How To Transfer File Between Iphone and Mac?

Transferring files seamlessly between your iPhone and Mac is essential for efficient data management. Fortunately, there are three popular methods to achieve this: AirDrop, iCloud Drive, and Finder. Each method offers its own advantages. With AirDrop, you can wirelessly share files at a tap. iCloud Drive seamlessly syncs your data across devices. If you prefer a direct connection, Finder allows you to drag and drop files when your iPhone is connected via USB.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through these methods, ensuring that you can effortlessly move files between your iPhone and Mac, making your digital life simpler and more organized.

How To Send Files Between A Mac and An iPhone?

There are several ways to transfer files between Mac and iPhone, and we are listing them down. You can choose anyone, whichever you are comfortable with, to get the job done.

1. Using AirDrop

AirDrop enables easy transfer of files from iPhone to Mac and vice versa. All you have to do is enable AirDrop on both the devices and turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Using AirDrop, you will be able to transfer different types of files, including photos, videos, locations, and websites. Here is how you can transfer files between iPhone and Mac using AirDrop.

Step 1: On your iPhone, turn on AirDrop

Step 2: Launch “Control Center” and turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Select AirDrop.

Step 4: Set the phone to “Everyone/Contacts Only“.

For Mac

Step 1: Go to “Finder” followed by “Go” and select AirDrop.

Step 2: Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Step 3: Enable AirDrop.

Step 4: Turn on the option of “Allow to be discovered by” to “Contacts Only/Everyone“.

Step 5: Click the “Share” button on the file and select AirDrop.

Step 6: Look for the recipient and hit on “Done”.

2. Using Email

You can even share files using email. It serves great for sending small files and supports different file formats. You need to follow these steps for transferring files between iPhone and Mac using email.

Step 1: Create an email ID for yourself.

Step 2: Open Email and compose a new message.

Step 3: In the attachment, add the files.

Step 4: Send an Email to your own account.

Step 5: Open the Email on your iPhone and download the files.

3. Using Dropbox or Some Other Cloud Services

Dropbox serves as a perfect way to transfer files from Mac to iPhone. By adding the files on the device, you can easily access them on another device. Best of all, it lets you add both large and small files like word documents, audio files, photos, and videos. For this, you will have to follow these steps.

Step 1: Download Dropbox on your iPhone and Mac.

Step 2: Install Dropbox and create your Dropbox account.

Step 3: On your computer, upload the items to Dropbox.

Step 4: Open the Dropbox app on your iPhone and download the files.

4. Using iCloud Drive

Another simple way of transferring files between iPhone on Mac will be using iCloud Drive. One of the best things about iCloud Drive is that it stores the files in dedicated folders. You can easily create your own folders to add your file and it supports different types of files ranging from Word documents to PowerPoint. You will be able to access the files on computers, and iPhones using your Apple ID. You can follow these steps for the same.

Step 1: On your iPhone and Mac, turn on iCloud Drive.

Step 2: On your iPhone, go to “Settings“.

Step 3: Select “your name” followed by iCloud.

Step 4: Turn on iCloud Drive.

Step 5: On your computer select the Apple menu followed by “System Preferences“.

Step 6: Hit on iCloud and select iCloud Drive.

5. Using iTunes File Sharing

iTunes file sharing enables you to manage files for easy access. It lets you connect your Mac to your iOS device. It can be perfect for sharing files that are created by pages and keynotes. You can follow these steps.

Step 1: Connect your Mac with your iPhone.

Step 2: Launch the iTunes app on the Mac.

Step 3: Select “Device” on the iTunes window.

Step 4: Hit on “File Sharing“.

Step 5: Look for the app to transfer the file

Step 6: Select the file by clicking “Add” and start transferring.

Step 7: On your iPhone, select the file and click “Save To“.

6. Transfer Files from Mac to iPhone via Syncing

Syncing is an easy way of transferring items between your iPhone and Mac. You can sync for different items like music, videos, books, and podcasts. When you happen to use the latest version of Mac OS Catalina, you can easily sync using Wi-Fi or a USB cable.

File transfer over Wi-Fi connection.

Step 1: Enable Wi-Fi syncing.

Step 2: Connect your Mac with the iPhone.

Step 3: Look for “iDevice” by going to “Finder”.

Step 4: Select “General“.

Step 5: Check on the option of “Show this device when on Wi-Fi“.

Step 6: Set the sync settings and hit “Apply“.

Transfer of files using a USB cable.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the Mac using a USB cable.

Step 2: Select “Finder” and look for iDevice.

Step 3: Choose the files that you look to share. Alternately, you can drag the files on the app.

7. Copy Audio or Video Files with Waltr

If you are looking to copy any type of video or audio file from one iOS device to another which requires conversion, Waltr will serve as the perfect one. It can convert and transfer all types of fires so that you can easily view or watch them on the respective app. The app adopts Smart Adaptive Conversion which will convert the files that lets you have access to your iPhone. Waltr is also easy to use as you will only have to drag and drop the files. Waltr Pro comes for $2.92.

Step 1: Download and install Waltr on your computer.

Step 2: Launch Waltr.

Step 3: Connect your iPhone using a USB.

Step 4: Look for the phone.

Step 5: Click the “Select Files” button to add the files. You can simply drag and drop directly.

Step 6: On your iPhone, look for the files in their respective apps.

Conclusion

In the world of iPhone-Mac file transfers, options abound, but AirDrop, iCloud Drive, and Finder lead the pack. AirDrop’s swift wireless magic, iCloud Drive’s anytime, anywhere convenience, and Finder’s reliable USB cable connection cater to diverse needs. Regardless of your choice, the process remains refreshingly uncomplicated. However, a handy tip: opt for a USB cable or iCloud Drive when dealing with hefty file loads, as AirDrop’s speed may lag with larger files. With these versatile tools at your disposal, you’re empowered to seamlessly sync and share your data, ensuring your digital world effortlessly spans the realms of iPhone and Mac.

iPhone to Mac – FAQs