8 Quick Ways to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone without iTunes

If you’re an Apple user, you must know that transferring files from your PC to your iPhone or vice versa via iTunes can be quite troublesome at times. Even though it is the go-to method to manage your data or back up your device, it comes with certain limitations.

For instance, the app won’t work properly if you have an outdated version, or it can crash anytime, leaving you hanging in the middle. Therefore, instead of relying on iTunes to transfer files between devices, we have put together 8 methods to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes. Let’s have a look!

Transfer Files from PC to iPhone without iTunes in 1 Click

The first method we suggest for transferring data from your PC to your iPhone involves using a professional iOS data manager – AnyTrans. AnyTrans is a safe and reliable app that enables you to manage and transfer files from PC to iPhone or iPad, or vice versa. All iOS data types, including photos, videos, text messages, contacts, music, WhatsApp data, call history, etc., can all be transferred through this tool. And you only need to click a button to complete the transfer, without any technical requirements.

In addition, you can also choose to transfer directly from your computer to your device or move contents from iTunes and iCloud to your iPhone/iPad. Every transfer path you can think of is covered. Besides that, we also recommend AnyTrans for the following reasons:

• Ultra-fast transfer speed – AnyTrans can transfer thousands of data within 1 minute. Maximize transfer speed and save your time.
• No data overwriting/erasing, no quality loss – All the data, like photos, will maintain the original quality. And these data will not overwrite existing files on your device.
• Batch/selective transfer – You can freely choose what you need to transfer to your device. Or, to avoid trouble, you can directly batch-transfer all data with 1 click.
• Works well on all iOS versions and iDevices – AnyTrans supports all iOS versions. And it also supports all iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch models.

Now, you can get AnyTrans for free. And here are the super easy steps to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes in 1 click via AnyTrans:

Step 1. Open AnyTrans on your PC, and connect your iPhone to it using a compatible USB-to-lightning cable. Click Device Manager from the menu on the left, and then select Add Content to Device.

Step 2. A pop-up window will appear, from where you can select the content you want to export and click Open. And then select apps to receive the files and tap on Next.

Step 3. The transfer process will begin once you have selected the files to move to iPhone. It might take several minutes to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes; therefore, ensure your devices remain connected.

And that’s it! All your files will instantly transfer to your iPhone with just one click!

However, if you’re reluctant to use a third-party app or find it too technical (even though it’s not!), we have 7 other alternative methods up our sleeves!

You May Need: To move data from iPhone to PC, you can read How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC without iTunes >

Transfer Files from PC to iPhone without iTunes via Common Ways

If iTunes and AnyTrans are not an option, you can always use the traditional methods to transfer files from your PC to your iPhone. Below we have rounded up 7 common ways to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes.

Way 1. Copy Files to iPhone without iTunes via iCloud

The go-to method for iOS users to manage, back up, and transfer their data between devices is via iCloud: Apple’s very own cloud platform. This way is pretty straightforward and makes it easy to quickly move important files from your PC to your iPhone. Let’s see how to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes via iCloud:

1. Download iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft App Store on your PC.
2. Sign in to the app using your Apple ID.
3. Now drag all the files you want to transfer to your iPhone to the iCloud Drive folder on your PC.

All the files that you add to the iCloud folder will be automatically synced with iCloud. When you launch iCloud on your iPhone, you can access all the files in the folder.

Can’t Miss: If you are using a laptop, you can read this guide to move data – 5 Ways to Transfer Photos from Laptop to iPhone with/without iTunes >

Way 2. Transfer Files from PC to iPhone via USB without iTunes

If downloading iCloud for Windows is not your cup of tea, we have another old-school method to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes: Using the trusty USB cable!

This method is specifically for less tech-savvy users who find downloading and using apps difficult. With this technique, you simply have to connect your iPhone to your PC and drag and drop the files. Get a compatible USB-to-Lightning cable and follow the steps below to transfer files from PC to iPhone using USB cable.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB-to-Lightning cable.

Step 2. You will receive a notification on your PC once the devices are connected. Click on it and select “Open Device to View Files.”

Step 3. Your iPhone’s internal storage will open via File Explorer.

Step 4. Drag and drop, or copy/paste the files from your PC to your iPhone’s internal storage.

This will transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes; you will find them in your iPhone’s “Files” folder.

Way 3. Transfer Files from PC to iPhone without iTunes Wirelessly

How do I transfer files from my computer to my iPhone without cable? If you want to avoid cables, you can wirelessly transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes via AirDrop. AirDrop is Apple’s built-in feature that enables connecting iOS devices wirelessly to transfer data. However, as this feature is only compatible with Apple devices, you need a Mac PC for it to work. Just make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and you’re good to go! Here’s what to do to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes using AirDrop:

1. On your Mac, choose the file you want to transfer to your iPhone.
2. Click “Share > AirDrop” and select the recipient from the available devices.
   

