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.
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.
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, Coolmuster iOS Assistant provides a reliable and convenient solution for efficient iPhone-to-PC file transfers.
Key Features:
Download the right version on your computer and follow the steps below to use Coolmuster iOS Assistant to transfer files from iPhone to PC.
1.1.1 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.
02Once the software detects your device, the main interface will be displayed, as shown below.
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.
1.1.2 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.
iCloud's 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. You can accomplish the entire transfer process through the iCloud for Windows application or iCloud.com.
1.2.1 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.
1.2.2 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.
Further Reading: How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes? [6 Methods]
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 data from iPhone to laptop using Windows File Explorer:
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.
Windows AutoPlay is a built-in feature of the Windows operating system that allows you to automate certain actions when you connect external devices, such as opening folders, importing photos, or playing music. You can also utilize it to transfer files from iPhone to PC, although this method is limited to transferring photos and video files from your iPhone. Here is how to use Windows AutoPlay to move files from iPhone to PC:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable, and then follow the on-screen prompts on your iPhone to allow trust for this computer. On your PC, a Windows AutoPlay window will pop up, displaying options for what you can do with your iPhone.
Step 2. In the Windows AutoPlay window, select the "Import pictures and videos" option. This prompts the Windows system to scan your iPhone for photos and video files and import them to your PC.
Step 3. During the import process, you have the option to organize, tag, or rotate your files. You can also choose a destination folder, such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, etc. Click the "Import" button to complete the file transfer.
Step 4. Once the import is finished, you can view and manage your iPhone files in the "Pictures" folder on your PC.
Learn More: How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone Without iTunes - 6 Ways
iTunes is an official software provided by Apple that allows you to manage your iOS devices, as well as synchronize and back up 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.
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.
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.
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.
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How to Transfer Files from iPhone to Mac without iTunes [Full Guide]