How to Transfer Files from iPhone to Mac without iTunes [Full Guide]

As an Apple fan who owns an iPhone and Mac, data transfer between iPhone and Mac is an inevitable thing. Though iTunes is a solution for data sharing between iDevices, there are some limitations and inconveniences of using it, such as erasing the existing data, not supporting the non-iTunes music, taking too much time to transfer, etc. Actually, other than iTunes, you have many other options to do the file transfer. Here we will show you 6 proven ways on how to transfer files from iPhone to Mac without iTunes.

Way 1. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to Mac without iTunes using Coolmuster iOS Assistant
Way 2. How to Transfer from iPhone to Mac using iCloud
Way 3. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to iMac with AirDrop
Way 4. How to Move Files from iPhone to Mac using Photos App
Way 5: How to Sync Files from iPhone to Mac via Finder (Catalina)
Way 6. How to Transfer Files from iPhone 11 to Mac using Email

Way 1. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to Mac without iTunes using Coolmuster iOS Assistant

Coolmuster iOS Assistant for Mac offers an easy and reliable solution for data transfer between iPhone/iPad/iPod and Mac. It allows you to transfer a wide range of file types from iPhone to Mac, including contacts, text messages, notes, calendars, bookmarks, music, videos, photos, books and apps. And the transferring speed is quick and stable, the selected data can be transferred to your Mac smoothly without quality loss.

In addition to data transfer, Coolmuster iOS Assistant also comes with useful features for file management and data backup & restore. For example, you can use it to edit/add/delete contacts, install/uninstall apps from iPhone directly on Mac. You can also back up and restore iPhone to/from your computer without launching iTunes.

Tip: Want to move files from Mac to iPhone? Follow this guide: 6 Easy Ways to Transfer Files From Mac to iPhone

Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.9 or later

Supported devices: fully compatible with iOS 13, works well on iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/XS Max/XS/XR/X/8 Plus/8/7 Plus/7/6s Plus/6s/6 Plus/6.

Download Coolmuster iOS Assistant from below:

How to Transfer Files from iPhone to Mac without iTunes:

Step 1: Launch Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your Mac

Download and run Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your Mac, then connect your iPhone to Mac with a suitable USB cable. Hit Trust on your iPhone as prompted, then the software will automatically detect your iPhone.

Step 2: Select files to transfer from iPhone to Mac

Select the data type on the left sidebar, then the files from iPhone will be displayed on the right windows for managing. Choose the files you need to transfer and then click the Export button to move them to Mac.

Way 2. How to Transfer from iPhone to Mac using iCloud

iCloud is a cloud-based service offered by Apple that enables users to back up photos, messages, music, and other files to the online cloud storage. Here we will show you how to use iCloud Drive to transfer documents like Word, Excel from iPhone to Mac.

How to transfer data from iPhone to Mac using iCloud:

Step 1: Enable iCloud on your iPhone

On your iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > tap iCloud > enable iCloud Drive.

Step 2: Set up iCloud on your Mac

Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > click Apple ID > check the box next to iCloud Drive.

Step 3: Access the files from iPhone on Mac

After setting up iCloud Drive on both your iPhone and Mac, you can save your files to the file app on your iPhone, then they will be synced to Mac automatically. In this way, you can access the files on your Mac by going to Finder > Documents under iCloud.

Tip: You can also use iCloud to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac, read the article How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac for more information.

Way 3. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to iMac with AirDrop

AirDrop comes in very handy when it comes to transferring files between iDevices. It is an ideal way to transfer files from iPhone to iMac without iTunes. AirDrop doesn't require a USB cable, you need to turn on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your devices and place your devices close enough to do the transfer.

Here's how to transfer files from iPhone to iMac/Mac with AirDrop:

Step 1: On your iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap AirDrop, then select Contacts Only or Everyone according to your needs.

Step 2: On your Mac, open the Finder window and select AirDrop. Set up Allow me to be discovered by Contacts Only or Everyone.

Step 3: Choose the files on your iPhone that you want to transfer and then tap the Share icon, for example, photos. Here you will see the name of your Mac, tap to share photos to your Mac with AirDrop.

Step 4: On your Mac, save the files sent from your iPhone.

Way 4. How to Move Files from iPhone to Mac using Photos App

If you want to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac without iTunes, Photos app is a great option. It can help you move photos from your iPhone to Mac in a very quick and easy way.

Here's how:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable.

Step 2: Run the Photos app on your Mac.

Step 3: Click the device name in the left sidebar and you will see the photos and videos on your iPhone. Select the photos you want to transfer to Mac and then click Import Selected to move them to your Mac.

see more: Top 5 Ways to Transfer Videos from iPhone to Mac (Can't-Miss)

Way 5: How to Sync Files from iPhone to Mac via Finder (Catalina)

If your Mac is running macOS Catalina, you maybe notice that iTunes is not available. So how to transfer files from iPhone to Mac without iTunes? The answer is to use the Finder. Finder is the device management tool to help you sync, update, back up and restore iPhone and iPad.

Here's how to transfer files from iPhone to Mac via Finder:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to Mac with a USB cable.

Step 2: Launch Finder manually if it doesn't open automatically.

Step 3: On the left sidebar, click your device under the Location section.

Step 4: Select the file type you wish to transfer and then sync the files to your Mac from iPhone.

Way 6. How to Transfer Files from iPhone 11 to Mac using Email

If you want to transfer a few files with small size, Email can help you do the data transfer easily.

Step 1: On your iPhone, compose an email and attach the file you want to transfer, then send this email to yourself.

Step 2: On your Mac, log in to the same email account, and then open the email and download the file from iPhone to Mac.

Words in the End

Coolmuster iOS Assistant for Mac is the most recommended choice to transfer files from iPhone to Mac. It is an easy-to-use tool that aims to help users manage their data on iPhone in a smart and efficient way. As you can see, with this tool, you can preview all the files stored on your iPhone before transferring, which makes you have better control over your data on iPhone. Furthermore, its backup & restore feature lets you create backup from iPhone to PC without overwriting the previous iTunes record. So if you don't want to use iTunes to transfer or back up your iPhone, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is here for you.

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