4 Ways to Transfer Files Between Your iPhone and Mac
If you own multiple Apple devices, you’d want to transfer files between your iPhone and Mac sometimes. Maybe because you can view certain files better on one device, or working on a file is easier on the other—like making edits to a video on a Mac instead of an iPhone.
Whatever the reason, you have multiple options when you want want to transfer some files between your iPhone and Mac. Below, we’ll look at the top four ways to do so:
1. Send Files With a USB Cable
You can transfer files between your iPhone and Mac with a USB cable. It’s not just faster than the other methods but also reliable. So, here’s how to use a USB cable to send files to or from your Mac or iPhone.
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned USB cable connection between your iPhone and Mac. After all, you don’t need an internet or Bluetooth connection, so you don’t need to worry about connectivity issues. However, it does have its limitations. Depending on whattype of port your Mac has, a USB connection between it and your iPhone might not be possible.
For instance, if your Mac’s charging port is USB-C but your iPhone’s charging cable is Type-A, connecting both devices won’t be possible unless you have an adapter for your iPhone and Mac, like Apple’s USB-C to USB Adapter.
2. Take Advantage of iCloud
Besides serving as a cloud-based storage provider, Apple’s iCloud service keeps your data synced across Apple devices. It’s a great file transfer option for Apple devices because you don’t need to download it to use it.
it’s possible to transfer files between your iPhone and Mac by simply moving your files toiCloud Driveon either of the devices. On an iPhone, you can access iCloud Drive from the Files app. And on a Mac, you can access it from the Finder sidebar.
Of course, how much you can store in iCloud depends on your storage plan. The free 5GB of iCloud storage you get when you set up an Apple Account can be limiting. So, you’ll need toupgrade your iCloud storageto iCloud+ for transferring files regularly.
3. Go the Wireless Route With AirDrop
Apple’s AirDrop feature lets you transfer files between Apple devices. Although it’s a quick way to share files,AirDrop has a few security risks.
To transfer files between your iPhone and Mac using AirDrop, ensure you’ve turned on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop on both devices.
On a Mac,Control-click on a file, selectSharefrom the context menu, then chooseAirDrop. Click on the recipient (your iPhone) and wait for the file to send. You should see a message on your iPhone prompting you to open the file with a compatible app. You can then save the file to your iPhone.
On an iPhone, long-press on a file and selectSharefrom the context menu. Once the iOS Share Sheet opens, tap onAirDropand select your Mac from the list of devices to send it. You’ll receive a notification on your Mac telling you you’ve received a file. You’ll find the file in your downloads.
If you need to send multiple files via AirDrop, see our detailed guide onhow to AirDrop files from an iPhone or Mac.
4. Send Files via Email
you’re able to use email if you want to send files between your iPhone and Mac without worrying about distance constraints. Here’s how:
The thing about using email to transfer files is that there’s usually a file size limit. However, there are variousworkarounds to send large files via email.
Transfer Files Between Your iPhone and Mac Easily
Because your iPhone and Mac are Apple devices, you don’t have to worry about any restrictions when transferring files between the two. Use any file transfer method depending on your needs.
If you don’t have an internet connection, try a USB cable. Or, take advantage of Apple’s AirDrop feature if you want to send files quickly and don’t mind a few extra steps.
But if you do have internet access, use iCloud Drive to access files on either device or send smaller files via email without worrying about the distance between your devices.
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