[Ultimate Guide] How to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Mac?

Whether it's office documents, photos, videos, or music, many iPhone users need to transfer files between their iPhone and Mac. Storing some files on the Mac not only helps free up space on the iPhone but also serves as a data backup. Therefore, knowing how to transfer files between iPhone and Mac is essential. Fortunately, with the five methods provided in this article, you can do file transfer between Mac and iPhone without hassle.

Part 1. How to Transfer Files Between iPhone and Mac Using iOS Assistant

The first option on our list for transferring files between iPhone and Mac is Coolmuster iOS Assistant. It is the most reliable software to share files from iPhone to computer and vice versa. This professional iOS file management tool supports one-click batch transfer of various file types, including photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, etc., and also supports backup and recovery functions.

Highlights of iOS Assistant:

• Transfer files from iPhone to Mac or Mac to iPhone quickly.
• Preview and select files before transfer.
• Backup and restore all data on your iPhone/iPad/iPod with a single click.
• Support a variety of files such as contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes, bookmarks, books, calendars, apps, and more.
• Easily import contacts, bookmarks, calendars, books, iTunes backups, and other data from your computer to your iDevice.
• Freely add, edit, or delete files saved on iOS devices from a computer.
• The latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 are supported.

Here is how to transfer data from iPhone to MacBook or vice versa using iOS Assistant:

01Install the software on your Mac computer and link the device using a lightning cable. The software will detect your phone automatically, and a pop-up message will show on the screen on your computer.

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02Hit the "Trust" option and press "Continue" to proceed. When the device gets detected, you'll see all files arranged in folders in the main interface.

03Click on the file type in the left menu, such as "Contacts".

• If you want to copy from iPhone to Mac, select the files you want to transfer, click "Export", choose the save path, and the files will be automatically transferred to the Mac.
• If you want to copy from Mac to iPhone, click "Import", select the files on your Mac for transfer, and the files will sync to the iPhone.

Part 2. How to Move Files Between iPhone and Mac with Finder/iTunes

Apple provides official file transfer methods, Finder (for macOS Catalina and later) and iTunes (for macOS Mojave and earlier), allowing users to transfer files supported by certain apps between Mac and iPhone, such as Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and some third-party app files.

2.1 Using Finder

In macOS Catalina and later, Finder replaces iTunes as the iPhone device management tool. You can use Finder to transfer files from Mac to iPhone, or from iPhone to Mac.

Here is how to transfer files from iPhone to Mac or vice versa using cable:

Step 1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the Mac.

Step 2. Open Finder on the Mac and locate your iPhone device in the left sidebar.

Step 3. Click on the iPhone device and select "Files" from the top menu.

Step 4. Start to transfer files between iPhone and Mac.

• From iPhone to Mac: Find the files you want to export and drag them into a folder on your Mac.
• From Mac to iPhone: Drag the files into the iPhone app within the Finder window to complete the transfer.

2.2 Using iTunes

If your Mac is running macOS Mojave or an earlier version, you need to use iTunes for file transfer.

Here is how to transfer data from iPhone to Mac or vice versa using iTunes:

Step 1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the Mac and open iTunes.

Step 2. Click the device icon and select "File Sharing" from the left sidebar.

Step 3. Select an app that supports file sharing, such as Pages or Keynote.

Step 4. Start to transfer files between Mac and iPhone.

• From iPhone to Mac: After selecting the files, click "Save to" and choose the target location on the Mac.
• From Mac to iPhone: Click "Add File" and select the files on your Mac for transfer.

Part 3. How to Transfer Files Between Mac and iPhone via iCloud

If you want to sync files without using a cable, iCloud is a great option. It allows you to seamlessly sync photos, documents, and other files between your Mac and iPhone. However, the free space is limited to 5GB, and additional storage requires a paid plan.

Here is how to upload files from iPhone to Mac or vice versa via iCloud:

Step 1. Head to "Settings" and click on the "your name" option at the top. Scroll down to get to "iCloud" and hit on its option. From there, switch on the "iCloud Drive" option.

Step 2. On the Mac, head to "Apple menu", to "System Preferences", then locate "iCloud". From there, you should choose the "iCloud Drive" option.

Step 3. The files will then automatically sync and can be accessed in iCloud Drive or the relevant apps. (iCloud Drive not syncing?)

Part 4. How to Share Between iPhone and MacBook via AirDrop

If your iCloud storage is full and you don't want to purchase additional space, is there another way to transfer data from iPhone to Mac or Mac to iPhone wirelessly? Of course. You still have AirDrop as a great option to move your files wirelessly.

How do I AirDrop files from iPhone to Mac or Mac to iPhone?

Step 1. On your iPhone, open the "Control Center", long press on the "Bluetooth" icon, tap "AirDrop", and select "Everyone".

Step 2. On your Mac, open "Finder", click "Go" in the menu bar, choose "AirDrop", and set it to allow your device to be discovered by "Everyone".

Step 3. Select files and start to transfer.

• To AirDrop from iPhone to Mac, on the iPhone, select photos or documents, tap "Share" > select the Mac device.
• To AirDrop from Mac to iPhone, on the Mac, right-click the file, choose "Share" > "AirDrop" > select the iPhone device.

Step 4. On the other device, click "Accept", and the file will be saved automatically.

Part 5. How to Copy Files Between Mac and iPhone Using Email

If you only need to transfer a small number of files (such as documents, PDFs, small images, or audio files), email is a simple and quick method. Through email attachments, you can easily share files between your iPhone and Mac without the need for a cable or third-party apps. However, there is a limit to the attachment size, usually no more than 25MB.

Here is how to move files from iPhone to Mac or vice versa using email:

Step 1. Open the email app on your iPhone or Mac, such as Gmail or Apple Mail.

Step 2. Compose a new email and attach the files.

Step 3. Send the email to your own email address and download the attachment on the other device.

Summary

That's all about how to transfer files between iPhone and Mac. We have introduced a total of 5 methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Coolmuster iOS Assistant: Ideal for batch transfers, supports multiple file types, highly recommended.
• Finder/iTunes: Suitable for transferring app files, but with limited functionality.
• iCloud: Perfect for cloud synchronization, but free storage is limited.
• AirDrop: Wireless and fast transfer, but devices need to be nearby.
• Email: Best for transferring small files, but slower in speed.

If you need an efficient and comprehensive file management solution, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is the best choice!

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