iOS 17 NameDrop feature: Why you shouldn’t be worried about it
What is NameDrop
iOS 17 introduced NameDrop, a feature that allows iPhone users to exchange contact details by bringing their iPhones close together. This article provides more information on NameDrop’s functionality, how to deactivate it, and other aspects. Recently, numerous viral Facebook posts have been circulating, purportedly cautioning users about NameDrop’s “risks.” These posts, claiming to offer a “vital privacy update,” assert that NameDrop is activated by default and poses a security hazard, especially for children. However, despite being shared by police departments and reported by local news across the United States, many inaccuracies exist in these Facebook posts claiming to provide a “vital privacy update.”
Attention residents,
The Sheriff’s Office has become aware of a new feature in the latest iOS update called “NameDrop.” This feature is enabled by default and allows any individual with this feature to place their phone next to your iPhone or your child’s iPhone and automatically receive their contact information.
How to Use it
Once you upgrade to iOS 17, activating NameDrop occurs when you bring two iPhones in proximity. An animation will appear on your iPhone’s screen, displaying your contact details. You have the option to share your information or set your device to only ‘receive’ details from the other iPhone.
NameDrop is created to simplify the process of sharing your contact information, while also incorporating multiple safeguards to prevent unintended sharing. Simply tapping two iPhones together won’t activate NameDrop for sharing your details. You need to explicitly confirm on your iPhone’s screen that you wish to share your information.
Additionally, you need to confirm your intention to receive contact information from the other individual. Contrary to the alarmist tone in the viral Facebook posts and local news reports, NameDrop requires that your iPhone be unlocked using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to function.
How to Turn It Off
If you prefer, you can completely turn off NameDrop on your iPhone with iOS 17 by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select ‘General’.
- Tap on ‘AirDrop’.
- Find and toggle off “Bringing Devices Together”.
Remember, deactivating this feature not only disables NameDrop but also affects the capability to share content such as photos and videos by bringing two iPhones close. As of iOS 17.2, there isn’t a distinct switch for NameDrop alone. It’s integrated under the “Bringing Devices Together” option for AirDrop.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Worried About It
Although news outlets are trying to sensationalize this feature, keep in mind that this is a great feature, and just like with normal AirDrop you are in control of what data is shared and with who. This has been a great feature that I have been utilizing to share contact info during meetings or with other business owners and I would recommend you check it out. If you have children in the Apple system, you will want to spend the time to teach them on this just like you have to with AirDrop. If you are still uncomfortable with it, you are in control to disable it.
