How to Transfer Files to iPhone/iPad

Posted by Bill FarrellDecember 09, 2021 15:33

What should you do to transfer some important files to iPhone or iPad from computer? It should be a hard task to carry a computer along with you for business purpose. So it should be of great necessity to transfer files to your iPhone, iPad or other portable device.

The passage is going to discuss how to transfer files from computer to iPhone or iPad with or without iTunes. Just read on the article to find the 4 most efficient methods to transfer files with ease.

Part 1. How to transfer files to iPhone/ iPad via iTunes
Part 2. How to transfer files to iPhone/ iPad without iTunes

Part 1: How to transfer files to iPhone/ iPad via iTunes

iTunes should be the most frequently used method to transfer files to iPhone or iPad. As the default solution of Apple, the transfer method supports a wide range of file types like music, photos, videos to messages, contacts, emails, etc. Let’s start learning how to transfer files to iPhone/ iPad with iTunes:

Step 1: Connect iPhone/ iPad to computer

Connect iPhone or iPad to computer via a USB cable. As for Mac users, iTunes will detect the iOS devices and launch automatically. For Windows users, you should install iTunes beforehand.

Step 2: Launch iTunes app

Double click iTunes icon to open this app on your PC or Mac, and you will find the information of the iOS device. In order to view your data on iPhone/ iPad, tap on the device icon on the upper right side.

Step 3: Transfer files to iPhone/ iPad

Click on File option, then click "Add to Library". Here you are able to import files into hard drive and transfer the files to your iOS device.

Part 2: How to transfer files to iPhone/ iPad without iTunes

When you transfer files to iPhone with iTunes, you are not able to preview the files. And each time you sync iPhone files using iTunes, the current iOS files would be replaced by the new transfer. What’s more, it is really common for you to meet with an iTunes error, like Error-17, or Error-21. You may be curious whether there are feasible ways to transfer files to iPhone without iTunes?

Solution 1. Transfer files to iPhone/ iPad via iPhone Transfer

Apeaksoft MobieTrans should be the best iTunes alternative to transfer files to iPhone or iPad. Not only for previewing the files before moving to iPhone, but also support most of the iOS files, including iMessages, text messages, pictures, music files and more. It just breaks the restrictions for iTunes as below.

1. Erase data while syncing.

2. Limited one-way transfer.

3. Copy all the data without selection.

4. Various iTunes errors.

5. Cannot view the files for transferring.

6. Chance of data loss.

7. Cannot manage the files.

Free Download

Step 1: Download Apeaksoft MobieTrans

Download Apeaksoft MobieTrans on your computer. Follow the instructions to install the program on your computer. Step 2: Connect iPhone/ iPad to computer.

Step 2: Add data from Mac to iPhone

After launching this transfer tool on your PC, you can use a USB cable to connect your iOS device to the computer. Do not disconnect the cable during the whole transferring process.

Step 3: Add data to iPhone

Once connected, this software will scan your iPhone or iPad automatically. Here you are able to view all the files in your iOS device, such as photos, videos, music and so on.

Step 4: Import files to iPhone

Then choose one file type from the sidebar, and click Add button to transfer your located files from PC to iPhone or iPad.

Now you have transferred files to iPhone/ iPad! Just go to your iPhone or iPad to check the converted files right now!

Solution 2. Transfer files to iPhone/ iPad via Google Drive

If there is Google Drive, Box, or other cloud services on your iOS device, you can also consider using them to transfer files to your iPhone/iPad. Most of the cloud services are available for free trials. But it will be highly influenced by the network you are using.

If you are in a good network environment, follow the next tips to learn how to transfer files to iPhone/ iPad without iTunes. Take Google Drive as an example:

Step 1: Log in Google Drive

Sign in Google Drive with your Goggle account on PC, select a file that you are going to sync to iPhone and then upload it to the cloud drive.

Step 2: Open Google Drive on iOS

Launch the Google Drive app on your iOS device, or you can open the Google Drive site on Safari directly.

Step 3: Save the converted files to iOS

It is done! One thing to illustrate, the only disadvantage of Google Drive is that the type of transferred files are quite limited in the free vision, and you may have no apps on your iOS device to open and read some types of files.

Solution 3. Transfer files from Mac to iPhone/ iPad through iMessage

If you are using OS X Mountain Lion, it will also be a nice solution to transfer files from PC to iPhone/ iPad through iMessage. But the solution only supports a limited file formats, you are only able to convert photos, videos, and messages. Here is a general guide about how to use iMessage to transfer files to iPhone or iPad:

Step 1: Import files into iMessage

Launch iMessage on your Mac, then drag and drop the located photos, videos or messages into the input box.

Step 2: Open files on iOS

Turn to your iPhone or iPad, and receive the files that were transferred just now. After the files have been delivered, tap it to open and read it.

Step 3: Save and open the files

You can also save it to the local space of your iOS device, or choose to use other apps to open the files.

Conclusion

Above is all the content about how to transfer files to iPhone/ iPad. This passage lists four different solutions, and you can choose any one based on your requirements. In particular, Apeaksoft MobieTrans is the most recommended method. With it, you are able to transfer all kinds of files without any limitation. Moreover, this software is safe and secure.

If you have any other query about how to transfer files from PC to iPhone/ iPad, please share your thoughts in the comment.