How to Transfer Files from iPad to PC without iTunes
I want to transfer some video files from iPad to my Windows PC. It seems that iTunes only helps transfer purchased items. How do I transfer files from iPad to PC via USB?
- Question from Apple Forums
Want to Transfer Files from iPad to PC?
Sometimes we need to transfer data from iPad to computer. Maybe you want to free up space on your iPad, or maybe you want to edit files and photos on your PC.
However, iOS is a closed system and you cannot copy and paste iPad files to computer directly. Here in this guide, I will introduce all workable iPad to PC files transfer methods to help you achieve the goal. There are 5 ways can help you transfer files from iPad to PC without iTunes. You can first read and then choose one to follow according to your situation.
Part 1. How to Transfer Files from iPad to PC without iTunes
If you want to transfer files from iPad to PC via USB without iTunes, Way 1 is the answer.
Way 1. Transfer Files from iPad to PC via FoneTool
Way 2. Transfer Files from iPad to PC via AirDrop-like Apps
Way 3. Transfer Files from iPad to PC via iCloud Drive
Way 4. Transfer Files from iPad to PC via Google Drive
Way 5. Transfer Files from iPad to PC via Mail Drop
Way 1. Transfer Files from iPad to PC Using USB
If you want a quick way to transfer songs, photos, and videos from iPad to PC, then one professional iOS data transfer tool named FoneTool can be the best choice.
It’s only a matter of making a few clicks of the mouse to transfer needed files. It will transfer the files in their original size. There is no problem transferring large videos or non-purchased songs.
See how to use this tool to transfer data from iPad to computer:
Download, install and launch FoneTool. It supports all iPhone/iPad models including the latest iPad Pro, iPad Air 2022, iPhone 14.
1. Run FoneTool > Connect iPad to computer via USB cable > Enter passcode on iPad so the software can access your device.
2. On the Home screen, Click Phone Transfer option. Go to iPhone to PC and click Start Transfer.
3. Click the “+” icon > Choose the photos, video, songs you want to transfer > Click OK to continue.
4. Click Start Transfer > Choose a storage path > If everything is OK, click Transfer to start.
Way 2. Transfer Files from iPad to PC Wirelessly via AirDrop-like Apps
Although AirDrop is not available on Windows PC, there are AirDrop-like apps that can help you transfer files between iPad and computer wirelessly. Snapdrop, Xender, SHAREit, Zapya are the most recommended ones. These AirDrop for Windows apps can help you transfer videos, photos, songs, apps, PDF files, etc.
Here we take Snapdrop as an example to show you how to AirDrop videos from iPhone to PC.
1. Visit Snapdrop website (//snapdrop.net/) on iPad and computer.
2. Tap the icon on your iPad screen and it will give you three choices: Take Photo or Video, Photo Library, and Browse.
3. Click one option to select the videos you need.
4. When the transfer is completed, click the Download button to save videos on computer.
Way 3. Transfer Files from iPad to PC Wirelessly via iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is a good place to store files and it lets you access files on any device. You can first upload files to iCloud Drive on iPad and then download files on your PC. However, iCloud only offers 5GB of free storage space. If you need more iCloud storage, you can upgrade your storage plan.
On your iPad:
Go to Settings > Tap [your name] > Tap iCloud > Turn on iCloud Drive.
Go to Files app > Tap Browse > Tap iCloud Drive > Upload needed files to iCloud Drive.
On your computer:
Go to iCloud.com > Log in with your Apple ID and passcode > Click iCloud Drive to find your needed files and download them to PC.
Way 4. Transfer Files from iPad to PC Wirelessly via Google Drive
You can also choose other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive to help you transfer data from iPad to computer. Compared to iCloud Drive, they offer more free storage space.
On your iPad:
Download Google Drive app from App Store > Open it and sign in with your account.
Tap the “+” icon in the lower right corner of the app > Tap Upload > Choose the files want to upload to Google Drive.
On your computer:
Open a browser on computer and go to Google Drive website > Download the files you uploaded before.
Way 5. Transfer Files from iPad to PC Wirelessly via Mail Drop
A quick way to transfer data from iPad to computer is to send an email to yourself. You can add any type of file as an attachment. However, email only supports files under 25M. If you want to transfer large files, you should rely on the Mail Drop function. It helps you send a file up to 5GB each time.
Turn on Mail Drop on iPad: Tap Mail > Preferences > Accounts > Advanced > Choose Send large attachment with Mail Drop.
Here we take send videos from iPhone to email as an example:
On your iPad
Connect iPad to Wi-Fi network.
Go to Photos app > Choose the video you need > Tap Share button > Choose Mail > Enter your address > Tap Send > Tap Use Mail Drop.
On your computer
Check your email and download the attachment. (You have 30 days to download the attachments.)
Part 2. How to Transfer Files from iPad to PC with iTunes
In iTunes, there’s one function called File Sharing. It lets you copy files between computer and iOS devices. However, it only supports transferring several app files: Keynotes, Numbers, Pages, Kindle, etc.
1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes on computer.
2. Connect your iPad to computer. You can connect your iPad using USB cable or Wi-Fi connection.
3. In iTunes, click the Device table.
4. Click File Sharing under Settings.
5. Select an app you want to transfer > Choose the file you need > Click Save > Choose a location to save the file > Click Save to start the transfer.
Conclusion
That’s all about how to transfer data from iPad to PC. If you want to transfer data from iPad to PC via USB without iTunes, FoneTool is the best choice. If you want to transfer data wirelessly, you can try AirDrop-like apps, cloud storage services, or Mail Drop function.