How to transfer video from computer to iPhone

Five convenient ways to choose from.

Artyom Kozoriz

Author of Lifehacker, Mechanical Engineer

< p>There are many different options for transferring video files from a computer to iPhone, both using a cable and wirelessly. Consider the most popular and fastest methods that are suitable for Windows, macOS and Linux.

1. How to AirDrop a video from a computer to iPhone

Suitable for macOS.

Probably the easiest and fastest way to transfer videos without any size restrictions and file format. However, since AirDrop is Apple's proprietary technology, it's only available on macOS. This is the only negative.

Right click on the video you want to drop and click “Share” → “AirDrop”.

Select your iPhone in the list of devices and wait for the transfer to finish.

The video will appear in the Photos app, where you can view it.

2. How to transfer video from computer to iPhone using Finder or iTunes

Suitable for macOS and Windows.

Another option for copying using the standard file sharing feature in Finder or iTunes. You will need an iPhone player and a Lightning cable. And after the initial connection, even the last one will not be needed. As a player, we recommend choosing free VLC with support for almost any format.

VLC media playerVideoLANPrice: Free

Download

Price: Free

Install VLC on your smartphone from the link above.

Connect your iPhone to your computer with a Lightning cable, and then allow the connection on the device and PC.

Open the Finder on macOS Catalina and later, or iTunes on earlier and Windows.

Select your device in the sidebar and switch to the Files tab.

Expand VLC in the list, drag the video file and click Sync.

At the end of the process, the video will appear in VLC on the iPhone in the Video tab, where you can watch it.

To avoid the Lightning cable next time , on the General tab, just check the box next to Show this iPhone when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.

3. How to transfer videos from your computer to iPhone via FTP

Suitable for macOS, Windows and Linux.

If you don't want to mess around with Finder and iTunes or you If you are just using someone else's computer, then FTP is ideal. This feature is available in all popular players, including the free VLC. With this method, files are transferred from any browser on the computer directly to the player on the iPhone.

In VLC on your smartphone, go to the “Network” tab and turn on the toggle switch “Sharing via Wi‑Fi”.

Make sure your computer and iPhone are connected to the same network. In the browser on your computer, enter the address you specified in the first step (192.168.0.107 in our example) and drag the video to the top of the window.

After the upload process is complete, the file will appear in VLC on the iPhone under the Video tab.

4. How to transfer video from computer to iPhone via cloud

Suitable for macOS, Windows and Linux.

If you use cloud storage with sufficient volume, then it can also be an effective means of transferring videos. You just need to upload the file to the cloud from your computer, and then open it from the mobile application on your iPhone. Consider Mega, which provides 20 GB for free, which is enough even for a movie.

・MEGA・Mega LimitedPrice: Free

Download

Price: Free

Register and log into your Mega account through any browser on your computer. Also download the mobile app from the link above.

Drag the video to the browser window.

Select the desired folder and click Upload.

Open Mega on iPhone and find the file in the folder where you downloaded it. The video can be viewed right here or in another installed application through the “Share” menu.

5. How to transfer video from computer to iPhone via messenger

Suitable for macOS, Windows and Linux.

Oddly enough, but Telegram, Viber and other instant messengers too suitable for video transmission. All you have to do is send the file to yourself from the desktop or web client, and then open the video in the mobile app on your iPhone.

Let's take a closer look at the algorithm for Telegram.

TelegramTelegram FZ-LLCPrice: Free