iOS 17 comes with a new feature called NameDrop that allows iPhone users to easily share contact Sharing information with others nearby. NameDrop uses Apple’s secure AirDrop protocol to transfer contact cards when two devices are close together.
While NameDrop provides a convenient way to exchange details, you may wish to disable the feature at certain times to protect your privacy. Fortunately, iOS 17 gives you full control over whether your contacts are shared with NameDrop.
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An Overview of NameDrop Contact Sharing
NameDrop in iOS 17 builds upon the existing AirDrop functionality for quickly sending files between Apple devices. With NameDrop enabled:
- Your first and last name from your contact card is shared with nearby devices.
- Other iPhone and Apple Watch users within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range can see your shared name.
- You can choose to accept a received contact card to save the person’s details to your contacts app.
- The feature works automatically in the background, no need to manually accept each transfer.
The purpose of NameDrop is to streamline the exchange of contact information when you meet new people. For example, when meeting colleagues at a conference or making new connections at an event.
Benefits of NameDrop Contact Sharing
There are several notable benefits to using the NameDrop contact sharing feature in iOS 17:
- Convenience – Rather than manually adding contacts or sharing details verbally, NameDrop happens automatically in the background. This saves time and effort.
- Expand connections – By removing friction from exchanging contacts, you can more easily network and forge new professional relationships.
- Privacy – Contact details are shared securely using Apple’s encrypted AirDrop protocol between nearby devices only. Your details are not available to strangers remotely online.
For many iPhone users focused on growing their professional circles and networks, the NameDrop convenience factor is significant.
How to Enable Contact Sharing Using NameDrop
Enabling contact sharing via NameDrop in iOS 17 only takes a few quick steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Navigate to the AirDrop tab.
- Toggle on the “Bringing Devices Together” option.
Once enabled, the NameDrop feature will now run passively in the background:
- Your first and last name from your contact card will be visible to nearby devices.
- You can choose to accept received contact cards to add someone new to your local contacts.
- No other action is required on your part.
With NameDrop enabled, you’re ready to take advantage of frictionless contact sharing when meeting people face-to-face.
Disabling Contact Sharing Through NameDrop
There may be certain situations where you wish to disable contact sharing through NameDrop. For example:
- When discussing confidential information with colleagues.
- In environments where you don’t want to actively network and exchange details.
- To protect your privacy and hide your location at specific times.
The good news is iOS 17 makes it just as easy to toggle NameDrop off as it is to turn on:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to General and then the AirDrop menu.
- Toggle off the “Bringing Devices Together” option.
With this single switch, you’ve instantly disabled all contact sharing to nearby devices through NameDrop in iOS 17.
Turning NameDrop Contact Sharing On or Off
Toggling the NameDrop contact sharing feature off or on is simple and straight-forward within iOS 17’s Settings app. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 17.
- Scroll down and select General.
- Tap on AirDrop.
- Under the Bringing Devices Together heading, toggle the switch for NameDrop to the Off or On position as desired.
With that, you’ve successfully disabled or re-enabled the NameDrop contact sharing feature introduced in iOS 17. When off, your name and profile picture will no longer be viewable by nearby devices.
NameDrop Contact Sharing FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the NameDrop contact sharing feature:
Does NameDrop share my phone number or email address?
No. The only information shared via NameDrop is your first and last name from your contact card stored locally on your device. No actual contact details are exchanged. If you accept someone’s shared contact card, their full details including phone/email will save to your local contacts app.
Is NameDrop secure? Can strangers see my details?
Yes, it’s secure. NameDrop uses Apple’s encrypted AirDrop protocol, so your name is only ever shared with other nearby Apple devices – never over the open internet. Only people physically close to you can see the name.
Can I select exactly which contacts are shared?
No, at the moment it’s all or nothing. You can either enable NameDrop to passively share your name from your contact card with nearby devices, or disable the feature entirely. There is no selective sharing of only certain contact details.
If I disable NameDrop, will it delete contacts received previously?
No. Disabling NameDrop stops any future contact sharing to new devices, but your previously saved contacts received from others will remain stored locally on your device in the contacts app.
We hope this overview gives you a better understanding of how to enable or disable contact sharing using the NameDrop feature in iOS 17. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Summary of Steps
Here is a quick summary of the instructions covered above:
| Action | Steps |
| Enable NameDrop Contact Sharing | 1. Open Settings <br> 2. Tap General <br> 3. Go to AirDrop <br> 4. Toggle on “Bringing Devices Together” |
| Disable NameDrop Contact Sharing | 1. Open Settings <br> 2. Tap General <br> 3. Go to AirDrop <br> 4. Toggle off “Bringing Devices Together” |
Conclusion
NameDrop provides an easy way to exchange contact details on iOS 17 when meeting in-person. But you maintain full control – enabling contact sharing only when desired, and disabling at times when privacy takes priority.
We recommend enabling NameDrop at networking events, conferences, and when aiming to expand your professional connections. Just remember to toggle it off again afterwards.
Now you know exactly how to turn on or off contact sharing using the NameDrop feature in iOS 17. Start putting it to use today!