Windows 11 · Windows
Transfer Files Between a Windows PC and iPhone
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
AirDrop works between Apple devices, not Windows PCs. For a Windows–iPhone transfer, use Apple Devices with a cable for apps that support file sharing, or use iCloud Drive for files you want available on devices signed in to the same Apple Account.
Choose a supported method
Use Apple Devices with a cable for files that an iPhone app supports for file sharing, or choose iCloud Drive for files you want to access on both devices.
Install Apple Devices on Windows
Install and open the Apple Devices app on a supported Windows PC, then sign in or connect the iPhone as Apple directs.
Connect the iPhone
Connect the iPhone to the Windows PC with a USB or USB-C cable, or use a supported Wi-Fi connection after it has been set up.
Select the iPhone
In Apple Devices, select the connected iPhone from the sidebar.
Open Files
Select Files in the sidebar to see iPhone apps that support file sharing.
Transfer supported files
Drag the chosen file from Windows into the supported app in the Apple Devices window. The file is immediately available in that app on the iPhone.
Use iCloud Drive for shared files
For files that should stay available across devices, put them in iCloud Drive and use the same Apple Account where required.
Eject before disconnecting
Select Eject in Apple Devices before unplugging the iPhone after a cable transfer.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the iPhone does not appear in Apple Devices, check the cable, unlock the iPhone, and use Apple’s device-not-appearing help before reinstalling drivers.
- If an app is missing from the Files list, that app does not support file sharing. Use iCloud Drive or the app’s own documented sharing method instead.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.