Transfer Files Between iPhone and Mac: All Available Ways

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

Apple’s ecosystem, in virtually all areas of use, is wonderful. Information flows directly between the devices that make it upPart of this ecosystem is AirDrop, one of the best ways to transfer files between iPhone, iPad and Mac. Previously on iPadizate we shared with you how to use AirDrop on the Mac. In this article we will teach you other ways to transfer files focusing exclusively between the iPhone and the Mac.. Because of the almost shared operating system between iOS and iPadOS, the iPad could also enter into this file transfer equation.

The reasons behind file transfer

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

Things change when we use a Mac, the range of options to be performed expands. and it is the practice of being able to have a larger screen and keyboard. Surely your day at home or in the office is centered on the Mac and when outside you use the iPhone or you take the laptop (if you have one) to use it all day. Whatever the activity, We generate files on a daily basis 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

Perhaps this practice is one of the first known and used for years.Before almost everything went wireless, transferring files required a cable. It is currently the most viable option because you do not need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth..

In this example we are going to see how to transfer photos and videos by connecting the iPhone to the Mac. Take into account 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 the Launchpad
2. Connect your iPhone via the Lightning/USB-C cable to your Mac. You will need to unlock it for the Mac to access the content
3. All available photo and video content will then be loaded.
4. On the bottom, Select the destination folder where the transferred content will be saved
5. Select the content to transfer and then click the Download buttonIf you want to transfer all the photos and videos from your iPhone, click Download All.
6. A small window will appear where you will see the progress of the transfer, once it disappears it will mean that the transfer has concluded.
7. Go to Finder and then open the folder containing the downloaded files

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

Transfer files in general with the help of iCloud Drive

The following method applies to an iPhone and Mac that have the same Apple IDotherwise it won’t work. This also applies to all file types.

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

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

If you are used to using AirDrop but for some reason it doesn’t workin my very personal case with a 2011 MacBook Pro, 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 must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and this incredible solution takes care of the rest.

As with AirDrop, it will take longer to transfer large content, so Make sure to use it when it comes to lighter transfers such as documents, some urgent images, etc..

1. Opens Snapdrop in your preferred browser 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 option Choose files
4. Explore inside the Files app and Select the file to transfer
5. Then tap on the Open button
6. On the Mac you will receive a notification window, click Save and then choose the destination location
7. Confirm the location in Save

Use a cloud other than iCloud

Google Drive and iCloud are two of the best cloud storage services

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

We reiterate the following, Take into account the weight of your content to be transferred and the internet speed both upload and download.. That will totally influence the time the file transfer will take.

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