5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (2024)

We always speak about how convenient the Apple ecosystem is. But, it’s also important to realize that most people use a wide range of devices. Someone using an iPhone doesn’t necessarily mean that they also use a Mac. You may be using an iPhone with a Windows PC. While that’s totally fine, you lose out on features like AirDrop for file transfer. It’s no surprise that transferring files between iPhone and Windows is a hassle.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (1)

Sometimes, the iPhone’s files don’t show up on the PC, or worse, the computer doesn’t recognize your iPhone. If you’re tired of trying multiple different methods to connect your iPhone to a PC, don’t give up just yet. Here are the tried and tested ways to transfer files from iPhone to Windows PC and vice-versa. They will not fail you.

Note: We are including a mix of both wired and wireless methods, so pick the one that’s most convenient for you.

1. Use a USB Cable to Transfer Files From iPhone to PC

This is the most basic way to transfer files between your iPhone and a Windows PC. Just use a good lightning cable that supports data transfer to connect your iPhone to the PC. Then, open File Explorer on Windows to navigate to the iPhone’s directory.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (2)

You can then transfer the files you want from your iPhone’s storage onto your Windows PC. Just copy whatever file you want and paste it onto your PC’s local storage. If you’re facing connectivity issues, look at our guide on how to connect an iPhone to a Windows PC for detailed instructions.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (3)

Use this method mainly if you want to transfer photos or small videos.

2. Transfer Files From PC to iPhone With iTunes

iTunes is a piece of software developed by Apple that helps your iPhone communicate with your PC. You can use iTunes to sync your iPhone’s data like photos, videos, music, etc., to your PC. Here’s how to use iTunes to transfer files between iPhone and Windows PC.

Step 1:Install iTunes on your Windows PC using the link below.

Install iTunes

Step 2:Open iTunes and connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (4)

Step 3: Select Allow in the prompt on your iPhone to allow the device to access your data.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (5)

Step 4: Tap on Trust to trust the computer. Then, enter your passcode.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (6)

Step 5:Now, click on Continue to allow your computer to access information on your iPhone.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (7)

Step 6:Your iPhone’s contents will now show up in iTunes. Use the pane on the left to navigate to the category you want and access your files.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (8)

These are the two recommended methods for wired transfer of files. Let’s cut the cord now and move to wireless methods!

3. Add a Server in the Files App to Transfer Files Between iPhone and PC Wirelessly

A lot of iPhone users may not be aware that the Files app on the iPhone lets you connect to a server. Using this trick, you can create a local server on your Windows PC to transfer files to and from your iPhone. It might sound complex but is rather simple. Here’s how to do it.

Setting up Folder Sharing on Windows

Step 1:Open File Explorer on your Windows PC and create a folder to which you want to transfer your iPhones files.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (9)

Step 2:Now, right-click on that folder and select ‘Show more options.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (10)

Step 3:Click on Properties.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (11)

Step 4:Navigate to the Sharing tab.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (12)

Step 5:Select the Share option under ‘Network File and Folder Sharing.’

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (13)

Step 6:Click on the drop-down menu and choose Everyone.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (14)

Step 7: Select Add to enable folder sharing with everyone on the network.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (15)

Step 8: Once added, click on the drop-down arrow next to Read under Permission Level and select Read/Write.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (16)

Step 9: Finally, click on the Share button.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (17)

Step 10: Select the first option when prompted.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (18)

Step 12: Once the folder is shared, click on Done to close the window.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (19)

Turning Off Password-Protected Sharing

Once you’ve enabled folder sharing, it’s time to disable the password to access the shared folders. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1:Click on the Search icon in the taskbar.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (20)

Step 2:Search for Control Panel and click on the first result that shows up.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (21)

Step 3:Select ‘Network and Internet.’

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (22)

Step 4:Next, choose the ‘Network and Sharing Center’ option at the top.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (23)

Step 5:In the left pane, click on ‘Change advanced sharing settings.’

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (24)

Step 6:Click on the arrow next to All Networks to expand it.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (25)

Step 7:Under ‘Password protected sharing’, select ‘Turn off password protected sharing’.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (26)

Step 8:Finally, click on Save changes.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (27)

Finding Your Local IP Address

Now, it’s time to find your PC’s local IP address to enter it in the Files app on the iPhone.

