Transferring files between an iPhone and a Windows PC has never been as seamless as transferring files between an Android phone and a Windows PC. Thankfully, several new methods have popped up over the years, making the file transfer process relatively easy. But it's still quite restrictive. This article will discuss some of the best ways you can transfer files between an iPhone/ iPad and a Windows PC. Show
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Transfer Files using iTunes
While not everyone is a fan of using iTunes to transfer files between an iPhone and a PC, this is one of the official methods. Since you will use the iTunes app to transfer files, you need to install it from the Microsoft Store if it's not already present on your PC.
Unfortunately, you can only transfer files that are associated with an app to your PC. The same goes for files that you want to move to your iPhone. You'll have to associate them with an app. So make sure the apps that you'll use to work on those files are present on your iPhone.
If you want to transfer photos from your PC to your iPhone, navigate to Photos in the left sidebar on iTunes. Now you'll see an option called Sync Photos. Enable it and select the folder or folders from which you want to import photos to your iPhone. Once selected, click on Apply at the bottom. This only works when you don't have the iCloud Photos option enabled on your iPhone. If you're automatically uploading your iPhone photos to iCloud, Apple suggests using iCloud to download photos to your PC instead. To transfer photos from your iPhone to your PC when you don't have the iCloud Photos option enabled, you'll have to use the Photos app or File Explorer on Windows. Transferring Photos from iPhone to PC using File Explorer on Windows
Transfer Files Using iCloud
Using iCloud is one of the easier and official ways to transfer files between an iPhone and almost any other platform, including Windows. Basically, you upload your files to iCloud and then download them on the other device. However, on a free iCloud plan, you only get 5GB of storage. So if you want to use iCloud to transfer bigger files, you'll need a paid plan. Also, if you're on a metered data plan, using iCloud to transfer bigger files is not a good idea as it may eat through your data quota quickly. Other cloud storage services, like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, can also be similarly used to transfer files between iOS devices and PCs. Transfer Files from an iPhone to a PC using iCloud
Notably, if you want to transfer photos from your iPhone to your PC using iCloud, you'll have to enable the iCloud Photos option by navigating to Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos. This will upload all your photos to iCloud. You can then download them on your PC. Transfer files from a PC to an iPhone using iCloud
In the case of Photos, instead of selecting iCloud Drive, select Photos on the iCloud homepage. This will open iCloud Photos, and then you can upload as many photos as you want from your PC. Make sure the iCloud Photos option is enabled on your iPhone, and the uploaded images will automatically appear. Transfer Files Using Snapdrop
Snapdrop is another excellent tool to transfer files between two platforms using just a web browser. It works great with iOS and Windows.
It is as easy as it sounds, and you don't even have to install anything. Furthermore, as it sends files locally, your data is secure and the transfer is very fast. Transfer Files Using a Third-Party App
While the previously discussed methods are good for transferring files both ways -- PC to iPhone and iPhone to PC -- the third-party apps are only good for transferring files from PC to iPhone. The other way round works in certain cases but requires far more steps than the previously discussed methods and is more tricky. DocumentsReaddle's free Documents app is an excellent third-party option to transfer files from a PC to an iPhone or iPad.
AirDroidAirDroid is a popular app on Android. But many people don't know it's also available on iOS. It works similar to Readdle's Documents apps and allows the transfer of files from a PC to an iPhone.
These are some ways you can transfer files between an iPhone or iPad and a Windows PC. Of course, when you're just looking to move one file or two, you can also use email or a chat app that you already use to transfer files from a PC to iPhone or vice versa. Which method do you prefer? Do you like a method not listed here? Let us know in the comments section. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a new iPhone or a new laptop, we have excellent buying guides for the best iPhones and the best laptops on the market. We have also explained how you can transfer data from your Android phone to an iPhone or from iPhone to an Android device. How can I transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes?You can use them for transferring your music, photos, videos, documents, etc., from one device to another without being dependable on iTunes.. Method 1: Best Solution -- AirDroid Personal.. Method 2: via iCloud.. Method 3: via Email.. Method 4: via Dropbox.. Method 5: via Google Drive.. Other iPhone Transfer Tools May Help.. How can I transfer files from PC to iPhone using USB?Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your PC. You can connect iPhone via a USB or USB-C cable or a Wi-Fi connection. Step 2: Click the Device button near the top left of the iTunes window in your PC's iTunes app. Step 3: Select a type of content you want to sync (for example, Music or TV Shows) in the sidebar on the left.
Can you AirDrop from PC to iPhone?There are multiple ways to make files on your iPhone appear on your Mac or Windows PC, and vice versa. Wirelessly, with email, messages, or AirDrop: You can use email, messages, and AirDrop to send files to yourself from one device and download them on another.
How do I transfer files from my computer to my iPhone wirelessly?You just need to turn on iCloud Drive to transfer your files from PC to iOS device. Visit “iCloud.com” on your PC then sign in with your Apple ID details. Then choose the “iCloud Drive” option. Click on the “Upload” button and choose the file you wish to transfer from your computer to the iOS device.
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