Why iPhone Says Airdrop Transfer Failed Not Enough Space?

Why Does My iPhone Say Not Enough Space to AirDrop?

Some users may suddenly encounter an error message when transferring files to iPhone via AirDrop: "AirDrop transfer failed, insufficient space". The issue of “AirDrop transfer failed not enough space” is usually caused by insufficient device storage space.

Generally, iPhone storage space includes not only used space, but also system cache, temporary files, and application data.

When these hidden files take up a lot of space, the system may not be able to process new transfer requests even if there seems to be enough free space.

Secondly, the iOS system's cache and temporary files sometimes hinder new file transfers.

In addition, storage space fragmentation may also cause the system to misjudge the actual available space.

How to Fix AirDrop Transfer Failed Not Enough Space- 4 Fixes

In this part, we provide 4 best ways to fix the issue of AirDrop not working due to not enough free space. Or you can also choose another better method to transfer data from iPhone to any other devices.

Quick Guide: Alternative Way to Transfer iPhone without Failed

Fix 1. Free up iPhone Storage

Your iPhone needs a certain amount of available storage space to handle file transfers, especially large files. First, you can check the available storage space on your iOS device by opening Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Here you can see the total, used, and free storage on your device.

Even if you think you have enough space, the operating system and applications often reserve some of the space for caches and other temporary files. Deleting some apps, photos, and videos that you no longer need or clearing cache files can free up more space and make AirDrop run smoothly. In addition, checking and deleting unnecessary backups on iCloud is also an effective way to free up space.

Fix 2. Restart You iPhone

If the error of “AirDrop transfer failed iphone is full” persists, you can restart your iPhone. When you haven't restarted or restored your device for a long time, system caches and some background processes may hinder storage and file handling functions. This method can clear these system errors or some software glitches.

To restart iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press the Volume + button and release it > Press the Volume - button and release it quickly > Then press the Power button for seconds until you see Apple logo.

To restart iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press both the Power button and Volume - button for seconds until you see the Apple logo.

To restart iPhone 6s or earlier: Press both the Power button and the Home button for seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Fix 3. Update the iOS

Each iOS update not only brings new features but also fixes known vulnerabilities and bugs. If you don't update to the latest iOS version, you may encounter software bugs or system compatibility issues that could cause AirDrop transfer to fail.

In addition, the latest iOS version may optimize the storage management of your device and make the transfer function smoother.

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update."

Step 2. Tap "Download and Install" if a new update is available.

Fix 4. Erase All Content and Settings

If all else fails and you suspect a serious system issue with your device, try clearing all settings. Erasing all content and settings will restore your iPhone to its factory settings, which can eliminate any hidden issues or misconfigurations that may be causing AirDrop to fail.

Please note that resetting your iPhone to factory settings will erase all your data, so make sure you have the latest full iPhone backup.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > Scroll down to "Transfer or Reset iPhone."

Step 2. Tap "Erase All Content and Settings" and follow the onscreen guide to perform it.

Alternative Way to Transfer iPhone without Failed

If your iPhone has enough free space, but the above questions of “AirDrop transfer failed not enough space” still can't help you solve the problem, why don't you use a better way to transfer iPhone data without failed? AOMEI FoneBackup, as the best AirDrop alternative, supports sending data between your iPhone and PC, or between various iOS devices, such as iPhone to iPhone, iPhone to iPad, etc.

It supports you to selectively transfer various files, including videos, photos, music, contacts, etc., or transfer all data from one phone to another in one click. Here, we list more features of AOMEI FoneBackup:

★ Highlights:

Easy to use. With a user-friendly interface, you can easily transfer data from iPhone successfully.

Superfast transfer speed. For example, send 100+ photos from iPhone to PC only need 3 seconds.

Preview and selective transfer. Before you send data, you are able to check and view your data, then select what you want to share.

Stable and offline transfer. With USB, you can stably transfer data from iPhone to other devices without any network.

No data loss. AOMEI FoneBackup is able to transfer files in any size without compromising quality and losing any data.

No Apple ID limitation. You can transfer data without accounts limitation, like you can transfer music from one Apple ID to another.

Now, you can free download AOMEI FoneBackup and follow the guide to learn how to transfer iPhone data to PC without failed.

Step 1. Open Launch AOMEI FoneBackup > Connect the iPhone to computer > Enter the passcode on iPhone to allow this software to access your device.

Ste 2. Click "Phone Transfer" on the panel > Go to "iPhone to PC" > Tap "Start Transfer".

Step 3. Click the “+” icon > We take photos as an example, select files you need to AirDrop > Tap the “OK” button. You can also choose other data to transfer according to your needs.

Step 4. Decide as to storage space from "Transfer Settings" > Then tap "Start Transfer" to transfer photos from the iPhone to the computer.

AOMEI FoneBackup well finish the transfer process quickly without failed. If you want to send data from iPhone to other iPhone iPad, you can first move data to PC and then import the data from PC to iPhone/iPad.

Conclusion

That's all about how to fix AirDrop transfer failed not enough space. This article provides 4 easy ways to help you solve the AirDrop issues due to the storage. With the guide, hope you can AirDrop files successfully. By the way, you can use an alternative to AirDrop iPhone data to other devices. AOMEI FoneBackup offers more features and advantages to transfer your iPhone data to PC/iPhone/iPad.