DeviceHowTo
macOS⏱ 5 min

How to Transfer Files to Another Device on macOS

Move photos, documents, and files wirelessly or via cable to a PC or phone.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS handles iPhone file transfers natively through Finder — since macOS Catalina, Finder replaced iTunes entirely for device management and offers direct drag-and-drop access to app-specific file storage. For Android-to-Mac transfers, Apple doesn't include MTP support, so you'll need the free Android File Transfer app or the newer MacDroid to browse your phone like a drive. AirDrop remains the gold standard for Apple-to-Apple transfers, completing even large video files at Wi-Fi Direct speeds without any account authentication.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Connect your iPhone with a USB cable. Open Finder and select your device under Locations in the sidebar to browse and transfer files.
  2. 2Drag files between the device and the File Explorer / Finder window, or confirm Nearby Share / AirDrop acceptance on the target device.
  3. 3Safely eject the device before unplugging the cable.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to transfer files from a phone to macOS?
For iPhone, a USB cable with Finder is the most reliable. For Android to Mac, USB cable with Android File Transfer or MacDroid is fastest.
Why is my macOS not recognising my phone over USB?
The most common cause is the phone defaulting to Charging Only mode instead of File Transfer when connected. Swipe down on the phone notification bar and tap the USB connection type option, then select File Transfer or MTP. Also try a different cable — many cables are charge-only with no data wires.
Can I transfer files between macOS and iPhone wirelessly?
Yes. AirDrop works between Mac and iPhone natively. iCloud Drive also keeps files in sync automatically.
How do I transfer files larger than 1 GB on macOS?
For files over 1 GB, USB cable transfer is the most reliable option. Cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive) can handle large files but require sufficient storage quota and a fast internet connection for the upload. Wi-Fi Direct methods like AirDrop and Nearby Share handle large files well over local Wi-Fi without using internet data.

Same task, different device

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