How to Transfer Videos from Your Computer to iPhone and iPad

Transferring videos from a computer to Apple devices might seem challenging, especially for those used to more open file systems. However, with iTunes, cloud services, and third-party apps, this process can be quite straightforward. In this article, we’ll explore several popular methods for moving videos from a computer to your iPhone or iPad.

Method 1: Using iTunes

The most common and official way to transfer media files to Apple devices is by using iTunes. Here are the steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes (download it from Apple’s official site if you don’t have it installed).
  3. Select your device from the iTunes menu, usually displayed in the top left corner of the window.
  4. Go to the “Movies” or “Videos” section under your device’s menu.
  5. Drag and drop the desired video from your file explorer into the iTunes window, or add it through File > Add File to Library.
  6. Click Sync in the bottom right corner to sync your device.

After syncing, the videos should appear in the “Videos” or “TV” app on your device.

Method 2: Using AirDrop (for Mac Users)

If you’re using a Mac, the easiest way to transfer videos to your iPhone or iPad is through AirDrop:

  1. Open Finder and locate the file you want to send.
  2. Activate AirDrop on both devices: on iPhone or iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center and enable both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  3. On your Mac, right-click the file, select Share > AirDrop.
  4. Select the device you want to send the video to and confirm the transfer on your iPhone or iPad.

The video will be automatically saved in the “Photos” app on your device.

Method 3: Using Cloud Services

Another popular method of transferring videos is through cloud services like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Follow these steps:

  1. Upload the video from your computer to one of the cloud services.
  2. Install the corresponding app (like Google Drive or Dropbox) on your iPhone or iPad and log in to the same account.
  3. Locate the uploaded video in the cloud app and download it to your device.

This method is convenient because it requires no cables, and you can access files anytime as long as you have an internet connection.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps

If none of the previous methods suit you, you can use third-party apps for file transfer, such as VLC or Infuse. These apps support various video formats and offer easy file transfer options.

  1. Download the app of your choice on your iPhone or iPad from the App Store.
  2. Connect your device to the computer and open iTunes.
  3. Select your device, go to the “File Sharing” section, and choose the app you installed.
  4. Drag the video file into the app’s window in iTunes. The video will be available in the app on your device.

Some of these apps also support Wi-Fi transfer, which lets you upload files without using a cable.