Use iTunes to share files between your computer and your iOS or iPadOS device (2024)

If you're using macOS Catalinaor later,use the Finder to share files between your computerand your iPhone or iPad. If you're using Windows 10 or later, use Apple Devices to share files between your Windows computer and your iPhone or iPad.

Instead of File Sharing, consider usingiCloud Drive,Handoff, or AirDropto keep your documents up to date across all of your devices.

iCloud Drive lets yousecurely access all of your documents from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. No matter which device you're using, you'll always have the most up to date documents when and where you need them.

With Handoff, you can start a document, email, or message on one device and pick up where you left off from another device. Handoff works with Apple apps such as Mail, Safari, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. Some third-party apps are also compatible.

AirDrophelps you share photos, videos, websites, locations, and more with other nearby Apple devices.

• The latest version of iTunes.
• OS X El Capitan through macOS Mojaveor an up-to-date version ofWindows 7 or later.
• An iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the latest version of iOSor iPadOS.
• An iOS or iPadOS app that works with File Sharing.

1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC.
2. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computerusing the USB cable that came with your device.
3. Click your device in iTunes. Get help if you can't find it.
   
4. In the left sidebar, clickFile Sharing.
   
5. Select an app to see whichfiles are available for sharing in that app on your device.If you don't see a File Sharingsection, your device has no file-sharingapps.
   

1. In iTunes, select the app from the list in the File Sharing section.
2. Drag and drop files from a folder or window onto the Documents list to copy them to your device.
   You can alsoclick Add in the Documents list in iTunes,find the file or files you want to copy from your computer, and then click Add. iTunescopiesthese files to the app on your device. Choose only files that will work with the app.Check the app's user guide to learn which kinds of files will work.
   

1. In iTunes, select the app from the list in the File Sharing section.
2. Drag and drop files from the Documents list to a folder or window on your computer to copy them to your computer.
   You can alsoselect the file or files that you want to copy to your computer from the Documents list and click "Save" then find the folder on your computer to which you want to copy the files and click Save.
   

On your iOS device, you can open the files from your computer with the app that you chose for File Sharing.

You can't access these files from other apps or locations on your device. You can see the list of files in the File Sharing section of iTunes when your device isconnected to your computer.

When iCloud (or iTunes) backs up your device, it backs up your shared files as well.

If you delete an app with shared files from your iOS device, you also delete those shared files from your device and your iCloud or iTunes backup. To avoid losing shared files, copy the files to your computerbefore deleting the app from your iOS device.

To delete a file you copied to an iOS or iPadOS app using File Sharing, follow these steps:

1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC.
2. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer using the USB cable that came with your device.
3. Select your device in iTunes.Get helpif you can't find it.
4. Select the app from the list in the File Sharing section.
5. Select the file that you want to delete in the Documents list, then press the Delete key on your keyboard.
6. When iTunes asks you to confirm, click Delete.
   

There might be other ways to delete files from an app. Read your app's user guide to find out more.