NameDrop is an exciting new feature introduced in the latest iOS 17 update that allows iPhone users to instantly and securely share contact information by simply bringing their iPhones close together. With NameDrop enabled and iOS devices near each other, a quick glow will appear allowing both parties to easily transmit and receive vCards wirelessly.
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Introduction
Sharing contact details like phone numbers, email addresses, and other information has often been a cumbersome process requiring manually typing in data, scanning QR codes, or tapping through apps.
With NameDrop, Apple has created an effortless way for people to share this type of information that taps into the simplicity and ease of use that makes their devices so popular.
Here is an overview of how this feature works, requirements for using it, customization options available, and steps to start instantly sharing your digital business card with other iPhone users.
How NameDrop Works
The NameDrop functionality relies on a combination of the U1 ultra wideband chip introduced to iPhones in 2019, along with new proximity algorithms engineered for this feature.
Essentially, it uses UWB signals and the motion data from the accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to determine when two compatible iOS devices are brought within 10 centimeters of each other.
Once this close proximity is detected, a quick glow animation appears on both screens indicating NameDrop is ready. Users can then choose whether to only receive the other person’s info or enable a mutual vCard swap.
Requirements
- Both parties need to be using an iPhone 11 or newer that contains the U1 chip. Older iPhones without this chip will not be able to utilize NameDrop.
- Both devices must be updated and running iOS 17 or newer as previous versions do not have this feature enabled.
If either requirement is not met, NameDrop will not initialize and no contact information can be shared this way.
Customizing Your vCard
Before using NameDrop for the first time, it is recommended to customize the contact details shared in your electronic vCard.
To do this:
- Open Contacts and select your name at the top of the screen
- Tap Edit in the upper right corner
- Confirm and edit any details you want included – phone numbers, emails, home address, job title, company, etc.
- Scroll down and tap Done when finished
Now when you use NameDrop, the updated card will instantly be shared containing all information you want the receiver to see.
Using NameDrop
Once setup is complete, NameDrop is extremely easy to use for sharing contact information. Simply follow these steps:
- Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – This allows the initial device connection. If disabled, NameDrop will not work.
- Bring devices within 10 cm – Hold the top half of the iPhones near each other until a faint glow is emitted from both screens.
- Select sharing preference – When NameDrop pops up, choose whether to only receive their vCard or mutually share details.
- Review transferred info – The received contact card(s) will be automatically saved to your Contacts app for future access.
And that’s it! The hassle of manually adding new contacts is now gone thanks to NameDrop’s seamless transmission capabilities.
Turning Off NameDrop
While the simplicity of NameDrop is excellent for quickly collecting new contacts, there may be certain situations where you want to temporarily disable it.
To turn off NameDrop:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and select General
- Choose AirDrop
- Under the “Bringing Devices Together” header, toggle the switch off
This will prevent your device from initiating a NameDrop both when bringing your phone near others and when others bring their phone near yours. Just remember to re-enable it when wanting to start quickly amassing contact cards again!
Conclusion
NameDrop delivers an easy yet advanced way to exchange contact details that taps into the innovative technology inside Apple’s latest iPhones. No longer needing to manually add information or install third-party apps, iPhone owners can now swiftly share phone numbers, addresses, and more with just an effortless hover.
So once you’ve updated to iOS 17, customize your virtual business card, and turn on NameDrop, you’ll be ready to easily grow your contact list wherever you go!
| Feature | Description |
| Requirements | iPhone 11 or newer with U1 chip, iOS 17+ |
| Setup | Customize your vCard, Enable Bluetooth + WiFi |
| Usage | Bring top of phones within 10cm, Select sharing option |
| Customization | Edit your contact card before using NameDrop |
| Security | Encrypted vCard transmission |