DeviceHowTo
iPhone (iOS)⏱ 5 min

How to Transfer Files to Another Device on iPhone (iOS)

Move photos, documents, and files wirelessly or via cable to a PC or phone.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

iOS file transfers are intentionally sandboxed — each app manages its own documents folder, so files don't live in a shared file system the way they do on desktop. The Files app bridges this by showing iCloud Drive, third-party connections (Google Drive, Dropbox), and the On My iPhone section where app folders are accessible. For computer transfers, a Lightning or USB-C cable to Mac Finder (or iTunes on Windows) lets you add and remove files from individual app folders, and AirDrop handles device-to-device transfers wirelessly at high speed.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Use AirDrop: open the Share Sheet on the file, tap AirDrop, and select the nearby Mac or iPhone. Or use Files app > iCloud Drive for wireless sync.
  2. 2Drag files between the device and the File Explorer / Finder window, or confirm Nearby Share / AirDrop acceptance on the target device.
  3. 3Safely eject the device before unplugging the cable.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to transfer files from a phone to iPhone (iOS)?
AirDrop works at Wi-Fi Direct speeds and needs no cables — it is the fastest option for Apple-to-Apple transfers.
Why is my iPhone (iOS) not recognising my phone over USB?
The most common cause is the phone defaulting to Charging Only mode instead of File Transfer when connected. Swipe down on the phone notification bar and tap the USB connection type option, then select File Transfer or MTP. Also try a different cable — many cables are charge-only with no data wires.
Can I transfer files between iPhone (iOS) and iPhone wirelessly?
Yes. AirDrop works between iPhones and Macs. For transfer to Android or Windows, use iCloud.com, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
How do I transfer files larger than 1 GB on iPhone (iOS)?
For files over 1 GB, USB cable transfer is the most reliable option. Cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive) can handle large files but require sufficient storage quota and a fast internet connection for the upload. Wi-Fi Direct methods like AirDrop and Nearby Share handle large files well over local Wi-Fi without using internet data.

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