iOS Assistant
 
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Complete Guide: How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC

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If you're an iPhone user, you likely find yourself frequently needing to transfer files such as photos, videos, and music from your phone to your computer. This allows you to back up your data, save storage space, or enjoy your content on a larger screen. However, do you know the easiest and fastest ways to accomplish this task? In this article, I will introduce five different methods that enable you to effortlessly transfer files from iPhone to PC, whether or not you have iTunes. Let's get started.

how to transfer files from iphone to pc

 

Part 1. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes

Many iPhone users don't like using iTunes to manage and transfer files because of its complicated interface, cumbersome operation, and possible synchronization errors. In this section, we will introduce four methods to achieve iPhone-to-PC transfer without iTunes.

Way 1. Send Files from iPhone to PC via Coolmuster iOS Assistant

The easiest way to transfer files from iPhone to PC is by using Coolmuster iOS Assistant. It is a versatile software designed to facilitate seamless data transfer between iPhones and computers. This user-friendly tool offers efficient solutions for managing and transferring files without the need for iTunes. Whether you need to transfer photos, videos, or other files, iOS Assistant provides a reliable and convenient solution for efficient iPhone-to-PC file transfers.

Key features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

  • Easily transfer iOS files after previewing and selecting them.
  • Import data from PC to iPhone or from iPhone to PC without any hassle.
  • Efficiently manage iOS data on your computer.
  • Compatible with various file types, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes, bookmarks, books, calendars, apps, and more.
  • Conveniently edit, add, or delete data information directly on your iOS device from your PC or Mac.
  • The latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 are included.

Download the right version on your computer and follow the steps below to use this app for transferring files from iPhone to PC.

How to Transfer iPhone Files to PC Selectively

01Launch the application on your PC and connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. A notification window will appear on your computer screen. Choose the "Trust" option on your device, and then click "Continue" to proceed.

connect your iphone to pc

02Once the software detects your device, the main interface will be displayed, as shown below.

the main interface of ios assistant

03Choose the data you want to transfer, such as contacts. Enter the "Contacts" folder and preview more detailed file information. During the preview, select the contacts you want to export to the computer. Finally, click the "Export" option, choose the correct file output format, and initiate the process.

how to copy files from iphone to pc using ios assistant selectively

How to Share Files from iPhone to PC with One Click

01When the software detects your device, switch to the "Super Toolkit" section.

02Click on the "iTunes Backup & Restore" tab on the interface. Select the "Backup" tab, and then choose the device you want to back up from the drop-down menu.

03Choose the location to save the new backup file, either in the default iTunes backup location or anywhere on your preferred computer. Click the "Browse" option, then click the "OK" button to start backing up iOS data.

download files from iphone using ios assistant with one click

Way 2. How to Copy Files from iPhone to PC via Windows File Explorer

If you don't want to download software, Windows users can directly transfer files from iPhone to PC using Windows File Explorer. Windows File Explorer is a built-in file management tool in the Windows operating system. It allows you to browse and manage files and folders on your PC. While it also enables you to transfer files from iPhone to PC, it's important to note that it only supports files of two types: photos and videos.

Here is how to transfer files from iPhone to PC using a USB cable:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable, then follow the on-screen prompts to allow your iPhone to trust this computer.

Step 2. On your PC, open Windows File Explorer, and locate and click on the icon representing your iPhone in the left panel.

Step 3. Double-click on "Internal Storage", then double-click on "DCIM". You will see folders named with numbers containing photos and videos from your iPhone.

Step 4. Open the folder you want to copy from, then select the files you wish to copy or choose "Select All".

Step 5. Right-click on the selected files, then choose "Copy" or "Cut".

Step 6. Navigate to the location where you want to save the files, right-click on an empty space, and select "Paste" to initiate the process of copying files from your iPhone to your PC.

iphone to pc transfer using windows file explorer

Way 3. How to Move Files from iPhone to PC via iCloud

If you want to transfer files from iPhone to PC without cable, iCloud is a good choice. Its main advantage lies in the ability to wirelessly transfer files from iPhone to computer. However, a stable internet connection and sufficient iCloud storage space are necessary (iCloud storage full?). You can accomplish the entire transfer process through the iCloud for Windows application or iCloud.com. Here is how to transfer files from iPhone to PC using iCloud:

How to Transfer iPhone to PC Using iCloud for Windows

Step 1. Ensure that you have iCloud for Windows installed on your PC.

