In our daily lives, it's quite common for us to share files between our devices. For example, you may need to transfer a file between iPhone and Mac, transfer photos from PC to iPhone, or copy contacts from one iPhone to another. Among these needs, the urgency to learn how to transfer files from Mac to iPhone or iPhone to Mac seems to take the priority over others. That's probably because it's less familiar and comparatively more difficult. Given that, here we provide SEVEN ways for you to transfer files between an iPhone and Mac. Whether you want to send a file from Mac to iPhone or transfer media from iPhone to Mac, these ways will help. (You can also apply some of the tips to transfer files between PC to iPad if you need to.)
How to Transfer Files between iPhone and Mac in 7 Ways
When you choose the way to send files from Mac to iPhone or from iPhone to Mac, you should take the specific file type(s) that you want to transfer into consideration, since each of the methods below has its own supported file types. With this in mind, read on and select the aptest way to transfer documents, photos, or other data between your Mac and iPhone within minutes.
Here is how to easily transfer any kind of content to iPhone or iPad: Launch iMazing and connect your device to your Mac or PC. Select your device in the sidebar; Drag and drop files or folders to your device in iMazing's window; Pick the app you want to transfer your content to, and click Transfer.
Method 1. Transfer Files from Mac to iPhone or Vice Versa with Data Transfer Software
Supported Files: Photos, Videos, Audio Files (Music, Ringtones, Voice Memos, Audiobooks), Books, Contacts (in HTML), Messages (from iPhone to Mac)
If you want to transfer media like photos, videos, or music from Mac to your iPhone or from iPhone to Mac, you can use the reliable iOS data transfer software - EaseUS MobiMover. With it, you can share files between a Mac and an iOS device (iPhone/iPad in iOS 8 or later) or between two iOS devices. For example, you are able to send a single file, multiple files, or all of these files with different types between your iPhone and Mac at once.
To transfer files from Mac to iPhone:
Step 1. Connect your new iPhone to your Mac via a USB cable and tap 'Trust This Computer' on your device if a pop-up appears. Launch EaseUS MobiMover and navigate to 'Mac to Phone' on the main interface like the sample image below. Click 'Select Files' to start the process of transferring files from Mac to iDevice.
Step 2. You can browse files on your Mac and choose the items you want to transfer. After that, click 'Open.'
Step 3. You can preview the selected files on the right panel. If you want to add new items to transfer at this step, click 'Add File' or directly drag files and drop to the appointed area. Finally, click 'Transfer' to start transferring data from your Mac to iPhone at once. Don't disconnect your iPhone while transferring. When the process finished, go to the corresponding location on your iPhone and open the right application to check the synced data.
Other than the case of sharing files between the Mac and your iPhone/iPad, EaseUS MobiMover can also help when you:
- Transfer files between PC and iPhone
- Copy data from iPhone to iPhone
- Download videos from websites (YouTube, Vimeo, Metacafe..) to a computer or iPhone/iPad
- View iPhone content on a computer
As an iOS device user, you will find yourself need such a tool at one time or another. Get EaseUS MobiMover right now and let it be your good helper.
Method 2. Share Files Between iPhone and Mac with AirDrop
Supported Files: Photos, Videos, Websites, Locations, and More
AirDrop is the built-in file-sharing utility on iOS devices and Macs. With AirDrop enabled, you are allowed to send files between two iOS devices or between an iOS device and Mac over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. You can AirDrop contacts from iPhone to iPhone, transfer photos from Mac to iPhone via AirDrop, and more. Therefore, when you want to transfer files between iPhone and Mac, using AirDrop is practical.
To transfer files between iPhone and Mac via AirDrop:
Step 1. Turn on AirDrop on iPhone/iPad.
- Open 'Control Center' on your iOS device.
- Make sure both 'Bluetooth' and 'Wi-Fi' are on, tap on 'AirDrop' and set your iPhone to be discovered by 'Contacts Only' or 'Everyone'.
Step 2. Turn on AirDrop on Mac.
- Go to 'Finder' > 'Go' > 'AirDrop' and switch on 'Bluetooth' and 'WiFi' to turn on AirDrop on your Mac.
