Transfer files from PC to iPhone in 4 steps
- Open localfiletransfer.com on your iPhone in Safari. You’ll see the iPhone’s name at the top of the card.
- Open the same address on your PC. Chrome, Edge or Firefox all work. On the same Wi-Fi, your iPhone appears on the PC’s radar within a few seconds.
- Drag files onto your iPhone’s icon. Or click the icon and pick files. You can send many at once.
- Tap Accept on the iPhone, then Save. Safari saves them to the Files app, in Downloads.
Tip: keep the iPhone’s screen on and Safari in front until the transfer finishes. iPhone pauses pages that go into the background.
Where the files go on your iPhone
Received files are in the Files app, under On My iPhone → Downloads (or iCloud Drive → Downloads, depending on your Safari settings). From there:
- Photos and videos: open the file, tap Share, then Save Image or Save Video to add it to Photos.
- PDFs and documents: open them right in Files, or tap Share to open them in Books, Word or another app.
- Music: MP3 files play in Files. Adding them to the Music app’s library needs a sync with the Apple Devices app.
Send a link or text to your iPhone
For a link, an address or a code, open Chat on the PC, pick your iPhone and paste it in. It appears on the iPhone, ready to copy or open.
Using a shared folder (Files app → Connect to Server)
If you move files between the same PC and iPhone every day, a shared folder also works with no app:
- On the PC, right-click a folder, choose Properties → Sharing → Advanced Sharing and tick Share this folder.
- Find the PC’s IP address (Settings → Network & internet → your Wi-Fi → Properties).
- On the iPhone, open Files → Browse, tap •••, choose Connect to Server and enter smb:// followed by the IP address.
- Sign in with your Windows account name and password, then copy files from the shared folder.
It takes a few minutes to set up and only works on your own network. For a quick transfer, the steps at the top of this page are faster.
Other ways to get files from PC to iPhone
| Method | Cable | Install | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local File Transfer (this page) | No | Nothing | Quick transfers, any PC |
| Apple Devices app (replaces iTunes) | Yes, or Wi-Fi sync after setup | Windows app | Syncing music and videos to the iPhone’s apps |
| iCloud Drive | No | iCloud for Windows | Files you also want in the cloud |
| Email to yourself | No | Nothing | One small file; attachment limits apply |
If your iPhone doesn’t appear
- Check the Wi-Fi. Both devices must be on the same network. Guest networks often keep devices apart.
- Turn off VPNs and ad-blocking apps while you transfer.
- iPhone not showing up? If iCloud Private Relay is on, Safari hides your network, so the iPhone can’t be found nearby. Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap ⓘ next to your network and turn off iCloud Private Relay, or connect with a code instead.
- Keep Safari open. If the iPhone locks or you switch apps, open the page again and tap Scan.
- Tap Scan at the top of the card for a fresh search.
- Use a code. On one device, tap Nearby devices → Create a code; on the other, tap Enter a code or scan the QR code. This works even on different networks or mobile data.
Questions
How do I transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes?
Open localfiletransfer.com on your iPhone in Safari and on your PC, on the same Wi-Fi. Drag files onto your iPhone’s icon on the PC, then tap Accept and Save on the iPhone.
Where do the files go on my iPhone?
In the Files app, in Downloads. Open a photo or video there and tap Share, then Save Image or Save Video to add it to Photos.
Can I transfer files from PC to iPhone without a cable?
Yes. This method uses your Wi-Fi. If the devices are on different networks, connect them with a six-digit code or QR code instead.
Can I send videos from my PC to the iPhone’s Photos app?
Yes. Send the video, then open it in the Files app, tap Share and choose Save Video. Formats the iPhone can play, such as MP4 and MOV, work best.
Is there a file size limit?
We don’t set one. The iPhone needs enough free storage, and Safari must stay open on screen until the transfer finishes.
Do I need to install anything on the PC?
No. Any modern browser on the PC works. The Apple Devices app is only needed if you want to sync music into the Music app.
What is the fastest way to transfer files from PC to iPhone?
For a few files, a browser-based transfer over Wi-Fi is quickest to start: open localfiletransfer.com on both devices and drag the files onto your iPhone. For large regular transfers, a USB cable or a shared folder can be faster.
Can I AirDrop from PC to iPhone?
Not with AirDrop itself, which only works between Apple devices (and some newer Android phones). A browser method like localfiletransfer.com works the same way between a Windows PC and an iPhone.