How to disable NameDrop and other NFC-based features on your iPhone

Apple’s iPhones are some of the most popular smartphones in many markets, and one of the reasons behind their popularity is the polish iOS offers. This lets users with iPhones seamlessly communicate, whether its sharing contact details with a tap using NameDrop or sending files with AirDrop.

However, if you’ve sometimes wanted some privacy in a public setting and wanted your iPhone to not react with other iPhones around, we’re here to tell you that’s very much possible. Here’s how to prevent your iPhone from communicating with other Apple devices.

How to disable NFC features on your iPhone

Before beginning, ensure you’re on the latest version of iOS so you have access to all the new security and privacy features. Begin by heading to the Settings app and navigate to General > AirDrop. Here, you will see a toggle named ‘Bringing devices together’. Turn it off.

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Your iPhone will no longer interact with other nearby iPhones to use AirDrop, NameDrop or SharePlay. However, you can still share contacts and media via other methods including via iMessage or any other messaging platform. You can also use these platforms to initiate a SharePlay session.

Why you’d want to do this

One of the best features of an iPhone is the ability to seamlessly use Apple’s ecosystem to share files and media between devices with ease. So, why would you want to turn these features off?

The answer is privacy. If you’re in a public setting like a happening concert or a crowded metro, you may have many other iPhones close to your phone multiple times throughout the day. To avoid the hassle of declining unwanted files and other data from random people, the easiest way is to simply turn off all NFC-based features on your phone. You can always turn these on later, in a more comfortable setting like your home or office.