AirDrop Song to iPad - Simple Methods and Fixes for Transfer Problems

Clara Prescott Published on October 30, 2025Transfer Data3-min reading

Ever wondered how to move music from iPad to iPhone when you want your favorite tracks available on both devices? Imagine downloading songs on your iPad, only to realize you need them on your iPhone for a road trip. While AirDrop is a go-to for quick sharing, it is not always straightforward with music. This guide explains practical methods to transfer and manage songs seamlessly.

Part 1. How to AirDrop a Song to an iPad

1. AirDropping from the Files App

In case you have some locally saved music files, you may directly share them through AirDrop from the Files app.

2. AirDropping from the Music App (For Purchased Music)

In AirDropping from Music, only Song information links can be shared, not the file. Relatively, the song must be purchased in the iTunes store and must be in the Apple Music library. The iPad must also have the same Apple Music account and an accessible subscription to play the shared item.

Part 2. What to Do When You Cannot AirDrop a Song

1. imyPass iPhone Transfer

If AirDrop does not send your songs, the most reliable solution is a professional transfer tool like imyPass iPhone Transfer. It works as a direct iOS-to-iOS and iOS-to-computer transfer utility that supports almost every file type, including music, playlists, ringtones, photos, videos, notes, and contacts. Unlike AirDrop, it moves the actual music files, not links.

2. iCloud Music Library / Sync Library

Pick Apple Music and you get access to the Sync Library feature. With the same Apple ID signed in, every song you add to your iPhone will be available on your iPad, and the same goes for songs added to your iPad. If songs don’t appear, you may need to restore the Apple Music Library in settings.

3. Family Sharing Subscription

If you do not want to depend only on the Sync Library, Family Sharing will do just fine. With one Apple Music subscription, a maximum of six family members can share purchased songs and playlists and access them on their devices.

Part 3. How to Add an AirDropped Song to Your Music Library

Sometimes, after AirDropping a song to your iPad, it may not show up instantly in the Music app, particularly if you transferred the song from the Files app rather than Apple Music. Here are the steps you can take to confirm it has been properly added.

Case 1. AirDropped from the Music App (Purchased/Apple Music Song)

• Most of the time, the AirDropped content is simply a link to the song.

• After you select Accept on the iPad, it will launch the Music app to play the song.

• If you have the same Apple ID, the song Sync Library is active, then the song plays and is added to your library.

Case 2. AirDropped as a Music File (MP3, AAC, etc.)

If you transferred the song as a file, it will be saved and stored in the Files app. To move it to your music library, perform the following steps.

Part 4. AirDrop Song on iPad Not Working

At times, AirDrop may not send or receive songs between an iPhone and an iPad. This may be due to issues with compatibility, connection, or types of songs. Here is how to troubleshoot, and alternatives you may want to try:

Common Fixes for AirDrop Not Working

1. Ensure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are activated on each device.

2. Check that AirDrop is configured to Everyone or Contacts Only on each device.

3. Reboot both iPhones and iPads.

4. Check that both devices are signed into the devices matching the Apple ID when sharing Apple Music. If the transfer does not appear, open the Files app to retrieve AirDrop files and confirm they are saved correctly.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• You can share songs bought from iTunes, but only as links, unless it is the same Apple ID.

• Unpaid or unsaved songs may encode incorrectly, and AirDrop won’t work as expected unless sent as a file.

Conclusion

Knowing how to AirDrop a song to an iPad is convenient when sharing tracks, but, for some file types, it is not reliable. When AirDrop does not work, you are able to use imyPass iPhone Transfer, iCloud Sync Library, or Family Sharing to keep your music readily available on all devices.