NameDrop is unquestionably one of the coolest features of iOS 17. In fact, this feature alone is taking up a significant portion of the iOS 17 spotlight. By bringing two iPhones or an iPhone and an Apple Watch close together, you can exchange contact information using NameDrop. And, of course, the animation and visuals have captivated everyone.
What this means, literally, is that you no longer need to manually enter the contact information. And here’s the best part: NameDrop is integrated directly into AirDrop, so it is extremely fast. Believe me when I say that the process works like magic. But I am guessing you are eager to learn how Namedrop works, how to enable it, and how to use it. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in, starting with the basics.
How to Enable NameDrop: Prerequisites
Before you continue, keep the following in mind:
- To use NameDrop, both iPhones must be running iOS 17.
- The NameDrop feature on iPhones uses the NFC chip. To make the feature work, make sure the top parts of the iPhones (where the earpiece and front camera are) are close to each other. Bring the top half of the two phones closer together, or stack one on top of the other.
How to Enable NameDrop
To enable Namedrop, navigate to Settings>General and select AirDrop. Then change your setting to “Everyone for 10 minutes.” Finally, toggle on “Bring Devices Together.”
After this, your NameDrop feature will be enabled.
- Open the Control Center on both iPhones by swiping down from the top right.
- Tap and hold the network block (where Wi-Fi, Mobile Data, and Airplane mode are displayed).
- Tap and hold the Airdrop Icon
- Select “Everyone for 10 Minutes” from the AirDrop menu.
- Now, bring the two iPhones close together. On the top half of both iPhones, you’ll notice an animation with glow effects.
- If Contact Posters are created in iOS 17, they will appear on both iPhones. You have the option of sharing or receiving only.
- Tap Share if you want to share your contact information, and the other person can choose Receive Only to get your information or Share if he/she wants to share their contact information as well.
- Tap the Receive Only button if you only want to receive the contact information but do not want to share your own.
- Contact information, such as email address, phone number, contact posters, and other details, will be shared between devices.
- Finally, tap Done to save the received contact information. You can also change the contact information that was sent to you.
Note: When you try to use NameDrop again after sharing the contact information once, you will see an AirDrop notification at the top. When you tap the notification, the contact card will appear. With the NameDrop feature, iOS 17 adds support for tapping two iPhones together to share files via AirDrop. So, if AirDrop does not appear on nearby devices the next time, you can AirDrop files by holding the top of your iPhone near another iPhone.
What else does NameDrop have to offer?
Other AirDrop-based sharing features in iOS 17 include the ability to share photos and videos, or start a SharePlay session by bringing two iPhones closer together.
“We’re using this same gesture to make it easier than ever to Airdrop content and even kick-off shared experiences,” Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi, told developers at WWDC 2023 while introducing NameDrop and other features. “Once again, you can bring your phones close together to share the stunning photos you took on your latest adventure.”
What are the Limitations of NameDrop?
One of the most significant limitations is that you cannot use the NFC chip inside your iPhone to share contact information with Android devices, despite the fact that the latter do so in a similar manner.
Another limitation is that you cannot choose which cards to share; for example, you might want to share a personal contact card with some people and a branded business contact card with others. But an alternative would be to use other apps to handle business card exchanges. These have the advantage of being cross-platform, but they lack the sense of instant gratification that NameDrop provides.
What exactly is NameDrop in iOS 17?
NameDrop is a new feature of AirDrop in iOS 17 that allows you to share contact information by bringing your iPhone close to another iPhone or an Apple Watch. Additionally, when two compatible iPhones are in close proximity, you can share content or initiate SharePlay to play a game, watch a movie, or listen to a song.
Is it possible to use NameDrop on my iPhone?
NameDrop is available on the iPhone XR and newer models running iOS 17.
Why am I unable to use NameDrop on my iPhone?
The NameDrop feature is only available on iOS 17. If you have an iPhone XR or later model running iOS 17 and are still unable to use NameDrop, these could be the issues:
- The other person has also installed iOS 17.
- AirDrop for Everyone is not enabled on both devices.
- Both iPhones may not be in close proximity.
- One of the devices’ WiFi or Bluetooth may be turned off.
- The iOS system is temporarily down.
How to Fix NameDrop Issues
If NameDrop isn’t working for you right now, try the fixes below.
#1. Install iOS 17 on both devices.
For this feature to work, both your iPhone and the other person’s iPhone must be running iOS 17. As a result, ensure that both devices are running iOS 17.
#2. Enable WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop.
To share contact information, NameDrop employs AirDrop technology. As a result, AirDrop must be enabled for this feature to function properly.
Furthermore, AirDrop relies on WiFi and Bluetooth, so both must be enabled for this feature to function properly.
So, make sure they’re turned on by following the steps.
- Navigate to the Control Center.
- Check that the WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop toggles are all blue. Blue indicates that they are turned on.
- If any of them are turned off, tap them to turn them back on.
- Repeat the procedure on the other phone.
#3. Examine Device Compatibility
It is compatible with all iPhones running iOS 17, including the iPhone XS and later.
If you’re using it with an Apple Watch, keep in mind that it only works with Series 6 and later models. It will not work if you have an older Apple Watch.
#4. Force iPhone Restart
You should also restart both iPhones to resolve any temporary system glitches.
Follow the steps to do this.
- Press and hold the volume up/down button.
- Tap and hold the volume-down button.
- Hold the side button down until you see the Apple logo.
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