download.fyi
download.fyi

How to send files between an iPhone and a PC

AirDrop only works between Apple devices. For a Windows PC, Apple's own route is a USB cable and the Apple Devices app. Without a cable, open download.fyi on both: drop the file on one, open the link on the other.

Numbers checked Oktober 2026. Each one links to where it came from.

What you're up against

What each route needs:

AirDropsupport.apple.com, checked Oktober 2026
iPhone, iPad and Mac onlyWithin 10 m (30 ft)
Apple's photo import to Windowssupport.apple.com, checked Oktober 2026
USB cable + Apple Devices appThen import with Microsoft Photos
Apple Devices File Sharingsupport.apple.com, checked Oktober 2026
Windows 10 or laterOnly for iPhone apps that support it
Phone Link with an iPhonesupport.microsoft.com, checked Oktober 2026
iOS 16+, Bluetooth LEWindows 10 (May 2019 Update) or 11
iCloud Drive, largest file or foldersupport.apple.com, checked Oktober 2026
50 GB
iCloud, free storagesupport.apple.com, checked Oktober 2026
5 GB

How to send it

  1. iPhone to PC

    On the iPhone, open download.fyi in Safari and choose the photos or files. Open the link it gives you on the PC (send it to yourself, or type the three words) and the download starts.

  2. PC to iPhone

    Open download.fyi on the PC and scan the QR code with the iPhone camera. The phone shows up as a nearby device; send the file to it.

  3. Keep both screens on

    The file streams between the two devices while both pages are open. Don't let the iPhone lock halfway through a big video.

Tips

  • Photos in iCloud only? For a USB import, Apple says to download the originals to the iPhone first. Choosing them in the iPhone's photo picker usually fetches them for you.

  • Windows may not open HEIC photos. Convert them with the HEIC to JPG converter, or set the iPhone camera to Most Compatible (Settings > Camera > Formats) to shoot JPEG and H.264 from now on.

  • Importing over USB can convert HEIC to JPEG. To keep originals, set Settings > Apps > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC to Keep Originals.

  • Phone Link connects an iPhone for texts, calls and notifications. Its recent-photos feature is for Android phones only.

Questions

Can I AirDrop to a Windows PC?

No. Apple lists AirDrop for iPhone, iPad and Mac only.

What's the fastest way without a cable?

Open download.fyi on both devices. On the same Wi-Fi the file goes straight across your network, with nothing to install on either side.

Do I need iTunes?

Not any more for photos. Apple now points Windows users to the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store, then Microsoft Photos to import.

Is there a size limit?

Not on download.fyi's live transfer. iCloud Drive stops at 50 GB per file, and its free plan holds 5 GB in total.

Related guides

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