☛ Tip: AirDrop follows common Bluetooth ranges, ensuring that two devices are within 33 feet/10 meters.

2#. Setting AirDrop on iPhone/iPad/Mac

Note: Make sure your iOS or macOS device is not in sleep/suspend mode.

On iPhone/iPad: Open the Control Center, press and hold the area containing the Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth buttons. In the expanded tray, tap on the AirDrop button, select either Contacts Only or Everyone.

On macOS Control Center: Click on AirDrop, you'll also need to specify your AirDrop setting to Contacts Only or Everyone.

Contacts Only: If you choose Contacts Only, you will only be able to send and receive files from people in your contacts.
Everyone: If you choose Everyone, you can share with everyone.

3#. Check iOS or macOS version

AirDrop only works on iOS 7 and later, not iPhone 5 or earlier. So, please check iOS and macOS versions for airdrop.

On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > tap General> click Software Update. Check if there is available update.

On Mac, click the Apple icon > select System Preferences or About This Mac > tap Software Update> click Update Now.

How to Airdrop PDF from Mac/iPhone/iPad/to another iPhone/iPad

Now we will lead you through how to airdrop PDF from Mac to iPhone/iPad and airdrop from iPhone/iPad to another iPhone/iPad separately.

The steps of transferring PDF file from Mac to iPhone/iPad

Step 1. On Mac, open the PDF and tap the Share icon.

Step 2. Select AirDrop, choose your iOS device.

Step.3 After the airdrop is complete, your iPhone or iPad will ask you what to use to open it. You can choose iBooks, Files, cloud storage option or a compatible viewer where your PDF files will be saved.

The steps of transferring PDF file from iPhone/iPad to another

Step 1. Open PDF file on iPhone/iPad Books app, tap the Share icon.

Step 2. Choose AirDrop to send the PDF file to another iPhone/iPad.

Step 3. On the target device, click the Accept option when prompted. You also need to choose an open way as the storage path so that it can be found next time you need it.

Recommended: Best Airdrop alternatives to transfer PDF files to iPhone/iPad

Airdrop is indeed a good tool to transfer files between iOS devices. However, when you have a lot of data to share, you'll find it a bit complicated and you might run into various issues, such as airdrop not working. For this, we recommend you an easy-to-use app FoneTool for transferring PDF files from iOS to iOS devices. 

The FoneTool app can be considered as one of the best AirDrop alternatives for iOS devices. It has some features helping you transfer data easily and making it outstanding:

✿ It allows you to transfer multiple files at a time.
✿ With a simple and user-friendly interface, anyone can handle the transfer process.
✿ It transfers data securely, all shared files need your permission to guarantee your personal privacy and file security.
✿ Compared with Airdrop and other tools, you can centrally manage the transferred data and locate files.

Now, download and install FoneTool app by searching for it’s name in the App Store or scanning the QR code below.

Let’s see how to transfer PDF file with FoneTool app between iPhone and iPad.

Step 1. Turn on Wi-Fi on iPhone and iPad, place them close to each other. Open the FoneTool app on them, click Connect Device, tap the iPad name to connect.

Step 2. Tap Files, click”+” icon to choose import local files.

Step 3. On the next screen, select the PDF files you want to transfer, tap Send. You can go to the transfer list to see the progress of receiving and sending.

Note: When you choose a file, the interface will display your recently opened files. If you have saved the PDF to a local file, it will be displayed directly. If not, you need to save the file on My iPhone or iCloud Drive to find it.

Besides the iPhone app, you can also use a PC desktop software to transfer photos, messages, music, videos from iPhone to iPhone/computer and vice visa. You also can use it to back up everything on your iOS device.

Conclusion

That’s all for how to airdrop PDF to iPhone/iPad. In this post, we provide you with an airdrop alternative app to share PDF files between iOS device, and a professional PC-based tool to transfer/backup everything. With FoneTool, you can manage your data effortlessly.