iOS 26.2 Adds Temporary AirDrop Access With Shareable Codes

iOS 26.2 beta 3 includes new iPhone AirDrop functionality, providing a way for two people to share files temporarily without having to add each other as contacts.

ios 26 2 airdrop
There is a new option to get an AirDrop code, which can then be shared with someone who is not in your contacts list. The code provides AirDrop access for a 30-day period, with options to remove access in the Settings app.

Share a secure code with people not in your contacts to use AirDrop. You will be able to find each other for the next 30 days. You can manage access in Settings.

When you generate a code, the person that you're planning to use AirDrop with can input that code so that your devices can communicate with one another.

There are already options to turn AirDrop off entirely, limit AirDrop to contacts only, or turn AirDrop on for everyone for 10 minutes. The code-based option provides a way to create a connection with someone you don't want to create a contact card for, while avoiding having to turn AirDrop on for all people nearby.

People you have shared a one-time code with can be managed by opening up the Settings app, selecting the General section, choosing AirDrop, and tapping on "Manage Known AirDrop Contacts."

Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

Popular Stories

apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
streaming black friday 2025

Black Friday Streaming Deals Include Big Savings on Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, and More

Monday November 24, 2025 8:03 am PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
General Black Friday Deals 25 Red Green

The 30+ Best Black Friday Apple Deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 6:46 am PST by
Black Friday is here, and as always this is the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
General Apps Messages Redux

Singapore Orders Changes to iMessage by December

Tuesday November 25, 2025 6:39 am PST by
Singapore has ordered Apple to block or filter messages on iMessage that impersonate government agencies, requiring the company to implement new anti-spoofing protections by December as part of efforts to curb rising online scams, the Straits Times reports. Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that it had issued an Implementation Directive to Apple under the Online Criminal Harms...

Top Rated Comments

DBZmusicboy01 Avatar
2 weeks ago
I accidentally sent a freaking NSFW video to a family member because the stupid way Airdrop does not ask you if you are sure to send something to someone even if contacts because sometimes you could have multiple people close by and if they move around their icons goes away and the other persons icon right away takes over the spot the other people’s icon was at ? and if you use your phone too fast you would accidentally send something not meant for the other person close by.
I still to this day not sure if the thing went through 100% but I am scared.
So angry how Apple does not make us take extra steps for clicking the wrong thing.
One person moves out of the range the other person takes its place in the quick share thing.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheColtr Avatar
2 weeks ago
Cool feature. I’m trying to think of a situation where I would want to send/receive airdrop, but wouldn’t want to add them to my contacts, but also want to be able to airdrop with them for up to 30 days. If I’m with someone for longer than that one airdrop I probably know them well enough to add them to my contacts.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kkclstuff Avatar
2 weeks ago

I have no idea what the real-world use case for this is. There's no way this is faster than NameDrop then Airdrop (contacts only) would be.
This is a welcome addition for me working with my music students and not wanting to add contacts or another app. Setting up a temp code would help 'manage the transfer' of shared music files privately in a busy (and sometimes 'nosy') public studio space.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
germanbeer007 Avatar
2 weeks ago
at some point airdrop stops being convenient with all these changes since the beginning.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IcyTexx Avatar
2 weeks ago
I just want for AirDrop to reliably find nearby devices of my existing contacts.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lizzard899 Avatar
2 weeks ago

Or idk... how about just make airdrop for everyone and in the actual airdrop receiving UI, have an option to turn it off?
iOS 16.2 butchered airdrop and now no one uses it.
Those options are already available. Contacts only, everyone for 10 minutes, RECEIVING OFF meaning air drop is OFF
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)