To AirDrop a phone number, use Apple's NameDrop feature by bringing two iPhones or Apple Watches close together. This method wirelessly shares contact information, including phone numbers, between devices running iOS 17.1 or later.
How to AirDrop a phone number: what you need
NameDrop requires both devices to be iPhone models running iOS 17.1 or later, or supported Apple Watch models: Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 7 and later, and Apple Watch SE 2nd generation or later. Before starting, open Settings > General > AirDrop and confirm that Bringing Devices Together is turned on. This toggle enables the proximity-based sharing that NameDrop uses.
Share a phone number with NameDrop
- Hold the top of your iPhone a few centimeters from the top of the other person's iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Keep the devices near each other until the NameDrop screen appears on both displays.
- Choose to share your contact card and receive the other person's, or only receive the other person's information.
- If you are sharing your card, select which details to include, such as phone numbers and email addresses.
- Tap Done, then tap Share.
The contact information transfers wirelessly, and the recipient can save it as a new contact on their device.
Share a phone number using the AirDrop share sheet
For iPhones running iOS versions before 17.1, or if you prefer the classic method, use the AirDrop share sheet from the Contacts app. Open the Contacts app, tap the contact whose phone number you want to share, then tap the Share button. From the sharing options, tap AirDrop. Nearby contacts appear under People in the AirDrop share sheet; tap the recipient's device. The recipient must tap Accept on their device to receive the phone number. This method works on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but does not support the proximity gesture that NameDrop uses.
NameDrop limitations to know
NameDrop only sends new contact information; it cannot update an existing contact on the recipient's device. NameDrop is for sending new contact information, not updating an existing contact. If you already have someone's contact card and want to add a new phone number, you must send it as a new contact or use a different method. When traveling internationally, you may need to manually add international calling codes and dialing information to a contact before sharing, as NameDrop shares whatever details are on your contact card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AirDrop secure for sharing phone numbers?
Yes. AirDrop uses encryption to protect data during transfer. For additional security, set AirDrop to receive from "Contacts Only" or "Receiving Off" in Settings > General > AirDrop to prevent unwanted requests.
Can I AirDrop a phone number between an iPhone and an Android phone?
No. AirDrop and NameDrop are exclusive to Apple devices. To share a phone number with an Android user, use messaging apps, email, or third-party file-sharing services.
What should I do if AirDrop isn't working for sharing phone numbers?
Check that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on, and that the Bringing Devices Together toggle is enabled for NameDrop. Restarting both devices or updating to the latest iOS version often resolves issues.
Can a phone number be shared by AirDrop on iPhone?
Yes, through NameDrop as part of contact information sharing, if the device and OS requirements are met.
Do both people need Apple devices?
Yes for NameDrop as documented by Apple.
Where is the toggle?
Settings > General > AirDrop > Bringing Devices Together.
Does NameDrop work on older iOS versions?
No. NameDrop requires iOS 17.1 or later on iPhone. Devices running older iOS versions can still use the classic AirDrop share sheet from the Contacts app to share a phone number.
Can NameDrop update an existing contact?
No. Apple documents that NameDrop is designed for sending new contact information only. It cannot merge or update details into an existing contact on the recipient's device.
For the wider topic, see international calling codes and dialing.
