How to Stop AirDrop Requests from Strangers on iPhone

Turning off AirDrop from strangers: Settings > General > AirDrop > Contacts Only or Receiving Off. iOS 16+ defaults to "Contacts Only" which prevents strangers from AirDropping content to you in public.

Settings Path

Settings > General > AirDrop:

• Receiving Off: no AirDrop from anyone.
• Contacts Only: AirDrop only from people in your Contacts.
• Everyone for 10 Minutes: temporary open mode for quick sharing.
• Everyone: always visible (avoid in public places).

iOS 17+: "Everyone" mode automatically reverts to "Contacts Only" after 10 minutes.

Why This Matters

AirDrop "Everyone" mode in public places allows strangers to send you unwanted images ("AirDrop harassment"). "Contacts Only" eliminates this risk while keeping AirDrop functional with known contacts.

For Corporate Security

Enterprise MDM (Mobile Device Management) policies can force AirDrop to "Contacts Only" or "Off" on company-managed devices. Check with your IT department.

Quick Toggle via Control Center

Long-press the network controls in Control Center > tap AirDrop to toggle between modes without going into Settings. Faster for temporarily enabling AirDrop for a specific sharing session.

Note App Implications

AirDrop is useful for sharing: export a Nemos Smart Space summary to a colleague via AirDrop, share an Apple Notes document, or receive a PDF. Keep "Contacts Only" for safe sharing without public exposure.

What AirDrop Actually Exposes

AirDrop transmits your Apple ID name to nearby devices during discovery. If your contact name includes your full name, anyone nearby can see it. This is particularly relevant in airports, conferences, and public transit.

More practically: AirDrop history. Files received via AirDrop land in Files app and aren't tracked with context. Who sent this, when, and why? Nemos solves this: capture received files from the Files app Share Sheet into Nemos, adding context before filing. Now every received document has source information attached.

For Contacts Only mode: this requires the sender to be in your Contacts. It's the best balance for most people — colleagues and family can still send files, but strangers can't.