Easy! How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Wirelessly

How to transfer files from iPhone to Windows laptop/desktop without USB? Here are 4 ways to help you make it. Or you can turn to a better wired option to share large files from iPhone to PC.

By @Kathy Last Updated November 15, 2024
 

Anyway to transfer files from iPhone to PC wirelessly and keep metadata?

I want to transfer all my photos com iPhone to PC but using the cable takes forever and fails all the time, it simply doesn't work. Can I connect iPhone to PC wirelessly? I want to transfer using wifi and keep files metadata to order them by 'date taken'.

- Question from Reddit

When you need to add iPhone files like photos, videos, contacts, etc. to PC to edit, share or save as a backup, wireless ways may help you a lot. You can easily use an AirDrop-like method to finish the process without USB cables. Which one is most useful? How can you easily make it? Read this passage to get all the answers!

Method Connection Large File Transfer Effectiveness Storage Limitation
Bluetooth Wireless Slow low No Limitation
iCloud Wireless Depends on Internet Medium 5 GB for free
SHAREIt Wireless Medium Medium No Limitation
iTunes Wireless Depends on Internet Medium No Limitation
FoneToolπŸ”₯ Wired Super-fast High - 3 Steps No Limitation

Method 1. How to transfer files from iPhone to PC wirelessly - Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an ideal choice to help you connect iPhone to PC wirelessly. However, this method has limitations on the number and type of files that can be transferred. If you only need to transfer a small number of photos, videos, etc., this approach is feasible.

Step 1. Open the Settings or Connectivity on your computer, and set the Bluetooth as discoverable.

Step 2. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone and achieve the same.

Step 3. Search for your PC in devices and click on it > Connect 2 devices by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 4. Once the connection is connected, you can go to Bluetooth file transfer and select Send files > Tap the name of the PC > Select Browse to search the files on iPhone > Click on the Next or Send button to import iPhone data to PC.

Method 2. How to transfer files from iPhone to laptop/desktop without USB - iCloud

Using iCloud Drive can be another available way to share iPhone files to PC wirelessly. You can upload iPhone files to iCloud Drive first, then download them to your PC.

⚠️ Note: iCloud Drive shares the free 5GB of storage space with iCloud, for large file transfer, you may need to buy more storage or turn to another way.

Preparation: How to upload files from iPhone to iCloud Drive

Step 1. Go to Settings app on your iPhone > Tap [your name] > iCloud > Turn on iCloud Drive.

Step 2. Open the Files app > Click On My iPhone > Choose the documents you need to copy to iCloud Drive > Go to the iCloud Drive, and long press to paste the files to iCloud Drive.

Once the documents are uploaded successfully, now you can go to iCloud Drive from your PC to download the files you need. Here we offer 2 ways for you to finish the download process, if you need to download lots of large files, Option 2 can help you a lot.

Option 1. How to download iCloud Drive data to PC via official web

This option allows you to access your iCloud Drive data from PC directly through a web browser, without the need to install any additional software.

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com from the browser > Sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Click the Drive icon > Tap the download icon to save your iCloud Drive files to your computer.

Option 2. How to access iCloud Drive from PC quickly

To import files from iCloud Drive to PC, the professional iCloud manager - FoneTool might be a good helper.

Highlights:
· Easily manage iCloud (Drive) data including photos, videos, contacts, notes or other files.
· Efficiently download, upload and delete iCloud (Drive) data from PC as you like.
· 100+ high-quality photos can be downloaded in 2 minutes without any data leakage.
· FoneTool adopts two-factor authentication to protect your iCloud data security.

Click the download button and learn from the steps below to store iCloud Drive files to PC.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Install and launch FoneTool > Go to My iCloud > Log in with your Apple ID > Choose Manage iCloud.

Step 2. Go to iCloud Drive > Choose files you need > Click the Download button to transfer files from iPhone to laptop without USB.

Method 3. How to make iPhone to PC file transfer online - SHAREIt

For people who need to know: “Can I use AirDrop from iPhone to PC”, the answer is No! But you can use an AirDrop-like way to finish the transfer. Then SHAREIt can be so nice.

Step 1. Install SHAREit on your iPhone and PC > Launch the app on your iPhone and your computer.

Step 2. Tap on Connect PC/Mac on your iPhone > Select Scan to Connect.

Step 3. Choose Show QR Code from PC and use your iPhone to scan the QR code.

Step 4. Once the connection is established, choose the iPhone files you need to transfer and click on Send.

Method 4. How to transfer files from iPhone to Windows PC - iTunes

Except for wired connection between iPhone and Windows PC, iTunes also offers a wireless option to help you transfer files. It may be somewhat complex to use, but it functions very well and can even transfer data from within certain apps on the iPhone.

Step 1. Download the latest iTunes and install it on your computer > Connect your device to your computer.

Step 2. Launch iTunes and set up the Wi-Fi syncing option: Click the Device button near the top left of the iTunes window > Click Summary > Select the checkbox for Sync with this [device] over Wi-Fi > Click Apply.

Step 3. Click File Sharing, and now you will see a list of apps on your iPhone > Select the app on your device that you want to transfer a file from.

Step 4. Choose the files you need to move in the list > Click Save to > Select where you want to save the file, then click Save To to add your iPhone files.

Best alternative to transfer files from iPhone to PC with USB

Wireless transfer can be so convenient to help you move files between iPhone and PC. But when you need to transfer a large number of documents, like high-quality photos or 4K videos, wireless ways are limited. You may experience a troublesome & slow transfer speed during the process.

Then using a USB connection with the professional iPhone data transfer software - FoneTool can be a better alternative way.

FoneTool

Powerful & Free iPhone Data Transfer Software

  • Transfer unlimited files between iPhone and PC as you like.
  • Easily preview and move photos, videos, music, contacts and ringtones.
  • 100 + high-quality photos can be moved in 1 minute with no data compression.
  • Safe & stable USB connections ensure the process is seamless.
  • Various iOS devices/versions are supported (iPhone 16/iOS 18).

Now you can download FoneTool on your PC and follow the steps to get a wired transfer process.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the Windows PC with a USB cable. Launch FoneTool > Go to Phone Transfer > Choose iPhone to PC and click Get Started.

Step 2. Choose the icon you need > Select data to transfer and click OK.

Step 3. Change file storage location from the Transfer Settings to save documents on PC > Click Start Transfer to begin.

πŸ‘‰οΈ Tip: With this tool, you can also transfer files from PC to iPhone.

Conclusion

This guide tells you about how to transfer files from iPhone to PC wirelessly. You can choose the most suitable way to meet your needs. If you need to start a large file transfer, then the professional iPhone data transfer software named FoneTool can be a better alternative.