How to Send Links and Files between Mac and iPhone?

Are you a new Mac user? Do you want to send links and files between Mac and iPhone? Although the Apple ecosystem is robust, sending files between Apple devices might not be too easy. It isn’t as simple as you thought.

iOS is not designed to receive files just from anywhere. That is why you need to know how to transfer files and links between Mac and iPhone. Once you know how to do that, it becomes rather useful. This article will discuss the best ways to send links and files between Mac and iPhone.

How to Send Links and Files between Mac and iPhone?

There are multiple ways to send links and files between Mac and iPhone. Let’s take a look at those:

1. iCloud Drive
2. AirDrop
3. WiFi or USB Cable
4. Email
5. Image Capture
6. Google Drive

So, without further adieu, let’s find out how to use them to send links and files between Mac and iPhone.

1] Using iCloud Drive

Did you know you can use iCloud Drive to transfer links and files between Mac and iPhone? Amazing, right? Take a look at how you can do this:

To transfer files from Mac to iPhone:

• Copy and paste the file you want to transfer to the iCloud Drive folder. To open iCloud Drive, click on Go on the Finder menu. From the drop-down, you need to select iCloud Drive.

• Go to your iPhone. Launch the Files app. Select Browse (it is the file icon). Under the list of locations, choose iCloud Drive.
• You will see three dots horizontally placed on the right corner of the screen. Select those dots. Now, choose Select.
• Select the file you want to move. Choose the Share button.

To transfer files from iPhone to Mac, check out these steps:

• Go to the file you want to share. Select the Share icon.
• Move down and choose Save to Files.

• Select iCloud Drive under Locations from the menu that comes. Choose Save.

• Now, go to your Mac. Open Finder. Choose iCloud Drive. You will find your file there.

2] Using AirDrop

AirDrop is an excellent feature in macOS and iOS. It enables users to send photos, locations, videos, documents, etc., with other Apple devices. It uses Bluetooth and WiFi to transfer links and files.

To transfer files from Mac to iPhone:

• Right-click on the file you wish to share. Go to Share when a menu appears.

• Now, choose AirDrop.

• From the list of devices, choose the recipient’s phone. Select Done.

To transfer files from iPhone to Mac:

• Go to the file you want to share.
• Select the Share icon.
• Choose the Mac icon or the AirDrop icon.

• Opt for your Mac to start the file transfer.

3] Using WiFi or USB cable

Another excellent way to transfer files between Mac and iPhone is to use Finder. For this, you will need a WiFi connection or a USB cable.

Transfer using WiFi

• Connect your Mac and iPhone via the USB cable.
• Go to Mac and open Finder.
• Under Locations, choose your iPhone.
• Go to the General tab.
• Tick mark the Show this iPhone when on the WiFi box.
• Select Apply.

However, before applying all these steps, you must ensure Finder can locate your iPhone via WiFi.

When Finder detects iPhone, an internet connection is no longer needed. Follow these steps to transfer files:

• Sign in with the same Apple ID on your Mac and iPhone.
• Turn on the hotspot on your iPhone.
• Go to your Mac and turn on the WiFi. Choose the iPhone’s hotspot from the list.
• Open Finder.
• Under Locations, choose your iPhone.
• Go to the Files tab and select it.
• You will see a list of apps with files.
• Click on the arrow to reveal the files.
• Drag and drop the files you want on your Mac.

Alternatively, you can drag and drop files from Mac to iPhone.

Transfer using the USB cable

You can use a USB cable for file transferring. Here are the steps –

• Connect your Mac and iPhone via the USB cable.
• Go to Mac and open Finder.
• Under Locations, choose your iPhone.
• Go to the Files tab and select it.
• You will see a list of apps with files.
• Click on the arrow to reveal the files.
• Drag and drop the files you want on your Mac.

Alternatively, you can drag and drop files from Mac to iPhone.

4] Using Email

Email is one of the oldest solutions for transferring files and links between iPhone and Mac.

To transfer files from Mac to iPhone:

• Open the Email and attach the file you want.
• Please send it to your iPhone.
• Open Email on your phone.
• View the file and download it.

To transfer files from iPhone to Mac:

• Go to the file you want to share and open it.
• Select the Share icon.
• Choose the email app you want.
• Please fill it out and send it to your Mac.
• Open Email on Mac.
• View the file received and download it.

5] Using Image Capture

Image Capture is a widely popular feature in Apple devices. It allows users to transfer videos and images from iPad, iPhone, etc., to their Mac. However, remember that the device from where the transfer happens must have a camera.

Here is how you can use Image Capture for file sharing:

• Connect your Mac and iPhone via the USB cable.
• Go to your Mac.
• On the Image Capture app, choose your iPhone.
• You can select where you want to save the images.

6] Using Google Drive or Any File Transfer App

There are many file transfer services available that can also help you move files across devices and platforms. The best file transfer services include Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Apple, Dropbox, and WeTransfer.

They have a basic version that is free for all and is suitable for small-size file transfers. If you need to send large files, read our list post on large file transfer services.

Conclusion

Sharing files across devices is not a brainer these days, but knowing how many ways you can do it is convenient when you are stuck in a particular situation. So check out these services and use them when sending links and files between Mac and iPhone.