How to Transfer Files Between iPad and iPhone: 5 Proven Methods (2025)

How to Transfer Files (5 Methods)

“How do I transfer files from iPhone to iPad and the other way around?” As mentioned earlier, there are many different ways to do this procedure in quick and easy steps. Just select the best data transfer option that is convenient and accessible for you. To help you get started, below is a list of iOS data-transfer methods you can try. Check them out to learn more.

Which Method is Best for You? A Quick Comparison

Method 1: Transfer files from iPad to iPhone and vice versa via AirDrop.

AirDrop is perfect for quickly sending a few files. It's especially useful for transferring photos and short videos from your iPad to your iPhone without needing an internet connection. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: For your convenience, make sure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are activated on both iOS devices. On the one hand, turn off the Personal Hotspot option if ever it is enabled.
• Step 2: On the receiver’s end, turn on AirDrop. Simply bring out the Control Center and then tap the Network Settings section to show other options.

• Step 3: Click AirDrop.

• Step 4: Then, choose Everyone For 10 Minutes.
• Step 5: On the sender’s iOS device, locate the files and then click the Share button. If you cannot see this option, click the More icon first and find it there.
• Step 6: Select AirDrop.

• Step 7: Choose the intended recipient from the provided options.
• Step 8: Going back to the receiver’s device, click Accept when the data-transfer window is prompted.

Method 2: Transfer files from iPhone to iPad and vice versa by syncing iCloud files.

You can easily access your files across multiple iOS devices if you actively sync them to iCloud services. Yes. There’s no need to manually transfer files from iPhone to iPad. All you have to do is enable certain settings on your Apple devices. Do you want to know how to do this? Check out the tutorial provided below.

• Step 1: First and foremost, make sure that you’re using the same Apple ID on all your Apple devices. If not, sign in to your preferred account first.
• Step 2: After that, go to Settings.
• Step 3: Click your Profile icon at the top of your screen.
• Step 4: Right after, click iCloud.

• Step 5: Scroll down to the Apps Using iCloud section. Enable this feature on the iOS applications that contain the files you want to sync. After a few minutes, the files will be then synchronized to iCloud automatically. Once done, you can now access and make changes to the various from multiple Apple devices where you log in to your Apple ID.

NOTE: Before you enable this feature, make sure that your iCloud storage carries adequate space. If you're running low, check out our guide on how to free up iCloud storage.

Method 3: Transfer files from iPad to iPhone via iCloud Drive.

In case you’re unaware, Apple offers digital storage to users. It is called iCloud Drive. Basically, you can upload your files to this drive and access them from iOS devices that use your Apple ID. Yes. It works like DropBox and other online file-hosting services, except that iCloud Drive is exclusive for Apple devices only. Do you want to try it now and take advantage of this feature? Check out the tutorial below on how to transfer files from iPad to iPhone using iCloud Drive.

• Step 1: Launch the Settings on your iOS device.
• Step 2: Click your Profile icon at the top of your screen.
• Step 3: Find and click iCloud among the given options.
• Step 4: Navigate to the Apps Using iCloud section and then click iCloud Drive. Toggle on the radio button next to Sync This iPhone.

• Step 5: After that, locate the files you want to transfer to another iOS device. Click the Share button and then select iCloud Drive to upload your files.
• Step 6: On the receiver’s device, go to the Files app.
• Step 7: Tap on the Browse tab at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
• Step 8: Click iCloud Drive.

• Step 9: Check the folder and find the files you have recently uploaded to your drive.

NOTE: Before you try this method, make sure that the internal storage of your iCloud has adequate space.

Method 4: Transfer files from iPhone to iPad via Google Drive.

If your Google Drive has large storage, you can use it to transfer files from iPhone to iPad. Don’t worry. It’s very easy to set up on your iOS devices. You just need to download the Google Drive app and log in to your account. Yes. It’s just as simple as that. Do you want to try it now? Here’s a short guide for you.

• Step 1: Download the Google Drive application on both iOS devices. Right after, log in to your Google account. It’s best to sign in using the same account to avoid unwanted inconveniences.
• Step 2: On the sender’s device, run the application.
• Step 3: Click New and then select Folder. Rename the folder according to your liking.
• Step 4: After that, open the newly created folder. From there, click the Add icon at the bottom-right corner of your screen.

• Step 5: Select Upload. Choose the files you want to transfer and then wait until the process is completed.

• Step 6: On the receiver’s device, go to the Google Drive application.
• Step 7: Find the folder you have created and access files from there.

Method 5: Transfer files from iPad to iPhone using Wondershare Dr.Fone.

Is there a more convenient option to transfer files from iPad to iPhone? Fortunately, there is. You can easily transfer files from iPhone to iPad and vice versa with the aid of Wondershare Dr.Fone. Yes. Its powerful phone transfer feature can help you a lot in this regard. All you have to do is connect the iOS devices to the computer and set them up on there. No technical skills are required to commence and complete this procedure. Do you want to try it now? Here’s a quick tutorial on how to transfer files between iOS devices using Wondershare Dr.Fone - Phone Transfer.

