How to turn off NameDrop in iOS 17

NameDrop, the new contact-sharing feature in iOS 17, has proven controversial since iPhone users got their hands on the latest software update. NameDrop allows you to simply bring two iPhones close together to instantly share contacts, social profiles, and more. If you feel uncomfortable having NameDrop enabled on your device, here’s a step-by-step guide to disabling it.

What Exactly Does NameDrop Do?

As Apple stated in their iOS 17 launch presentation, NameDrop makes sharing your info with people you meet as seamless and secure as tapping phones. Specifically, when you place two unlocked iPhones near each other, an alert pops up giving you the option to use NameDrop. You can choose either “Receive Only” to only get the other person’s details or “Share” to exchange contact information.

As reported by cnet, According to cybersecurity expert Tony Anscombe, you’re able to select exactly which pieces of information are shared when you choose the "Share" option. Anscombe told, that users should disable NameDrop if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe using it.

According to Forbes, law enforcement officials worry about the ease with which someone with bad intentions could potentially access personal data without consent.

How to Turn Off NameDrop in Just a Few Steps

If you want to disable NameDrop on your iPhone, it only takes a few quick steps:

1. Open the Settings app

2. Tap on General

3. Select AirDrop

4. Toggle the “Bring Devices Together” setting off

And that’s it! NameDrop will now stay disabled unless you decide to turn it back on.

Should I Leave NameDrop Enabled?

NameDrop can definitely be a convenient feature for quickly exchanging info with new contacts. However, if privacy is a major concern for you, disabling it makes sense. It's also important to note that NameDrop is automatically enabled when you upgrade devices or software, so you'd have to manually turn it off each time.

To wrap up, navigating to your AirDrop settings and flipping one toggle is all you need to do to disable the potentially problematic NameDrop feature. But if you do choose to use NameDrop, some best practices are being selective about what information you share and even hiding devices in public to exchange info discreetly.

Explore more topics:

• Why Google Pays Apple Billions of Dollars Every Year
• 7 Best Clipboard Management Apps for iPhone
• 8 Ultimate Tips to Make Your iPhone More Secure