In the multi-machine world where one person constantly moves between devices and has files distributed among them. There are instances while we need a few sets of files that existed in another device that we use. We need unified ways to move files between devices. Here are the best ways to share files between iPhone, iPad and Mac
1.AirDrop
To use Apple’s native solution for inter-device file transfer AirDrop. The basic idea of AirDrop is that sharing files between nearby devices should be as easy as dragging and dropping files to the devices on the AirDrop list.
Ensure that both devices support AirDrop feature.
- On your Mac, switch to Finderand open the menu Go. We can find AirDrop (Command + Shift + R) option on supported devices.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
- On your iOS devices, slide up to open Command Center. The AirDrop icon will show up if your device is supported.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
Note that the feature is also limited by your hardware model. Older Mac prior to 2012 model might not be able to use AirDrop even though the software supports it.
To send items from a Mac, drag and drop the files to one of the person/device shown in the AirDrop window.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
Use Share option if we need to send files from iOS devices. Then choose your destination.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
2.Handoff
Handoff is a Continuity feature that connects all devices in Apple’s ecosystem. Handoff allows to work on a document, email, or message on one device and continue the work in another. Handoff works with Apple apps like Mail, Safari, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote with the addition of some third-party apps.
To use Handoff, all of the compatible devices must connect to the same WiFi network and have the Bluetooth turned on. We can see if there’s a work that we can continue from another device by looking at the little Handoff logo on the app’s icon.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
Handoff is not exactly moving files between Mac and iOS devices, but if your goal to move files is to continue working on it, then Handoff can fit the bill. It is similar to AirDrop, this feature is not supported by pre-2012 Mac.
3.iTunes File Sharing
To share files between Mac and iOS is to use iTunes File Sharing. This method might be less convenient compared to other methods because it requires to connect the iOS device to the Mac using cable. To use iTunes File Sharing, we have to open iTunes and connect the iOS device using the cable that comes along with it. Then choose the connected device from the device list, choose the Apps from the sidebar, and scroll to the bottom of the main pane.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
Here we can see all the compatible file-sharing apps, and we can add files to the apps or download them to your Mac’s local hard drive.
4.Emails, Messages, and other IMs
The way of moving files between devices is using emails. we can attach the files to an email that we send to yourself from one device, and open the email and download the attachments on another device. This method is easy, accessible to virtually anyone. The variation of this method is sending the files to yourself using Apple’s Messages or other Instant Messengers like whatsapp and Telegram. Modern IMs have advanced to a messaging system that’s capable of sending various types of files. Some like Telegram even take the feature further by adding features like encryption and self-destructing attachments.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
But there are limitations to using IMs to send files. The first one is about the file type. Most IMs limit the feature to media files like images, sounds, and videos. Another limitation is in the file size, which is usually near 100 Mb.
5.Team Communication Apps
Many technologists requested that the next development of communication method would be in the form of team communication systems like Slack, Quip, and Hipchat. These services pushed as the next generation is their ability to integrate other services into their own to customize and improve the capabilities according to users’ needs. For example, if a user needs the ability to distribute files to other team members and it can easily integrate Dropbox feature, store the files in Dropbox storage, and share the link to the team member. Altogether is done with a single upload click.
This setting is perfect for our need to move files between Mac and iPhone. we could send the files using one of the team communication apps in your Mac, and open them using the same app in iPhone or iPad or another Mac, or even other computers/gadgets with different OS as these apps works on multiple platforms.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
6.Sharing Apps
Sharing apps specifically built to bridge the gap between Macs and iOSes. These sharing apps are perfect to move files between those devices. They usually require users to connect all the devices to the same WiFi/Bluetooth network. Then the user will get a local URL, open it in a browser, and use it to drag and drop files between connected devices. The examples of such apps are the free DeskConnect and Scribe. Both apps require to install the desktop and mobile version of the apps in each device that we need to connect. DeskConnect doesn’t require devices to have a direct connection to the same network, and it will work even if the devices separated far away. Scribe uses Bluetooth LE technology which is fast and consumes very low power to connect the devices. So, ensure that your devices support this technology before using Scribe.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone
7.Cloud Storage Services
Cloud Storage Services for storing and sharing files on the remote server but now that practically everyone that uses digital technology. To use cloud storages to move files between devices is obvious we store your files in the cloud on one device, and download the file on the other device(s). Though everyone is used to Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, and other similar services, there is a service called Droplr that can also be a quick way to share files. We drop the files into Droplr menubar, and we will get the link that we can share with other devices. The free version will only keep the files for a limited time.
7 Best Ways to Share Files Between iPhone