How to Transfer Files between iPhone/iPad and Windows PC – Guide
Transferring files from an iPhone to a Windows PC has never been as simple as getting files from an Android phone for a Windows PC. Fortunately, several additional techniques have emerged over time, making file transfers quite simple. However, it is still quite limiting. This post will introduce you to some of the most effective methods of transferring data between an iPhone / iPad and a Windows PC.
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 be using the iTunes app to transfer files, you will need to install it from the Microsoft Store if it is not already present on your PC. Unfortunately, you can only transfer files associated with an application to your PC. The same applies to files you want to move to iPhone. You will have to associate them with an app. So make sure the apps you’ll be using to work on these files are present on your iPhone. If you want to transfer photos from your PC to iPhone, navigate to Photos on the left sidebar of iTunes. You will now 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 Apply at the bottom. This only works when you don’t have iCloud Photos enabled on your iPhone. If you’re automatically uploading your iPhone photos to iCloud, Apple suggests using iCloud to download the photos to your PC. 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 the File Explorer in Windows.
Transfer photos from iPhone to PC using File Explorer in Windows
Transfer files using iCloud
Using iCloud is one of the easiest and most authoritative 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 to the other device. However, on a free iCloud plan, you only get 5GB of storage. So if you want to use iCloud to transfer larger files, you’ll need a paid plan. Also, if you’re on a metered data plan, using iCloud to transfer larger files is not a good idea as it can quickly consume your data quota. Other cloud storage services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, can also be used similarly 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 will have to enable the iCloud Photos option by navigating to Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos. This will upload all your photos to iCloud. You can download them to your PC.
Transfer files from a PC to an iPhone using iCloud
For Photos, instead of selecting iCloud Drive, select Photos on the iCloud home page. This will open iCloud Photos and then you can upload as many photos as you want from your PC. Make sure iCloud Photos is enabled on your iPhone, and the uploaded images will automatically appear.
Transfer files using Snapdrop
Snapdrop is another excellent tool for transferring files between two platforms using just a web browser. Works great with iOS and Windows. It’s as easy as it sounds and you don’t even have to install anything. Also, since you send files locally, your data is safe and the transfer is very fast.
Transfer files using a third-party application
While the methods discussed above are good for transferring files both ways – PC to iPhone and iPhone to PC – third-party applications are only good for transferring files from PC to iPhone. The reverse works in certain cases, but it requires a lot more steps than the methods discussed earlier and is more complicated.
Documents
Readdle’s free Documents app is an excellent third-party option for transferring files from a PC to an iPhone or iPad. AirDroid AirDroid is a popular Android app. But not many people know that it’s also available on iOS. It works similarly to Readdle’s Documents apps and allows you to transfer files from a PC to an iPhone. Here are some ways to transfer files between an iPhone or iPad and a Windows PC. Of course, when you’re just trying to move a file or two, you can also use the email or chat app you already use to transfer files from a PC to your iPhone or vice versa. Which method do you prefer? Do you like a method not listed here? Let us know in the comments section.
Final note
I hope you like the guide How to Transfer Files between iPhone/iPad and Windows PC. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends.
