Best PC to iPhone File Transfer Apps – Photos, Videos & More

Transferring files from your PC to your iPhone can be a challenge if you're relying on outdated or limited tools. Whether you're sending vacation photos, an important work video, or a PDF report, the right PC to iPhone file transfer app makes all the difference.

In this guide, you'll discover the best apps based on the file types you want to move: photos, videos, music, documents, or all of them combined. We'll explore tools that use USB, Wi-Fi, and cloud, and share their pros, cons, and step-by-step usage.

Part 1: Best Free App to Transfer Photos from PC to iPhone - iCloud Photos

If you're looking for the best app to transfer photos from PC to iPhone, iCloud Photos is your go-to solution. It's free, secure, and works seamlessly across devices.

Here's the deal: iCloud Photos isn't just cloud storage. It's Apple's native service for syncing your photo library across all your devices. Whether you're using a Windows PC or Mac, you can upload pictures and have them instantly accessible on your iPhone.

Why It's Great for Photo Transfers

• It requires no cables or additional downloads if you're using the iCloud website.
• It's a native solution supported by Apple.
• It works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

This makes it the best file transfer app for PC to iPhone if you're focused on moving images.

How to Use iCloud Photos

Step 1: On your PC, go to iCloud.com or install iCloud for Windows if you prefer using an app.

Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID. Make sure it's the same one used on your iPhone.

Step 3: Click on "Photos." Select the upload icon and choose the images you want to transfer.

Step 4: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Photos and enable iCloud Photos. After syncing, the photos from your PC will appear in your iPhone gallery.

Pro Tip:

To get faster sync results, avoid uploading large batches of RAW images or videos along with photos. Use this method for smaller photo albums to keep the process quick.

Part 2: Best Free App to Transfer Videos from PC to iPhone - VLC for Mobile

VLC isn't just a media player—it's also a powerful PC to iPhone file transfer app for videos. VLC for Mobile allows you to wirelessly transfer video files from your PC to your iPhone, all through a browser interface. This makes it a fantastic choice if you want to skip cables and avoid using iTunes.

Here's the kicker: VLC plays almost every video format out there, so there's no need to convert your files before transferring.

Why VLC Works Well for Videos

• Compatible with MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, and more.
• Built-in Wi-Fi file sharing tool.
• Works on both Windows and macOS for sending files to an iPhone.

VLC is a free, open-source tool that many overlook—but it offers one of the best video sharing solutions between PC and iPhone, especially if you're aiming for simplicity and format flexibility.

How to Use VLC to Transfer Videos from PC to iPhone

Step 1: Download VLC for Mobile from the App Store and open it on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap the cone icon in the top left corner and select "Sharing via WiFi."

Step 3: Note the IP address shown on the screen.

Step 4: On your PC, open a web browser and enter that IP address.

Step 5: Use the upload interface to drag and drop video files.

Step 6: Videos will appear in your VLC app and can be played immediately.

Pro Tip:

If your videos won't play in other apps, VLC's internal player can handle almost anything. It's your best bet for MKV and other tricky formats.

Part 3: Best PC to iPhone Transfer App for Music - iTunes

If you're focused on music, playlists, or custom ringtones, then iTunes remains a reliable pc to iPhone transfer app for managing and transferring audio files. Though many users look for alternatives, iTunes is still Apple's official tool for syncing music, making it the most structured method for large music libraries.

Here's the deal: while newer tools offer easier drag-and-drop, iTunes still ensures that your music is organized, metadata is preserved, and syncing is controlled.

Why iTunes Is Still Useful

• Works well for transferring full playlists and albums.
• Supports drag-and-drop import of MP3, AAC, WAV, and more.
• Syncs ringtones, podcasts, and audiobooks too.

This makes iTunes a top PC-to-iPhone data transfer software for users who prefer wired, organized audio transfers.

How to Use iTunes for Music Transfer

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your PC via a USB cable.

Step 2: Launch iTunes (download it from Apple's official site if it is not already installed).

Step 3: Select your iPhone icon in the top left corner of iTunes.

Step 4: Navigate to the "Music" tab from the sidebar.

Step 5: Check "Sync Music" and choose whether to sync your entire library or selected playlists, artists, or albums.

Step 6: Click "Apply" to begin syncing. Music will be copied to your iPhone's Apple Music app.

Pro Tip:

If you don't want your iPhone library to be overwritten, turn off automatic sync in iTunes preferences. Always use "Manually manage music" to avoid unexpected data loss.

Part 4: Best File Transfer App for Documents and PDFs - Documents by Readdle

When it comes to transferring documents, PDFs, Word files, or presentations from PC to iPhone, Documents by Readdle is one of the most powerful and user-friendly tools available. This app combines the functions of a file manager, document reader, and wireless file transfer tool in a single iOS app.

Want to know the best part? You don't need iTunes, USB cables, or complicated syncing to make it work.

Why Choose Documents by Readdle for File Sharing

• Ideal for managing PDFs, Word docs, Excel files, and more.
• Allows you to transfer files wirelessly from your PC via a browser.
• Offers seamless integration with iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more.

This app is perfect if you're tired of the restrictions Apple puts on direct file access. Once files are transferred, you can read, annotate, or even zip and unzip them directly within the app.

How to Transfer Documents from PC to iPhone with Documents by Readdle

Step 1: Install Documents by Readdle from the App Store and launch it on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on the "+" icon and choose "Wi-Fi Transfer."

Step 3: On your PC, enter the IP address provided by the app into your browser.

Step 4: Drag and drop your PDF, DOCX, TXT, or any file from your PC into the browser interface.

Step 5: The files will appear instantly in the Documents app and be available for offline use.

Part 5: Best PC to iPhone Transfer Software for All Data Types - MobileTrans

When you need a PC to iPhone data transfer software that handles every file type—photos, videos, music, messages, documents, and more—MobileTrans by Wondershare is your best bet.

This all-in-one solution allows you to transfer data via USB without relying on iTunes or iCloud. It's fast, beginner-friendly, and secure. You can use it for occasional one-time transfers or frequent backups.

Why Choose MobileTrans?

• Transfers photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, and other data types.
• Designed for both basic and advanced users.
• No need to install iTunes or deal with iCloud sync errors.

MobileTrans works directly with iOS file systems and offers excellent speed and accuracy. It also includes preview options, so you can see exactly what you're transferring before you commit.

MobileTrans

Import data from PC to phone

Available on:

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Import data from PC to phone

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How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone Using MobileTrans

Step 1: Download and install MobileTrans for PC.

Step 2: Connect the phone to the PC. After launching MobileTrans, select Phone Transfer > Phone to PC.

Step 3: Select data types from the sidebar on the left, which currently supports six. Then select whatever files you wish to import to your iPhone.

Step 4: Keep your phone connected, and the export will take some time to finish. You may also import these files to your phone as needed.

MobileTrans

Import data from PC to phone

Available on:

Try It Free Try It Free

Import data from PC to phone

Try It Free Try It Free

Conclusion

Whether you're transferring photos, videos, music, or documents, there's a perfect PC to iPhone file transfer app for every file type.

iCloud Photos and VLC for Mobile are great for wireless, free transfers. Documents by Readdle handles all your documents without iTunes. And for full control across all file types, MobileTrans by Wondershare is the most complete and user-friendly choice.