- Set the option 'Allow to be discovered by' as 'Everyone' or 'Contacts Only'.
Step 3. Use AirDrop to share files between Mac and iPhone/iPad.
Now you can send files from Mac to iPhone or iPad using AirDrop freely. There are two ways to transfer files from Mac to your iPhone with AirDrop. (Here transferring photos from Mac to iPhone/iPad is set as an example.)
Drag the photos you want to send from Mac to iPhone to the image of the recipient and click 'Send'.
Or you can click the 'Share' button in an App, choose 'AirDrop', choose the recipient and then click 'Done'.
Or you can click the 'Share' button in an App, choose 'AirDrop', choose the recipient and then click 'Done'.
Learn what to do if AirDrop is not working on your iPhone.
Method 3. Send Files from Mac to iPhone or iPhone to Mac via Email
Supported Files: Photos, Videos, Documents..
Any file that you can add to your email as an attachment can be transferred between your Mac and iPhone.
If you want to transfer files from Mac to iPhone, create a new email on your computer and add the files you intend to send as the email attachments and then send the email to your own account. Afterward, check the email on the iPhone and then download the items to your iOS device. Similarly, if you want to send files from an iPhone to Mac, create an email and send it to the Mac via the Email app.
Ways like using AirDrop or email may take you a long time to transfer files, depending on the size of the files and the quality of the network connection. You are recommended to try these methods if you just have several files in a small size to transfer. If not, try other solutions that will save you lots of time instead.
Method 4. Sync Files Between iPhone and Mac via iCloud Drive
Supported Files: Word Documents, PPTs, Excel Files, and More
iCloud Drive enables users to store files in iCloud and access these items from iCloud.com, Macs, PCs, and iOS devices. You can decide what folders and files to be saved in iCloud Drive. With iCloud Drive on, you can access these files on all of your devices that have the same Apple ID. (If iCloud Drive is not syncing, learn how to fix it first from the article.)
To sync files between iPhone and Mac via iCloud Drive:
Step 1. Turn on iCloud Drive on your iPhone and Mac.
- On iPhone: Go to 'Settings' > [your name] > 'iCloud' and scroll down to turn on 'iCloud Drive'.
- On Mac: Go to the Apple menu > 'System Preferences' > 'iCloud' and then select 'iCloud Drive'.
Step 2. Upload the files you'd like to transfer in iCloud Drive from the source device.
![Transfer Files From Mac To Iphone App Transfer Files From Mac To Iphone App](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126430436/646819290.jpg)
Step 3. Download the files in iCloud Drive in the target device.
If you don't know how to upload files to or download files from iCloud Drive, read the user guide from Apple Support to get the details.
Method 5. Transfer Files from Mac to iPhone or Conversely with Dropbox
Supported Files: Photos, Videos, Word Documents, Excel Files, PPTs, Text Files, Zip Files, Audio Files..
Other than iCloud, other cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive also allows you to transfer files between an iPhone and Mac. Let's take Dropbox as an example.
To share files between iPhone and Mac via Dropbox:
Step 1. Download and install Dropbox on both your Mac and iPhone. And log in the app with the same Dropbox account.
Step 2. To transfer files from Mac to iPhone, upload the items to Dropbox from the Mac; To send files from iPhone to Mac, upload the data from iPhone to Dropbox.
Step 3. Go to the Dropbox app on the target device to check and download the files. (Ensure the devices are under stable network connections.)
Method 6. Send Files from Mac to iPhone via Syncing
Supported Files: Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, Audiobook, Books, Photos, Documents..
If you are using the latest macOS Catalina on your Mac, you can directly transfer files between the Mac and iPhone via USB cable or over the same Wi-Fi connection by syncing.
To share files between iPhone and Mac via a USB cable:
Step 1. Use a USB cable to connect the devices.
Step 2. Go to 'Finder' and select your iDevice.
Step 3. Select the types you want to share, including Music, Movies, Files, and more and then you will see a list of apps.
Step 4. Drag a file or files from a Finder window onto the app to start transfer files from Mac to iPhone.
To send files between Mac and iPhone over Wi-Fi connection:
Step 1. Set up Wi-Fi syncing.
