How to transfer files from your phone to a PC, and back
Updated
Phones and PCs don’t always cooperate, especially an iPhone and a Windows PC. Here are the reliable ways to move files across, in both directions, starting with the one that needs nothing installed.
You can do that one right here: open this page on the device that has the files, add them to the Share panel below, and type the code on the other device.
Find
Enter a share code to access shared content.
The 8-character code from the sender: 2 letters, then 6 digits.
In the browser, with a code (no cable, no app)
- On your phone, open this page in Safari or Chrome and tap Select Files in the Share panel to pick photos, videos or documents.
- Tap Generate Code and wait for the upload to finish.
- On the PC, open ShareQuik, type the 8-character code into Find, enter an email address and download.
It works on any phone and any computer, and the files arrive in original quality. The limit is 100 MB per share, so very long videos need splitting or a cable. More in send photos online.
With a USB cable
- Android: connect, choose “File transfer” in the USB notification, and the phone appears as a drive in File Explorer.
- iPhone: connect, tap “Trust” on the phone, and import photos with the Windows Photos app. Other files are easier to move another way.
Cables are the fastest option for a whole camera roll or long 4K videos.
Going the other way: from PC to phone
In the browser, the steps simply swap sides: upload on the PC, then type the code on the phone. Android saves the files to the Downloads folder; an iPhone saves them to the Files app, from where photos and videos can be added to the photo library with the Share button.
- Android with a cable: connect, choose “File transfer”, and drag files into a folder on the phone in File Explorer.
- iPhone with a cable: copying files onto an iPhone needs Apple’s software on the PC and only works for apps that accept files, so a browser transfer or iCloud Drive is usually easier for one-off files.
- Phone Link (Windows): with an Android phone linked, you can share files from the PC to the phone through Phone Link.
Moving text rather than files, like a link or an address? Share text online with the same kind of code.
Through cloud photo sync
Google Photos, iCloud Photos and OneDrive can upload your camera roll automatically, and you then download on the PC. Convenient if you already use one, but it needs the same account on both devices and enough cloud storage.
A note on iPhone photo formats
iPhones save photos as HEIC by default. Some Windows PCs can’t open HEIC without an extension. If that’s a problem, set the iPhone camera to “Most Compatible” or convert the photos to JPEG before sending.
Frequently asked questions
How can I transfer files from my iPhone to a Windows PC without iTunes?
Upload them in the browser with ShareQuik and download on the PC with the code, or connect a cable and import photos with the Windows Photos app.
Can I transfer files from phone to PC without the same Wi-Fi?
Yes. An online transfer works over any internet connection on either side.
How do I send files from my PC to my phone without a cable?
Upload them on the PC with ShareQuik, then type the code on your phone and download. Phone Link, cloud storage and Bluetooth (Android) work too, as covered above.
Move your files now
Open this page on the device with the files, upload, and type the code on the other one.
Go to the Share panelDo it with ShareQuik
- Transfer files online between any two devicesTransfer files online between your phone, laptop and other devices. Upload on one, type an 8-character code on the other, and download. No cables, apps or logins.
- Send files between iPhone and AndroidMove photos, videos and documents between an iPhone and an Android phone in the browser: upload on one, type an 8-character code on the other. Up to 100 MB.
- Send photos online in full qualitySend photos online at full resolution, with no messaging-app compression and no account. Share a batch up to 100 MB with a single 8-character code from any device.
- Share text online with a short codePaste up to 3,000 words, get an 8-character code, and read the text on any phone or computer. No account and no email needed to view it; it deletes after 3 days.
More from the blog
- How to transfer files from one computer to anotherFive ways to transfer files from one PC to another, including Windows to Mac: online transfers, cables and drives, network sharing, cloud sync and nearby sharing.
- Email attachment size limits, and what to do when you hit themThe attachment size limits of Gmail, Outlook and iCloud Mail, why a file under the limit can still bounce, and what to do when your attachment is too big.