With iOS 17.1, Apple has upgraded the AirDrop feature on iPhones with the added ability to continue sending or receiving files via AirDrop over a cellular network when you leave AirDrop range. For this functionality to work, you must have Cellular Data enabled in AirDrop settings and have an active data plan that is being used to send files over the internet.
How to Turn Off Cellular Data on iPhone
If you don't want to use cellular data for AirDrop or if your current cellular plan doesn't provide enough data, we recommend immediately turning off cellular data for AirDrop to avoid additional charges.
Related: Can You Initiate an Airdrop Transfer via Cellular on iPhone? No, Here's Why.
AirDrop over Cellular Data can be useful for transferring large files between Apple devices without having to be within AirDrop range of the other device. However, you may want to disable this feature to avoid additional data charges from your mobile carrier or to avoid roaming fees when you're traveling.
