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Given any two iOS devices, you'll likely want to transfer files from one another. While the iPhone is a powerful device that fits in your pocket, nothing can beat the large screen estate available on the iPads. On the other hand, you may sometimes want to transfer files from your iPad to your iPhone and access them on the go.
If you’re wondering how to transfer data from iPhone to iPad, let us help you and answer your queries in this detailed guide below.
Is AirDrop not working? Transfer files using Nearby
Your iPhone and iPad have a built-in feature called AirDrop that allows you to share files with nearby iOS devices. Unfortunately, AirDrop occasionally refuses to work when transferring large files. AirDrop also has some limitations — while it can transfer individual files, it cannot transfer entire folders. So, what’s an AirDrop alternative that you can depend on?
Documents by Readdle is a powerful file manager for iPhone and iPad that offers an incredible set of features. You can use Documents to store, organize, and manage a collection of your frequently used files on your iPhone or iPad and even connect your cloud storage accounts. Unlike Apple’s Files app, Documents natively handles several different file types and makes working with folders a breeze.
Documents also includes a feature called Nearby that lets you quickly transfer files between iOS devices. Nearby works with all file formats and sizes. You can even share entire folders and maintain the folder structure while copying your files. If transferring files between iOS devices leaves you frustrated, Nearby is what you need.
How to transfer files between iPhone to iPad with Nearby
- Get Documents for Free from the App Store on both iOS devices and launch the app. Ensure that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are turned ON on both devices.
- Bring your files into Documents by saving them to Documents or connecting your cloud storage accounts to access those files directly from within Documents.
- Tap the three dots (…) on the file or folder you wish to transfer.
- Tap the icon of a nearby device to share with it.
Files and folders shared using this method are instantly and securely transferred to the other devices. Once you start using Documents, you’ll rarely have to think about AirDrop again.
Get Documents for Free from the App Store
How to transfer files between iPhone and iPad using WebDAV
Documents also lets you connect iPhone to iPad via WebDAV. This way, you can access all files and folders from your iPad on your iPhone and vice versa. You can also easily download or upload files and photos from one device to another.
To connect your iPhone and iPad via WebDAV, first create a WebDAV Server:
- Ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the Documents app on both your iPhone and iPad.
- Go to Control Center > Start WebDAV Server. Enter any username and password you like and tap Start WebDAV Server to enable file transfer via WebDAV.
How to transfer photos between iPhone and iPad via WebDAV
- Open Documents on both devices and start the WebDAV server on any one device by following the steps above.
- On the other device, tap the + button and then tap Add Connection.
- Select WebDAV and tap the Available Devices icon on the right.
- Find the other iPhone or iPad device in the list of available devices.
- Enter the username and password you used for enabling WebDAV and tap Done.
- Now, you can see the files and folders from your iPhone or iPad.
- To get the photos on your other device, tap … More on the needed file and select Download.
- To download multiple files or folders at once, tap Select at the top right, choose the files, and tap Download.
We've described two ways to transfer photos from iPhone to iPad and vice versa with the Documents app. It works as a central hub for all your files and lets you open any file type, listen to your favorite music, watch videos, and so much more.
Download Documents for free and take control of all files on your iPhone and iPad!