   Select Recipient from Available Devices

3. On your iPhone, tap “Accept” to allow the files to be transferred wirelessly via AirDrop.

All the files will be transferred to your iPhone within seconds; you can access them anytime.

Way 4. Transfer Files from PC to iPhone via Email

Another way to transfer PC to iPhone without iTunes is via email. This method is a bit old-school; however, why complain if it gets the job done? But you should know that it is a bit time-consuming, as you have to attach each file in the email before sending it. Follow these steps to email files to yourself via PC:

Step 1. Open your email account on your PC and attach all the files you wish to transfer to your iPhone.

Step 2. Now click “Send” to email them to yourself.

Step 3. Open your email on your iPhone and download the attachments.

This method will download all the files to your iPhone’s internal storage, and you can access them anytime.

Way 5. Transfer Files from PC to iPhone via Google Drive

Just like iCloud, Google Drive is a cloud platform by Google. With its syncing feature across devices, you can seamlessly transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1. Launch Google Chrome on your PC, click the “Google Apps” icon at the top-right corner, and click “Drive.”

Step 2. Click “New” at the top-left corner, and select “File Upload.”

Step 3. Now browse and select all the files you want to transfer to your iPhone.

Step 4. Depending on the number of files and their sizes, it might take up to several minutes for them to complete uploading to Google Drive.

Step 5. Once uploaded, you can launch Google Drive on your iPhone and access all the files uploaded from your PC.

Although this process is very simple and easy, it can be a bit time-consuming as it takes a few minutes for the files to upload from your PC to Google Drive.

Way 6. Transfer Files from PC to iPhone with Dropbox

Dropbox works on the same lines as Google Drive and iCloud, providing a safe platform for users to transfer files across devices. All you need is to sign in to the platform using your user ID and password and easily access files synced across devices. Follow these steps to use Dropbox to transfer files across devices:

Step 1. Download the Dropbox app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Go to the Dropbox website from your PC browser, and log in using your Dropbox credentials.

Step 3. Click “Upload > Files” and upload the files you want to transfer to your iPhone.

Step 4. Launch the Dropbox app on your iPhone and access all the files you uploaded via your PC.

Again, this method is easy but might be time-consuming as it involves uploading one file at a time.

Way 7. Transfer Files from PC to iPhone via SHAREit

We will round up this article with one of the easiest and fastest ways to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes: Using ShareIt. ShareIt is a file-sharing app that uses Wi-Fi connectivity to transfer files between devices. You don’t need any cables to use this app, as it connects devices with a QR code. The best part about this tool is that it transfers files even faster than Bluetooth! Follow these steps for instantaneous file transfer from PC to iPhone:

Step 1. Download and install ShareIt on your PC.

Step 2. Download the ShareIt app on your iPhone from the App Store.

Step 3. Launch ShareIt on your PC and click “Show QR Code.”

Step 4. On your iPhone, launch ShareIt, tap on the display image in the top-left corner, and select “Connect to PC/Mac.”

Step 5. Now, scan the QR code from the PC on your iPhone. This will connect both the devices,

Step 6. Once your PC and iPhone are connected, select the files on your PC, which will automatically be sent to your iPhone.

And that’s how you transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes using ShareIt!

Now that you know 8 quick ways to transfer files from your PC to your iPhone, let’s take you through the steps of transferring files using iTunes.

Transfer Files from PC to iPhone with iTunes

As we mentioned earlier, sharing files across devices using iTunes is the go-to method for most iOS users. Even though it might act up at times, it is, after all, one of the official software by Apple to manage, transfer, and back up data. Below are the steps to use iTunes for file sharing between your PC and iPhone:

1. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a lightning cable or by connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Launch iTunes on your PC, and tap “Device > File Sharing.”
3. Select the files you want to transfer to your iPhone and click “Add.”

And that’s it! All the selected files will be sent to your iPhone, which you can access via their respective apps.

The Bottom Line

iTunes is a good way to transfer files from your PC to your iPhone. However, there are instances where iTunes keeps acting up or crashing, making it impossible to transfer files. In such a case, you can use the methods here to transfer files from PC to iPhone without iTunes. Among these methods, AnyTrans must be the best one, due to its convenience and high success rate. So, if you ever face a situation where transferring files via iTunes is not an option, just free download AnyTrans to try it first!