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac via a USB cable.
- Go to Finder and select your iDevice in the sidebar.
- Switch to the 'General' tab and check the option 'Show this [device] when on Wi-Fi'.
Step 2. Set the syncing settings based on your needs and click 'Apply'.
Step 3. When your iPhone and Mac are connected over Wi-Fi, you can select the iPhone in the sidebar and sync it.
Method 7. Transfer Files Between Mac and iPhone Using iTunes File Sharing
Supported Files: Files created by Keynote, Numbers, Pages
You can share files between your Mac and iPhone via apps that support file sharing. To check whether an app supports this feature, go to see the documentation of it.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 2. In the iTunes app on your Mac, click the 'Device' button above the sidebar of the iTunes window.
Step 3. Choose 'File Sharing'.
Step 4. Select the app you want to transfer a file to or from the list on the left.
Step 5. Start transferring files between the iPhone and Mac.
- To copy files from Mac to iPhone: Click 'Add', select the file you want to transfer, then click 'Add'.
- To send files from iPhone to Mac: Select the file you want to transfer in the list on the right, click 'Save to' and select where you want to save the file. Then click 'Save To' again.
When it has done, you can check the files in the corresponding app or location.
The Bottom Line
Among the seven solutions, there must be one that perfectly satisfies your need to transfer a file between Mac and iPhone. It's necessary to stress that if you decide to transfer files by syncing, then synced files may replace the existing files on the target device. Besides, if you share files via cloud storage services, the files you delete from one device will also be deleted from another. If that's undesired for you, try other ways instead.
I hope this article is helpful to you.
Applies To: iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini; MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and iMac Pro
As you know, it's no doubt that you can transfer files from Mac to your iPad without the help of third-party software, because the iTunes installed on your Mac enables you to do it. However, using iTunes to sync files from Mac to your iPad will inevitably cause data syncing on your device. I guess that's why so many users are searching for 'how to transfer files from Mac to iPad without iTunes' or 'how to transfer files from Mac to iPad wirelessly'. If you are one of them, no worry, you will learn how to import files from Mac to iPad after reading this article, either with or without iTunes. Carry out the method best suited to your needs. (The ways to transfer files from PC to iPad are also provided.)
- Part 1: How to transfer files from Mac to iPad without iTunes
- Method 1: Use EaseUS MobiMover ★★★
- Method 2: Use AirDrop
- Part 2: How to transfer files from Mac to iPad with iTunes
- Method 1: Use iTunes sync
- Method 2: Use iTunes file sharing
Part 1: How to transfer files from Mac to iPad without iTunes
If you prefer to copy files from your Mac to iPad without iTunes to avoid data syncing or want to copy files from Mac to your iPad wirelessly, there are also the ways to do it, either with EaseUS MobiMover or AirDrop. Hp officejet 4500 software for mac. EaseUS MobiMover is a professional iPhone data transfer program in the market. And AirDrop is the built-in feature in Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch that can help you transfer files between Mac and your iPad or between another two AirDrop-supported devices. Follow the steps below to get the details.
![From From](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126430436/581001123.jpeg)
EaseUS MobiMover: Transfer files from Mac to iPad all at once
What can MobiMover do for you?
With MobiMover installed on your Mac or PC, you can:
- Transfer data between the computer and your iOS device (iPhone/iPad in iOS 8 and later) or between two iOS devices. You can also copy files from iPhone/iPad to Mac or sync data from one iDevice to another.
- Manage files on your iPhone/iPad from Mac/PC. With this feature, you can delete iPhone photos from PC effortlessly.
- Download videos from websites to your computer or iPhone/iPad. For example, you can download YouTube videos to iPad to watch them offline.
What are the file types MobiMover supports?
- Photos: Camera Roll, Photo Library, Photo Stream, Photo Videos
- Videos: Movies, TV shows, Music Videos
- Audio: Music, Ringtones, Voice Memos, Audiobooks
- Others: Contacts, Notes, Messages, Voice Mails, Books, and Safari Bookmarks
Photos, videos, Audio, Contacts (in .html format), Books, and Safari bookmarks are what you can transfer from Mac to your iPad.
