iOS 26.2 is officially here, packing a bunch of brand new features, including an enhancement to AirDrop called ‘AirDrop codes.’ Here’s how the new feature works.
AirDrop has long been a highly popular iPhone feature, offering an easy way to share photos, files, and more with friends and family.
But in iOS 26.2, there’s a new AirDrop enhancement available: “codes.”
Here are the details from Apple’s official release notes:
AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
When configuring AirDrop on your iPhone, Apple provides three options:
Receiving Off Contacts Only Everyone for 10 Minutes
But AirDrop codes in iOS 26.2 offer what’s essentially a fourth option.
Now, if there’s someone you want to use AirDrop with who isn’t in your contacts, you can temporarily “authorize” each other via this new one-time code.
After the AirDrop sender enters that code, they and the receiver will be able to see each other as AirDrop options for 30 days.
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