How to Transfer Files from a iPhone to a PC or Mac

This guide explains how to move files from your iPhone to your Windows or Mac computer. You can transfer a variety of data, including images, videos, notes, contacts, and more.

How to Transfer Files from Your iPhone to Your Computer

There are two main methods: wirelessly or using a USB cable.

Wireless Transfer

1. Upload your files to a cloud service like Google Drive.
2. Download the files from the cloud service to your computer.

USB Cable Transfer

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Use your computer’s file transfer software to move the files.

For transferring large files, it’s recommended to use a cloud service to ensure a smooth process.

Method 1: Transferring Files from iPhone to Mac via AirDrop

1. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Ensure both your iPhone and Mac have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. For successful file transfers, both devices need to be within 30 feet of each other.
2. Activate AirDrop on Your Mac
   • Click the Control Center icon (two switches) in your Mac’s menu bar.
   • Click the AirDrop icon (a circle with multiple curved open circles radiating from it) so it turns blue.
   • This action should automatically make your Mac discoverable via AirDrop.
   • To confirm, click the Go menu, select AirDrop, and then choose Contacts Only or Everyone.
3. Activate AirDrop on Your iPhone
   • Open Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen (or swiping up if you have an iPhone SE).
   • Tap the AirDrop icon, ensuring it turns blue to indicate AirDrop is enabled.
4. Select the File on Your iPhone. Open the desired file (photo, document, etc.) that you wish to transfer.
5. Initiate Sharing. Tap the sharing icon (a square with an upward arrow). In some apps, you might directly see the AirDrop icon or the word Share.
6. Select AirDrop. Nearby devices with AirDrop enabled will appear. Select your Mac and tap Done.
7. Accept the Transfer on Your Mac. A notification will appear on your Mac. Click Accept to complete the transfer.

Method 2: Transferring Files from iPhone to Windows PC via iTunes

1. Open iTunes on Your Windows PC. Download and install iTunes from the Microsoft Store if you don’t have it yet.
2. Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer. Use your iPhone’s cable to connect it to a USB port on your PC.
   • When prompted, tap Allow or Trust on your iPhone’s screen.
3. Select Your iPhone in iTunes. Click the iPhone icon at the top of the iTunes window.
4. Access File Sharing Click File Sharing to start moving files from your iPhone to your computer.
5. Choose the App for File Transfer. Select the desired app from the list on the left panel (note that not all apps are supported).
6. Select the File You Want to Transfer. Choose the file you want to transfer from the list on the right.
7. Save the File to Your Computer. Click Save to and choose a location on your computer where you want to store the file.
   • Click Save to again to start the transfer.

Method 3: Transferring Files from Any Phone to Any Computer

1. Open the Google Drive App
   • On your iPhone or Android, open the Google Drive app to transfer large files or access them wirelessly on any platform.
   • Ensure you’re logged in with your Google account.
   • You can also use other cloud services like Dropbox or iCloud Drive.
     • For iCloud Drive, visit https://icloud.com/iclouddrive in your phone’s web browser and log in with your Apple account.
2. Upload Files to Google Drive
   • Tap the + icon at the bottom-right corner of Google Drive.
   • If you’re using iCloud, tap the cloud icon with an upward arrow, then select Choose Files or Photo Library for photos.
3. Select and Upload Files
   • Choose the files you want to upload. This will transfer the files to the cloud.
4. Access Google Drive on Your Computer
   • Go to https://drive.google.com on your computer’s web browser.
   • Click Sign in and log in with your Google account.
   • If you’re using iCloud, log in to https://www.icloud.com and click Drive.
5. Download Files to Your Computer
   • If you uploaded multiple files, select each file you want to download in Google Drive.
   • Click the download icon (an arrow pointing down over a line).
   • When prompted, click Save to download the selected files to your computer.