Step 2. Then, launch the iCloud for Windows application and sign in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 3. Once signed in, you'll be presented with options to customize iCloud settings. Choose the items you want to sync, such as Photos, Contacts, Calendars, and more. Click on "Apply" to confirm your selections.

how to transfer iphone files to pc	with icloud for windows

How to Get Files from iPhone to Computer via iCloud.com

Step 1. On your iPhone, open "Settings" and then tap on your Apple ID. Click on "iCloud", then choose the types of files you want to sync, such as photos, and toggle the corresponding switch to enable synchronization.

Step 2. On your PC, open a browser and visit iCloud.com. Log in with your Apple ID.

Step 3. Select the category you want to copy.

Step4. Choose the items you wish to transfer, and then download them to your PC.

send files from iphone to pc with icloud.com

Way 4. Download Files from iPhone Using Email

For transferring small files or a few files, email is also a convenient option. You can send the files as attachments to yourself and then download them on your PC.

Here is how to transfer files from iPhone to PC Wirelessly using email:

Step 1. Open the Mail app on your iPhone and create a new email.

Step 2. Tap the attachment button in the email, select the files you want to transfer and attach them.

Step 3. Send the email to your own email address.

Step 4. On your PC, open your email inbox, find the email you just sent, and download the attachments to your computer.

transfer file from iphone to pc using email

Part 2. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC with iTunes

iTunes is an official software provided by Apple that allows you to manage your iOS devices, as well as back up and restore your data. If you want to transfer files from your iPhone to your PC using iTunes, you need to download and install iTunes on your PC first. Here is how to transfer files from iPhone to PC using iTunes:

2.1 How to Share Files from iPhone to PC via Data Syncing

Step 1. Before initiating the transfer process, organize all the files you wish to transfer into a single folder. Proceed to install the latest version of iTunes on your mobile device.

Step 2. Using a USB data cable, connect your iPhone to the PC. Once the connection is established, unlock your phone by entering the password.

Step 3. Click on "Trust" to initiate the transfer process. Now, open iTunes, click on your device, and choose the type of files you want to transfer, such as photos, books, music, or podcast files.

Step 4. Click the "Sync" button, select the folder or files you want to transfer, and then click the "Apply" button. The data will be backed up on iTunes, and you can retrieve the files from there on any device.

how to transfer data from iphone to laptop	with itunes data syncing

2.2 How to Transfer Files from iPhone to Windows via File Sharing

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB data cable, and then launch iTunes on the computer.

Step 2. From the "Devices" section of the iTunes window, select your device. Then, navigate to the "File Sharing" option.

Step 3. A list of shareable files will appear, and you can choose files by either dragging and dropping or clicking the "Save to" button.

transfer files from iphone to windows with itunes file sharing

Part 3. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to transfer files from iPhone to PC via Bluetooth?

You cannot Bluetooth transfer files from iPhone to PC. While Bluetooth is available on both devices, iOS does not support file transfer over Bluetooth to a PC. Bluetooth on iPhones is primarily used for connecting to accessories like headphones, speakers, or other Apple devices. However, you can transfer files between an iPhone and a Mac via Bluetooth using AirDrop.

Q2. Why can't transfer files from iPhone to PC?

If you're unable to transfer files from iPhone to PC, it could be due to the following reasons:

  • Connection issues: Ensure that the USB cable and port are functioning properly.
  • Unauthorized device access: Make sure that your iPhone allows the PC to access the device (select "Trust This Device" on the iPhone).
  • Driver issues: Check if your computer has the latest device drivers installed.
  • Software version issues: Ensure that iTunes or the relevant software is updated to the latest version.

The Bottom Line

This article introduces five methods to transfer files from iPhone to PC, regardless of whether you have iTunes. You can choose the method that suits your preferences and needs. However, if you are looking for a simple, fast, comprehensive, and secure solution, we strongly recommend using Coolmuster iOS Assistant. It is a professional iOS data management software that allows you to transfer all files from iPhone to PC with just one click. Additionally, it provides the option to selectively transfer your preferred files. You can download and try Coolmuster iOS Assistant, and we believe you will find it highly satisfactory.

Related Articles:

[5 Ways] How to Transfer Videos from iPhone to PC Windows 10/11?

7 Effective Ways to Transfer Files from iPhone to Mac with Ease

How to Transfer Notes from iPhone to Computer Easily? (Top 4 Ways)

How to Transfer Music from iPhone to Computer Effectively? (5 Tips)

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