NameDrop lets iPhone users exchange contact information by bringing two devices together. Here’s how to use the feature, customize what it shares, and fix the most common problems.
Apple introduced NameDrop in iOS 17 as part of a larger contact-sharing system built around Contact Posters. Instead of typing phone numbers manually, users can tap their iPhones together and choose whether to share or receive contact information.
It’s a simple gesture that feels like magic, at least when it works. Here’s how to use NameDrop and what might be going wrong when it doesn’t work as expected.
And don’t worry, NameDrop only shares your name, Contact Poster, and primary phone number and/or email address by default.
How to use NameDrop on iPhone
NameDrop is simple to use once both iPhones are configured correctly, although both devices need iOS 17 or later with AirDrop enabled. It is enabled and works by default if a user hasn’t changed any settings affecting the feature.
- Unlock both iPhones and ensure the devices are showing something that can’t be shared, like the Lock Screen or Home Screen.
- Hold the top edges of both iPhones close together for a second or two.
- Wait for the NameDrop animation and Contact Poster preview to appear.
- Tap Receive Only to get contact information or Share to exchange contacts.
- Keep both iPhones close together until the transfer completes.
Locking either phone or turning off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can interrupt the process before the sharing interface appears. If it doesn’t immediately work, check those settings on both devices.
The NameDrop feature isn’t easy to miss thanks to the glowing animation, haptics, and a full-screen Contact Poster preview on both devices. It is impossible to have contact details pulled from a device without the user’s knowledge or accidentally.
Since NameDrop relies on the same technologies as AirDrop or Apple Pay, users shouldn’t have to worry about the case they’re using. Modern cases account for NFC passthrough and other radio signals.
Proximity is important to initiate NameDrop, but once the options to share appear, the devices can be pulled away. Obviously, you can’t leave the room and expect to continue the process, but a couple of feet of distance while each user manages the share isn’t a problem.
How to use NameDrop on Apple Watch
Apple supports NameDrop between Apple Watch, iPhone, and other Apple Watches. The feature works similarly to the iPhone version, although the smaller display offers less visual feedback during the exchange.
As long as your devices are up to date and still have default settings for things like AirDrop, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, a tap will suffice to initiate NameDrop.
- Bring the front of the Apple Watch near the top edge of the other user’s iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Wait for the NameDrop animation and contact-sharing interface to appear automatically.
- Approve the exchange and keep the devices close together until the transfer completes.
You’re only given a “Continue” or “Receive Only” option on Apple Watch, without the larger Contact Poster preview shown on iPhone. And again, the proximity is only needed to begin the interaction, and devices can be pulled away to interact with the prompts.
NameDrop works fine on Apple Watch, though there’s less of a previewNameDrop on Apple Watch is fairly convenient, but a little awkward. It’s a great option if you’d like to exchange contact details without needing to pull your iPhone out of a backpack or purse.
How to create or edit a Contact Poster for NameDrop
It’s always a good idea to keep your personal contact card up to date, especially when considering NameDrop. You don’t want some old photo, random emoji you added to your name as a teen, or an embarrassing email address to be exchanged.
Contact Posters are worth checking before using NameDropWhile your name, phone number, and email are important parts of the contact card, your photo might be even more important. The circle avatar and larger Contact Poster are what people see when using NameDrop or when you call them.
Here’s how to manage your Contact Poster:
- Open the Contacts app on iPhone.
- Tap My Card at the top of the contacts list.
- Tap Edit.
- Tap your contact photo.
- Choose and customize your Contact Poster and photo.
- Turn on Name & Photo Sharing if you want to share your updated name, photo, and poster with others.
- Choose Contacts Only for automatic sharing with saved contacts, or choose Always Ask if you want to approve sharing first.
Contact Posters have become a kind of profile picture for your Apple Account. While Apple Contacts still uses the old vCard system, it is a data point for many system features on iOS.
How to customize what NameDrop shares
You might have multiple phone numbers and email addresses and only want to share a specific one. Don’t worry, it’s quite simple to modify what’s shared with each use of NameDrop.
Make sure your Contact Poster and other Contacts data are up to dateWhenever you initiate NameDrop on iPhone, you’ll see your Contact Poster, name, and phone number or email displayed with the sharing options below. By your phone number/email, there will be a little “>” button.
Tapping that button will bring up a sheet with check boxes by each piece of shareable contact details. Choose exactly what you’d like to share with the individual before hitting “Share.”
That way, you can choose when you’d like to provide a business number versus a personal one, for example. Customized NameDrop selections are carried over to the next time you use NameDrop.
Information like your pronouns, address, birthday, and more is not shared via NameDrop. It is only your name, selected phone numbers or email addresses, and Contact Poster that are shared.
Why NameDrop sometimes opens AirDrop or SharePlay instead
Apple uses the same gesture for several iPhone sharing features. AirDrop, SharePlay, and NameDrop all depend on nearby device detection, so the same movement can sometimes trigger the wrong interface.
SharePlay is a common source of confusion when music, video, or another compatible app is active. iPhone may treat the nearby device as a possible shared media target before NameDrop appears.
AirDrop will appear when a shareable file, link, or other item is being displayed on iPhone.
If NameDrop isn’t working as expected, put your device to sleep and wake it again, then unlock it and try once more. To help avoid interference from other features, make sure both devices are on the Home Screen or Lock Screen before bringing them close together.
How to turn off NameDrop
NameDrop initially drew criticism after launch because some users worried that contact information would transfer automatically. The feature requires devices to be unlocked and prompts users for confirmation before any information is transferred; it is highly unlikely that contact data can be pulled unknowingly.
Easily turn off NameDrop and other proximity AirDrop functions
However, users who don’t want NameDrop or other proximity sharing can turn off the setting that starts these interactions. Apple places the control inside the AirDrop section of the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app on iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Turn off Bringing Devices Together.
Turning off Bringing Devices Together prevents NameDrop and similar proximity-based sharing features from working. AirDrop itself can remain available, depending on separate AirDrop receiving settings.
NameDrop removes most of the friction from exchanging contact information between Apple devices. Apple still keeps users in control through approval prompts, Contact Poster settings, and AirDrop controls.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
