Unlocking the Past | Guide to Airdrop History and Its Evolution

Transferring files with AirDrop happens in a matter of seconds for Apple users, and has become an integral part of the software. Users are now able to share photos, documents, text, and even website links seamlessly within the iOS and macOS frameworks. This data can be shared wirelessly using AirDrop and now, anyone can send it and share it within the ecosystem with no hassles at all. One worrisome thing for some users is, AirDrop does not automatically create a file index. Forgetting is not an answer, as AirDrop does not allow tracking past transfers. If you are looking for answers to these questions, then you are not the only one.

In this article, we shall discuss AirDrop’s past, the ways of checking AirDrop history on an iPhone, as well as tackle frequently asked questions like whether files sent via AirDrop can be tracked and if users are able to monitor progress on AirDrop transfers. 

Explaining AirDrop

It is pertinent to note the AirDrop chronology before talking about the history. AirDrop is a file-sharing service that Apple launched in 2011 and is distinct from others. It provides services to users of iPhones, iPads, iPods, MacBooks and other devices to send files over the air, without touching the SIM or Wi-Fi for mobile internet. These types of devices communicate with each other and share photos, videos, files and other data using advanced bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology which enhances the speed of devices.

The Background of AirDrop

AirDrop is a feature that has advanced from what it was when it was launched. At first, it was a feature that worked exclusively between macOS devices. Subsequently, it was published on iOS devices which turned the feature into a mighty tool for sharing information across the Apple ecosystem.

In the early years, AirDrop was a feature that had a range limitation geofenced to the same area and involved accepting file transfer on the user’s end. Many years later, Apple managed to greatly increase the speed and reliability to seamlessly transfer files, which improved security and made AirDrop effortless. The interface has also been improved and now only takes a few taps to share between iPhones and Macs.

How can I track what I have sent via AirDrop?

One of the normal questions presented by users of AirDrop is tracking what has been done with it. The answer, if I may ask, how can I track my AirDrop this way? The fact of the matter is, AirDrop in no way keeps track of a history like hackers trackers or inbuilt spies in a sophisticated way unlike some apps like texts and emails.

AirDrop sticks out from the rest of the file sharing apps out there as it does not keep a typical history list of transfers. If you send and receive files via AirDrop, the files get transferred immediately which means there is no “AirDrop history.” So there is no folder or any method where you can check the log of all AirDrop transfers. 

How can one check AirDrop history on an iPhone? 

Although it doesn’t permit a direct log of any transfers, there are ways to check activities done through the AirDrop feature on phones. 

Received Files: Files that are received through Airdrop will automatically appear on apps designated to open files of that particular type. For example, pictures will be sent to the Photos app, PDFs will go to the Books app, and other documents can be saved in the Files app.

Notifications: Airdrop activities can be noticed through the notifications on the iPhone. For example, in the case of sending or receiving something, the iPhone shows its notifications for a few seconds so the user can see the exact item sent or received.

Third-party Apps: Other than what is offered by the iOS system, some unofficial applications may provide their users with a share log which bypasses file and sharing logs to offer users instructions to file sharing.

Sadly, you cannot view all AirDrop exchanges in one singular location with the iOS feature.

How to Use AirDrop on Your iOS Devices?

Apple users can use AirDrop with much ease. Here is how to send and receive files using AirDrop on your iPhone:

How to Send Files via AirDrop on iPhone:

Enable AirDrop: To enable AirDrop on your iPhone, swipe down from the right top section of the phone to open the Control Center. Click on the AirDrop icon and select one of the three options “Receiving Off”, “Contacts Only”, or “Everyone”.

Select the File: Go to the app where the AirDrop file is located such as Photos, Safari, Contacts, etc. and locate the file.

Share the File: Identify and click on the share icon which appears like a square with an arrow pointing upward. In the Airdrop section, choose the name or device of the intended file recipient.

Confirm the Transfer: A prompt asking to Accept or Decline will be given to the recipient. If accepted, the file will be transferred to their device.

Receiving files through AirDrop: 

Enable AirDrop: As suggested above, ensure AirDrop is enabled in your devices settings.

Accept the Transfer: A file sent through AirDrop will give a notification which contains a sample of the file. The notification can either be Accept or Decline Transfer.

Access the File: The file will open automatically in the required application which is Photos, Files and so on after the transfer is finished.

Can Airdropped Files Be Traced? 

This question is often asked when we consider the security of AirDrop. So, Can Airdropped files be traced? 

The simple answer is no to ordinary people. Airdrop transfers operate over a peer-to-peer connection using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, meaning there is no server logging or network for tracing transfers. Files are sent and transferred directly from one device to another. Once files are sent, there is no obvious trace left on the sender’s device unless the recipient opens or saves the file.

However, advanced users using certain administrative tools may be able to triangulate AirDrop activity in some scenarios, but these generalities are not something the average user needs to be concerned about.

Is There Any Way to Monitor AirDrop Progress? 

The lack of a progress bar or an indicator during the transfer is one of the most frustrating things about AirDrop. All you receive is a basic notification confirming that the file is being sent and after the transfer is done, the file will show up in the designated app without any action from your side. So, Can you see AirDrop progress?  

As far as we know at the moment, no. Beside the notification, there is no visual indicator to show the user any form of progress. The lack of a progress bar is an issue that Apple might look into for updates down the line, but for now it’s a no go.  

Can you AirDrop message history?  

Can you AirDrop message history is just one of many questions that go unanswered as a result of AirDrop’s restrictions. No, you cannot. The AirDrop feature is made with sending videos, documents, web links and pictures in mind. The tool will not allow its users to send text messages’ history or the logs of the conversations that are saved in the iPhone’s messaging app. If messages or chat logs are what you want to transfer, then a specialized solution, or a backup software, will be more suited to the task at hand.

Conclusion

To synthesize, AirDrop proves to be a very effective Apple device inter-file sharing tool, albeit lacking a conventional “AirDrop history” option. Users do not have the ability to view logs of transfers and monitor the transfer’s status in detail. Basic knowledge of operating AirDrop is enough for one to send and receive files, manage privacy settings, and file transfers on Apple devices.

If you are asking the question of where your AirDrop history is located, you should know that no such log exists. The information log does not exist, and instead relies on the apps that are the end destination for your transfer to use these files.

So make the most out of the fast and secure transfers by AirDrop, and if you need to keep track of the files you have shared, then look for other solutions or applications that could further improve your experience.