Are you looking to disable the “Bringing Devices Together” feature on your iPhone?
This feature, introduced in iOS 13, allows for seamless connectivity between Apple devices, but it can also be a nuisance for some users.
If you’re looking to turn off this feature and regain control over your device’s connectivity, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to turn off “Bringing Devices Together” on your iPhone, so you can enjoy a more personalized and streamlined user experience.
What Is “Bringing Devices Together” On iPhone?
“Bringing Devices Together” on the iPhone, colloquially known as NameDrop, is a feature designed to facilitate the swift and effortless exchange of contact information between two iPhones.
When activated, this feature leverages the iPhone’s proximity-sensing capabilities to detect another iPhone nearby and initiates a prompt to share contact details without the need for manual entry or navigation through menus.
This is particularly useful in social or professional settings where a quick exchange of information is desired.
The operation of NameDrop is deeply integrated with the iPhone’s AirDrop technology, which traditionally allows for the wireless transfer of files and media.
By going to the AirDrop settings, users can easily toggle “Bringing Devices Together” on or off, providing control over their connectivity and sharing preferences.
When enabled, bringing two iPhones nearby will trigger an alert, offering the option to share contact cards that can include a name, phone number, email, and other fields from the user’s contact list.
This feature stands out for its convenience but also raises considerations about privacy and security, as it must be managed to prevent unwanted sharing of personal information.
How To Turn Off “Bringing Devices Together” On iPhone?
Step 1: Access the Settings App
Begin by opening the Settings app on your iPhone. This is the app with the gear icon, typically found on your home screen.
Step 2: Navigate to General
Once in Settings, scroll down and tap on “General” to access the general settings of your iPhone.
Step 3: Go to AirDrop Settings
Within the General settings, find and select “AirDrop.” This is where you can adjust settings related to device discovery and connectivity.
Step 4: Disable the Feature
In the AirDrop settings, you should see an option for “Bringing Devices Together.” You can turn off this feature by toggling the switch to the off position.
Reasons To Turn Off “Bringing Devices Together”
Despite its convenience, turning it off may be preferable for some users due to various concerns:
1. Privacy Concerns
The automatic nature of NameDrop could lead to the inadvertent sharing of contact information in public spaces, where users may not want to broadcast their details to nearby strangers.
This discomfort is amplified by the difficulty in controlling which devices may pick up the shared information.
2. Security Risks
Although Apple designs its features with security in mind, the possibility that NameDrop could be exploited by malicious parties to gather personal information remains a theoretical concern.
The feature’s reliance on proximity could be manipulated to elicit details from unsuspecting users, despite no reported incidents to date.
3. Unintentional Sharing
Accidentally triggering NameDrop could result in sharing contact details with unintended recipients.
This risk is particularly relevant in crowded environments where multiple devices are in range, potentially leading to a breach of personal or professional boundaries.
4. Personal Preference
Users may simply prefer to have more manual control over when and how their information is shared.
Disabling NameDrop caters to those who prioritize selective sharing and wish to engage with their device’s connectivity features on their own terms.
