How to AirDrop your phone number to another iPhone: Video tutorial

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Exchanging phone numbers is something many of us do regularly. Perhaps to stay in touch with a new friend, follow up on a potential business opportunity or form a new romantic connection.

But sometimes, the actual act of exchanging numbers can be awkward: Do I text you? Do you call me? Do we exchange phones and type in our details that way? What if I have a spam blocker that filters out unknown numbers?

If you have an iPhone, the solution is simple: use AirDrop.

Yes, the same feature that lets you quickly and easily share photos, websites and more between Apple devices has also simplified the number-sharing process. It does require your device to be on iOS 17 or later.

Watch this video to see how to share content without the touch of a button using AirDrop. 

How to AirDrop contacts 

The feature is called NameDrop and all you have to do is put the phones next to the other.  I find the most successful way is to hold the phones top-to-top, with the edges closest to where you put your ear touching.

You'll see the screens react with a slingshot-and-ripple-like animation. You may also feel a vibration if your device has haptic feedback on. The other person's details will appear on the screen, and you can choose between only receiving their information or also sharing yours. 

The phones must be very close together for it to work, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally sharing your details with a stranger.

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iPhone NameDrop settings

If you want to turn this new AirDrop feature on or off:

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Tap General. 
3. Tap AirDrop. 
4. Toggle Bringing Devices Together to reflect your preference.

If the feature isn’t working, or the Bringing Devices Together option isn't in your settings, check that both devices are running iOS 17 or later.