Just by clicking the button below, you can safely and quickly get the versatile tool installed on your Mac, with which you can enjoy much convenience whenever it comes to iOS data transfer, file management, and video download. Don't hesitate to give it a try NOW!
Step 1. Connect your iPad to your Mac, and click 'Trust' when a prompt appears on your iPad asking you whether to trust this computer > Run EaseUS MobiMover and choose 'Mac to Phone' to move data from Mac to iPad > Click on the 'Select Files' to move on.
Step 2. Go to browse the files you want to transfer. After choosing the desired files, click 'Open'.
Step 3. You can preview the selected files on the right pane, with their detailed file names and file sizes. To add more items to transfer, you can click 'Add Contents' or directly drag files or folders from your Mac to the appointed area. Finally, click 'Transfer' to start transferring the content from your computer to the iPad. Don't disconnect your iPad while transferring. MobiMover enables you to move lots of data at a time without any quantity and size limitation.
AirDrop: Send files from Mac to iPad wirelessly
As mentioned above, you can transfer files between your Mac and iPad using AirDrop, which requires Bluetooth and WiFi to work. (If AirDrop is not working on your Mac, fix the issue first.)
Step 1: Switch on AirDrop on your Mac.
- Go to Finder > Go > AirDrop and then turn on Bluetooth and WiFi. After that, AirDrop will be switched on automatically.
- Set the option Allow to be discovered by in the AirDrop window as Everyone or Contacts Only.
Step 2: Turn on AirDrop on your iPad. (Don't forget to switch on Bluetooth and WiFi at the same time.)
- In iOS 10 and earlier: Swipe up from the bottom of your iPad screen to open Control Center and then click the AirDrop icon to switch on AirDrop.
- In iOS 11: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open Control Center. Press deeply on the module where Airplane Mode locates in, tap on AirDrop and set your iPad to be discovered by Contacts Only or Everyone.
Step 3: Transfer files from Mac to iPad.
Drag the items you want to send from Mac to iPad to the image of the recipient and clickSend.
Or you can click the Sharebutton in an App, choose AirDrop, choose the recipient and then click Done.
Or you can click the Sharebutton in an App, choose AirDrop, choose the recipient and then click Done.
With AirDrop, you can also transfer files from iPhone to Mac wirelessly without iTunes or share content between two iOS devices freely.
Part 2: How to transfer files from Mac to iPad with iTunes
Using iTunes is Apple's official way to transfer files between Mac and iOS devices. To make the transfer process smooth, you'd better update the iTunes on your Mac to its latest version to avoid problems like 'iPhone not connecting to iTunes'. Go to App Store > Updates and your Mac will check for updates automatically. If there is a new version of iTunes or macOS available, click Install to update your iTunes to the latest version. Then follow the steps below to transfer files from Mac to your iPad with iTunes in two ways. (Here transferring photos from Mac to iPad is set as an example.)
iTunes Sync: Sync files from Mac to iPad
Step 1: Connect your iPad to your Mac with a USB cable and run iTunesif it doesn't open automatically.
Step 2: Tap on the Device button and choose Photos.
Step 3: Click the checkbox next to Sync Photos and choose one option from the drop-down menu of Copy Photos.
Step 4: Click Sync to start to import photos from Mac to your iPad.
iTunes File Sharing: Transfer files between Mac and iPad via apps
Note: You can share files between your Mac and iPad via Apps that support file sharing. To check whether an app supports this feature, go to see the documentation of it.
Step 1: Connect your iPad to your Mac.
Step 2: Click the Device icon and chooseFile Sharing.
Step 3: Select the app you want to transfer a file to from the list on the left.
Transfer Files From Computer To Iphone
Step 4: Click Add, choose the file and click Add again.
The Final Words
All the four methods above can be used to transfer files from Mac to iPad. It's hard to say which tip is the best for you because each way supports different file types. If you prefer to transfer photos, videos, and audio from Mac to your iPad, using EaseUS MobiMover in Method 1 could be a better option. While if you intend to copy documents to your iPad, using AirDrop in Method 2 or file sharing in Method 4 is recommended.