Dr.Fone - Phone Transfer

1-Click Phone-to-Phone Transfer

• Easy, fast, and safe.
• Move data between devices with different operating systems, i.e., iOS to Android.
• Supports iOS devices that run the latest iOS version
• Transfer photos, text messages, contacts, notes, and many other file types.
• Supports over 8000+ Android devices. Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

Available on: Windows Mac

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• Step 1: Download Wondershare Dr.Fone and install it on your computer.
• Step 2: Launch the newly installed software on your desktop afterward. Once it fully loads up, and the dashboard becomes visible on your computer screen, connect your iPhone and iPad using data cables. Follow the on-screen guide and perform the indicated steps accordingly to make sure that the connection between your devices is stable enough to facilitate the succeeding operations.
• Step 3: Navigate to the left-side panel and then click Toolbox. On the main dashboard, click Phone Transfer.

• Step 4: After that, nominate the Source and the Target devices. You can transfer files from iPad to iPhone or the other way around. Therefore, you don’t need to worry if you interchange the path of the data transfer. Alternatively, you can just click the Flip button to assign your preferred Source and Target devices with just the snap of a finger.

• Step 5: Select the category of files you want to transfer. Simply tap the tickbox next to it. Don’t worry. There is no limitation to it. You can pick as many categories as you want. Once you’re done, it’s time to commence the data transfer. Click Start Transfer.

• Step 6: The data transfer will not push through if the Find My feature on your iOS devices is currently enabled. Don’t worry. If a notice window is prompted due to this error, just click OK from there and turn off Find My on your iOS devices. The process will then resume afterward.

• Step 7: Wait while Wondershare Dr.Fone is facilitating the transfer between your iOS devices. Refrain from using them to avoid unwanted delays and unnecessary interruptions.

• Step 8: Once the process is completed, click OK on the pop-up window to wrap it up. Subsequently, check the receiver’s device and confirm if all the files from the other Apple device have been copied successfully.

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Important Things to Consider Before Transferring

As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t take much to transfer files from iPad to iPhone and vice versa. You can easily facilitate this kind of procedure in a snap without advanced technical assistance. However, it’s very important to point out that data transfer in any form is deemed a sensitive process. Anything unexpected can happen in the blink of an eye. That’s why you must not throw caution to the wind, no matter how secure and convenient the data-sharing platform is. Always put your privacy above anything else. To help you out, below are some tips you can consider whenever you transfer files from iPad to iPhone. Read the items very carefully and keep them in mind all the time.

Choose your recipients wisely.

Most of the time, the sender cannot clearly see a distinctive identification of the receiver during data transfer. The devices on the receiving end are often labeled with random character mix-ups only. Therefore, you must check and verify the receiver’s device before you commence the procedure. Is it a big deal? Of course, it is. Your files might get compromised if you mistakenly send them to the wrong people. Sure. It’s rarely the case, but it can still happen to anyone.

Think twice before you send out sensitive files.

You can be sure that Apple implements strict protocols to keep user data safe and private during data transfer. However, it’s not enough for you to be complacent, especially if you’re sending out sensitive files. Think twice beforehand, and don’t hesitate to consider a better alternative if there is any. Don’t worry. That’s totally fine. If you’re hesitating to transfer files from iPhone to iPad directly, then it’s best to explore other available options.

Check the files carefully before you send them.

Always remember that data transfer does not have a reverse option. Once you hit the “Send” button, you cannot take back the files anymore. That’s why you have to check the files carefully and thoroughly before you initiate the procedure. Make sure that you’re sending the right folders to the intended receiver. Otherwise, your data might unintentionally get compromised in the process.

Choose a convenient and effective file-sharing method.

The methods you can try to transfer files from iPad to iPhone are not limited to one or two. There are actually a lot to choose from. Therefore, take time to evaluate the benefits and procedures of each technique. Opt for the best file-sharing tactic that perfectly suits your preferences and needs at a given time. Just don’t settle on a specific choice without weighing things up.

BONUS TIP: Back Up Your Files First

As mentioned earlier, data transfer between mobile devices is a sensitive procedure. In the process, anything can happen out of the blue. That’s why you need to prepare for the worst always. In this regard, all you need to do is back up your files before you transfer them. Don’t worry. Wondershare Dr.Fone has made the file backup process a lot easier for everyone. Do you want to try it now? If so, here’s a short guide for you.

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• Step 1: Launch the Wondershare Dr.Fone application on your computer. Once it fully loads up, connect the iOS device that contains the files you want to transfer. Follow the on-screen guide to ensure a stable device connection.
• Step 2: Then, go to the left-side panel and then click My Backup. On the main dashboard, click Back Up Now.

• Step 3: Wait while Wondershare Dr.Fone is backing up your Apple device. Don’t use your computer and your iOS device during the process to avoid any disruption. If you want to terminate the progress and start all over again, simply click Cancel.

• Step 4: After completing the file backup process, click Open in Folder or View Backups to review the files.

In this regard, all you need to do is back up your files before you transfer them. You can use iCloud, iTunes, or a dedicated tool. For a detailed comparison, see our article on the best ways to back up your iPhone.

Conclusion

Data transfer is a vital file management procedure. That’s why Apple has made sure that users can easily transfer files from iPad to iPhone or vice versa. If you need to initiate this kind of action, you may refer to the methods listed above. One of them can surely fit your current situation and help you a lot in this regard. If you wish to try a convenient approach, download Dr.Fone - Phone Transfer. It has powerful data transfer and file backup features that can provide easily accessible and readily available assistance. Just connect your mobile device to the computer and set it up on the app.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)