Transfer Files Between iPhone and Mac: All Available Methods

Need to transfer content from your iPhone to your Mac? Don’t limit yourself to AirDrop, discover all the possible ways to transfer your files

The Apple ecosystem, in virtually every area of ​​use, is wonderful. Information flows directly between the devices that compose it. AirDrop is part of this ecosystem, one of the best ways to transfer files between iPhone, iPad and Mac. Previously on iPadizate, we explained how to use AirDrop on Mac. In this article, we will teach you other ways to transfer files focusing exclusively between iPhone and Mac. Due to the almost shared operating system between iOS and iPadOS, the iPad could also enter this file transfer equation.

Reasons for file transfer

What type of user do you consider yourself to be on a daily basis? Do you focus on one device or use 2 or more to complete tasks? Currently, The iPhone is almost an independent device that allows us to perform most activities from our work or in personal situations. We can check our emails, send files, take pictures and send them through different cloud file management tools, etc.

Things change when you use a Mac, the range of options to achieve expands and it’s the convenience of having a larger screen and keyboard. Your day at home or in the office is probably centered around the Mac and outside, you use the iPhone or take your laptop (if you have it) to use it all day. Whatever the activity, We generate files daily and transferring them between devices is a more common activity than it seems.. What are the options other than AirDrop?

The old reliable, transfer files by cable

This practice is perhaps one of the first known and used for years.. Before almost everything was wireless, transferring files required a cable. Currently, this is the most viable option because you don’t need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth..

In this example, we will see how to transfer photos and videos by connecting iPhone to Mac. Consider one advantage, If they are large files, they will be transferred faster than in AirDrop.

1. Use the Image Capture apptype the name using Spotlight or locate the app from Launchpad
2. Connect your iPhone via Lightning/USB-C cable to your Mac. You will need to unlock it so your Mac can access the content
3. All available photo and video content will then be loaded
4. Down, select the destination folder where the transferred content will be saved
5. Select the content to transfer and then click the Download button. If you want to transfer all the photo and video content from your iPhone, click Download All
6. A small window will appear showing the progress of the transfer, once it disappears it will mean that the transfer is complete
7. Go to Finder and open the folder containing the downloaded files

Remember that the Image Capture method is limited to photos and videos.

Transferring files in general using iCloud Drive

The following method applies to an iPhone and a Mac with the same Apple IDotherwise it won’t work. This applies to all file types as well.

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone
2. Locate the files what you want to transfer to your Mac
3. Once positioned in the folder or location of said files, Click on the 3 dots button then select
4. Right away Tap the file or folder you want to transferthen press the Move button (folder icon at the bottom center of your screen)
5. The files will open as explorer, All you have to do is choose the new location of the file, which in this case will be iCloud Drive
6. Be in iCloud Drive click on Move
7. The transfer speed of this move will depend on the weight of the content and your internet speed
8. Now open Finder on your Mac, then click on iCloud DriveCheck that the content has been transferred correctly

Use an AirDrop alternative if it doesn’t work for you

If you are used to using AirDrop but for some reason it is not workingIn my very personal case with a MacBook Pro 2011, AirDrop no longer works with an iPhone 14 Pro, you can use SnapdropThe only requirement for it to work is that the iPhone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network, this incredible solution takes care of the rest.

Just like AirDrop, transferring large contents will take longer. Make sure to use it for lighter transfers like documents, some urgent images, etc..

1. Open Snapdrop in your browser of choice on Mac and iPhone
2. On the iPhone You will immediately see your Mac, click on it
3. You have several options to choose from, if it is a photo or video, click on the photo library (you can also take a quick photo or video) or on the icon Choose files
4. Explore in the Files app and select the file to transfer
5. Then press the open button
6. On your Mac you will receive a notification window, click Save then choose the destination location
7. Confirm the location in Save

Use a cloud other than iCloud

If you are coming from another operating system other than macOS or iOSFor example, Windows or Android, you may be more familiar with Google Drive or OneDrive for file sharing. On the contrary, you can choose the cloud of your preference to transfer files.

We reiterate the following, Consider the weight of your content to be transferred and the speed of the Internet, both upstream and downloading.. This will totally influence how long the file transfer will take.

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