What you need
Both people need an iPhone with iOS 17.1 or later, or an Apple Watch (Series 7 or later, SE 2nd generation, or Ultra) with watchOS 10.1 or later. It's on by default: Settings → General → AirDrop → Bring Devices Together.
How to use it
- Hold your iPhone's screen a few centimetres from the top of the other iPhone (or the Apple Watch).
- When NameDrop appears on both, choose to share your card and receive theirs, or receive only.
- To choose what you send, tap the arrow next to your card, select the phone numbers and emails, and tap Save — your choice is remembered.
NameDrop sends your name, the numbers or emails you pick and your Contact Poster; it doesn't send your address or birthday. Move the phones apart or lock the screen to cancel.
Set up your own card first
Open Contacts → My Card → Edit. Check your name, title, company and the numbers you want to share, and tap your photo to design your Contact Poster.
Sharing with Android (and everyone else)
NameDrop doesn't work with Android phones. For those — and for people across the table, on a video call or at a booth — use a contact QR code: any phone camera reads it and offers Add to contacts. Make yours on this page, save it to your photos, and you have a one-scan backup that works with every phone. How to share your contact as a QR code
NameDrop vs QR code
| NameDrop | Contact QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| Works with | iPhone and Apple Watch only | Any phone with a camera |
| Distance | Phones almost touching | Arm's length, or from a screen or paper |
| Two-way | Yes | One way (they get yours) |
| Print it | No | Yes — on cards, badges, slides |
Frequently asked questions
Does NameDrop work with Android?
No. It only works between iPhones and Apple Watches. Use a contact QR code for Android.
What does NameDrop share?
Your name, the phone numbers or emails you choose and your Contact Poster — not your address or birthday.
How do I turn NameDrop off?
Settings → General → AirDrop → turn off Bring Devices Together.
Can I choose which number NameDrop shares?
Yes. Tap the arrow next to your card in NameDrop and pick the fields.
Contact files follow vCard 3.0 (RFC 2426); QR codes follow ISO/IEC 18004. Checked 2026-11-07.