When you have a new iPad, or when you have your iPad accidentally reset, and there are backups on your PC, you may need to copy files from PC to iPad. But how to transfer files from PC to iPad? Transferring files from a Windows PC to an iPad doesn't have to be complicated.
Whether you prefer cloud services, wireless transfers, or direct methods, this guide covers 7 practical ways to transfer from PC to iPad with or without iTunes. Read more to learn how to transfer files from PC to iPad quickly and securely.
For users who find iTunes' steps cumbersome, there are several other methods that can help you easily transfer files to your iPad from a PC.
Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a data management tool designed specifically for iOS devices, making it easy to transfer files between a PC and an iPad. You can quickly transfer various types of files from your computer to iPad with a simple and intuitive interface, without the need for iTunes.
The software also supports batch management and backup of iPad data, ensuring an efficient and secure transfer process. It's perfect for users who want to avoid complicated steps.
Key features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
How can I transfer files from PC to iPad with iOS Assistant? Follow the steps below:
01Install and launch iOS Assistant on your PC. Connect your iPad to your PC via a USB cable, and click "Trust" on your iPad when "Trust This Computer?" pops up on it. Then, tap "Continue" on the computer interface to go on.
02Once this program successfully detects your device, you will see detailed information about your iPad on the program's main interface.
03To copy files from PC to iPad, choose the required file type from the left window of this main interface, for example, "Bookmarks", then click the "Import" button on the top of the right window to transfer from PC to iPad.
Video Tutorial:
iCloud Drive is Apple's official cloud storage service, allowing you to easily upload and download files through cloud storage. As long as both your PC and iPad are connected to the same Apple ID, you can easily sync files. However, iCloud only provides every user with 5GB of free storage, after that, you will need to pay for more storage. (How to free up iCloud storage?)
How do you transfer files from PC to iPad with iCloud Drive? Here are the steps:
Step 1. On your iPad, go to "Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud" and turn on the "iCloud Drive" toggle.
Step 2. On your PC, visit iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.
Step 3. Click the "iCloud Drive" option and upload the files you want to transfer to the cloud.
Step 4. On your iPad, open the "Files" app and select "iCloud Drive" to view and download the uploaded files.
Step 4. On your iPad, open the email, find the message, and download the attachment to complete the file transfer.
OneDrive offers a seamless cloud-based method to transfer files from PC to iPad, especially if you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Steps to transfer files to iPad using OneDrive:
On your PC:
Step 1: Go to the OneDrive website and sign in to your Microsoft account.
Step 2: Click "Upload" and choose "Files" or "Folder".
Step 3: Select the files or folders you want to transfer and click "Open".
On your iPad:
Step 4: Open the OneDrive app (download from the App Store if needed).
Step 5: Find the files you uploaded, tap and hold to select, then tap the "Share" icon.
Step 6: Choose "Save to Files" and select a location on your iPad to complete the transfer.
Google Drive is a versatile option for transferring data from PC to iPad, offering free storage and easy access across platforms.
How to use Google Drive for iPad file transfer:
On your PC:
Step 1: Visit Google Drive and upload your files by dragging them into your Drive.
On your iPad:
Step 2: Open the Google Drive app and locate your files.
Step 3: Tap the three-dots next to a file and choose "Send a copy" → "Save to Files".
Dropbox is another reliable cloud tool to transfer files from PC to iPad, ideal for larger files or collaborative work.
How to use Dropbox to transfer files to iPad:
On your PC:
Step 1: Install Dropbox, then drag files into your Dropbox folder to sync.
On your iPad:
Step 2: Open the Dropbox app, tap the three-dots next to your file, and export it to your iPad's storage via "Export" → "Save to Files".
If you need to quickly transfer small files, email is a simple and efficient solution, as attachment size is usually limited to 25MB.
Here is how to transfer files from PC to iPad using email:
Step 1. Log into your email account (such as Gmail, Outlook, etc.) on your PC.
Step 2. Click "Compose" and attach the file.
Step 3. Set the recipient to your own email address and send the email.
iTunes is an officially recommended method for transferring files between a PC and an iPad. Although the process can be somewhat complicated, its security and stability make it the preferred choice for many users.
When using iTunes, you have two options: Syncing or the File Sharing feature. If you want to avoid losing any existing data on your iPad, the File Sharing feature is a safer choice. However, if your iPad is new or you're okay with overwriting current files, you can go for iTunes syncing.
Step 1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes from the official Apple website.
Step 2. Connect your iPad to the PC using a USB cable, and make sure to select "Trust This Computer" on the iPad.
Step 3. After opening iTunes, click the device icon in the top-left corner and select your iPad.
Step 4. In the left-hand menu, find the "File Sharing" option. Clicking it will show a list of apps that support file transfer.
Step 5. Choose the target app, click "Add File", and select the files you want to transfer from your PC.
Step 6. Click the "Sync" button and wait for the file transfer to complete.
Step 1. Connect your iPad to the computer using a USB cable, unlock your iPad, and tap "Trust" if prompted.
Step 2. Open iTunes on your PC and click the device icon.
Step 3. Navigate to the type of content you want to sync and check the box next to "Sync [category]". Select the items you wish to transfer, then click "Apply" to sync the files from your computer to the iPad.
The above is all about how to transfer files from PC to iPad. Although there are a total of 7 methods, you can easily see from above that some are inefficient. Personally, I highly recommend you use Coolmuster iOS Assistant, which is efficient, highly secure, and easy to use. Of course, you can also try other methods according to your demand.
If you encounter any problem during use or if you have something to let us know, feel free to share your opinion by leaving a comment below.
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