iPhone Keeps Connecting With Other iPhones? Here’s How to Stop It
Does your iPhone automatically buzz and prompt you to share your contact card or show an “AirDrop:” or “You’re now connected to” message with a stranger’s name when in a crowded environment where your iPhone might brush against others? It’s likely NameDrop, a new iOS 17 feature designed for easy contact sharing when nearby, but it can sometimes trigger accidentally in crowded places. Here’s why your iPhone keeps connecting to other iPhones nearby and how to stop it.
Why Does Your iPhone Randomly Connect to Other iPhones?
NameDrop lets you quickly share your contact card or files with someone nearby by bumping your iPhones together. It’s handy when you want to swap numbers or photos with a friend, but it can also lead to unexpected connections in crowded places.
Here’s how it works:NameDrop uses Bluetooth andultra-wideband (UWB)to detect nearby iPhones. If two iPhones have it on and are nearby, they’ll vibrate and get a notification to share info. This can happen unintentionally, especially on packed trains.
If you see that notification on your iPhone, you might worry that strangers can access your contact details just by touching their iPhone to yours. Even thePennsylvania police were caught off guardwhen this feature was introduced.
Don’t worry. This feature is built with privacy in mind. For NameDrop to function, both iPhones need to be unlocked, and you need to approve any information sharing.
Disable the NameDrop Feature to Stop It
In crowded places like subways, clubs, concerts, festivals, or busy shopping centers, your iPhone is more likely to come into contact with others, increasing the chances of accidentally connecting and triggering NameDrop. If you’d prefer to avoid this, here’s how you can disable NameDrop:
You can further turn off AirDrop or change it toContacts only. Your iPhone will no longer connect to other iPhones even when their tops are brought close together.
Or Embrace the Convenience
While accidental triggers in crowded places can be annoying, you can use NameDrop for quickly exchanging contact information at professional networking events or when meeting new friends. It also helps the two iPhones quickly connect to share photos and files whenAirDrop isn’t workingor devices aren’t discoverable.
It uses your contact poster when sharing the contact card, so customize it with a cool photo to make a good impression. Check out our guide topersonalizing your contact poster on iOS 17.
Ritik Singh
With over 7 years of experience in tech, Ritik currently heads content at Techwiser.com. His journey started by sharing knowledge and helping others in online communities. That passion soon turned into a career in tech journalism, backed by a formal education in Electronic Media. He’s held editorial roles at GadgetsToUse and PC-Tablet, and has contributed to popular publications like HowToGeek and TheWindowsClub. With over 2,000 how-tos, reviews, and in-depth guides under his belt, Ritik has helped millions of readers get more out of their tech—from smartphones to smart homes.
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