Step 1:Click on the Search icon in the taskbar and search for CMD. Click on Command Prompt to open it.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (28)

Step 2: Type in ipconfig and hit Enter.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (29)

Step 3: Scroll down and you will see your PC’s local IP address listed as the IPv4 Address. Make a note of this.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (30)

Accessing the Shared Folder via the Files App on the iPhone

Before starting this process, ensure your iPhone is connected to the same network as your PC. This is a basic requirement to access the shared folder.

Step 1:Open the Files app on your iPhone.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (31)

Step 2:Select the Browse tab at the bottom and

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (32)

Step 3: Tap on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select ‘Connect to Server.’

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (33)

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (34)

Step 4: Enter the IPv4 address you noted down earlier and tap on Connect.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (35)

Step 5: Select Guest under Connect As and then tap on Next.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (36)

You can now access the shared folder on your Windows PC.

We created the shared folder on the Desktop of our Windows PC. So, if you browse through the folders and access the Desktop folder, you can spot the iPhone File Transfer folder we created.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (37)

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (38)

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (39)

Transferring Files to the Shared Folder

Step 1:Locate the file you want to transfer to your PC.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (40)

Step 2:Once you’ve found it, tap and hold on to the file and select Copy.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (41)

Step 3:Now, navigate to the shared folder by tapping on your IP address under the Shared tab within the Files app.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (42)

Step 4:When you’re in the folder, tap and hold on to an empty space and select Paste.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (43)

The selected file will be copied.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (44)

Step 5:Open the shared folder on your Windows PC. You’ll see that the file has been copied. You can access the file on your computer as well.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (45)

Step 6:Alternatively, you can also copy files from your PC into the shared folder. You will be able to access it on your iPhone.

This is the easiest and the best way to transfer files between iPhone and Windows PC wirelessly. You can use it to transfer large files like videos as well without any issues. You just have to go through the setup process once and you’re done.

One thing to note, though, is that your local IPv4 address may change whenever you reboot your computer or connect to a different network. So, if you’re unable to access the shared folder the next time, enter the new IP address in the Files app if it has changed.

4. Transfer Files From iPhone to Windows PC Wirelessly Using Cloud Storage

Although this method involves some extra steps, it’s a fairly simple way to transfer photos and videos from your iPhone to a PC. Sign up for a cloud storage solution like Google Drive or One Drive. Then, upload the files you want to transfer from your iPhone using the corresponding app.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (46)

Access the cloud storage website on your Windows PC and download the files you want. Alternatively, you can sync your Apple Photos library to Google Photos and download the files you want directly from your PC.

5. Use an AirDrop Alternative to Transfer Files Between iPhone and PC

AirDrop is restricted to Apple devices. So, if you won’t be able to use it to connect your iPhone to Windows. However, there are alternatives to AirDrop that work cross-platform. Snapdrop and Sharedrop are some examples of websites that allow you to transfer files from iPhone to Windows PC wirelessly. Here’s how you can use them.

Step 1:Connect both your iPhone and PC to the same network.

Step 2: Open Snapdrop using the browser on your Windows PC as well as iPhone.

Open Snapdrop

Step 3:You will now see your PC pop-up on your iPhone. Confirm if the name shown to you is the same as that on your PC.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (47)

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (48)

Step 4:If the names match, tap on the PC icon to select the files you want to transfer.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (49)

Step 5:You will now see a prompt on your PC asking if you wish to receive the file being sent. Select Save.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (50)

The selected files will now be transferred to your PC. You can also perform this process in reverse to select a file on your PC and transfer it to your iPhone.

Such services are great for transferring smaller files and photos as large files such as videos take a long time to transfer.

Share Your Files With Ease

You no longer have to frown when your friends ask you to transfer the photos you clicked of them to a Windows PC. Or, if you’re a content creator who shoots a lot of videos, you no longer have to go through excruciating pain to transfer large 4K video clips to your PC. Just use one of these methods and you will be good to go. Personally, we suggest using the Shared Folder method via the Files app to transfer files between iPhone and Windows as it’s the fastest and most seamless way.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

5 Best Ways to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows PC (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 5892

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.