
[7 Best Ways] How to Send Videos from PC to iPhone Without iTunes
Mar 31, 2025 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions
Transferring videos from PC to an iPhone can be difficult, particularly when using iTunes. Many customers describe iTunes as slow, difficult, and limiting. It often uses too many system resources, cannot play certain video formats, and doesn't always support the latest iPhone models. Because of these constraints, users seek simpler methods for sending videos from PC to iPhone without iTunes.
This article will show seven dependable methods for how to send videos from PC to iPhone without iTunes. These approaches are compatible with all operating systems, including Windows and macOS. If you own an iPhone 15 or an earlier model, you'll find a solution that works for you, like Dr.Fone – Phone Manager. By the end of this article, you'll be able to move videos and watch them on your iPhone without any problems.
- Part 1: Why Avoid iTunes?
- Part 2: Preparing Your Devices
- Using Dr.Fone Solutions
- Using iCloud Drive
- Cloud Storage Apps (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Email or Messaging Apps
- SMB Shared Folder via Files App
- Transfer Videos from Mac to iPhone via USB Using Finder
- Via AirDrop
Part 1. Why Avoid iTunes?
Many people prefer to transfer videos from PC to iPhone without using iTunes, which is slow and complex. It has several steps, which makes the process frustrating. Fortunately, new alternatives provide greater flexibility, speed, and ease of use.
iTunes consumes many system resources, causing your PC and iPhone to perform slowly. It also has compatibility with certain video formats, requiring you to transcode files before transferring them. This additional step makes it difficult to transfer videos from a PC to an iPhone swiftly.
Another important issue is that iTunes does not always work properly with newer devices. You can see unexpected problems if you have an iPhone 15 running iOS 17. Similarly, users of Windows 11 may have installation or synchronization issues.
Part 2. Preparing Your Devices
Want to know how to send videos from computer to iPhone? First, prepare both devices before you send videos from PC to iPhone without iTunes. Compatibility and proper tool installation will streamline the process.
A. PC Requirements
A PC must meet specific requirements to transfer videos. Windows 10 and 11 users should update. Mac users should use the newest macOS for compatibility.
Dr. Fone – Phone Manager or a web browser are needed for cloud storage. Make sure your computer recognizes your iPhone before USB transmission. A smooth computer-to-iPhone video transfer may require driver updates.
B. iPhone Setup
Better performance and compatibility require iOS 15 or later on your iPhone. Check your iPhone 15 iOS 17 settings for file transfers.
Programs for cloud storage and third-party programs must be downloaded. Without iTunes, Dr.Fone, Google Drive, and Dropbox are great options for sending videos from PC to iPhone. Install the required app before transferring.
C. Video File Considerations
Not all iPhone video formats operate. The best iOS-compatible formats are MP4, MOV, and M4V. Convert videos with VLC Media Player before sending them from PC to iPhone.
Stay away from compressed videos for optimum quality. Wi-Fi or cloud storage may slow down large file transfers. To avoid botched USB transfers, make sure your iPhone has enough storage.
Part 3. 7 Methods to Send Videos from PC to iPhone Without iTunes
Many effective and user-friendly apps make transferring videos from your PC to your iPhone without iTunes easier. Let's have a look at the methods below to understand how to transfer videos from pc to iPhone without iTunes:
1. Using Dr.Fone Solutions
A. Overview of Dr.Fone – Phone Manager
The powerful Dr.Fone – Phone Manager can transfer videos from your PC to your iPhone without iTunes. Its PC and mobile apps provide fast, secure file exchanges. It breaks iTunes' restrictions and streamlines media management with an easy UI and many capabilities.
Key Features:
- Data import, export, and management are simple.
- Drag & drop files into other iOS apps.
- Transfer iCloud data to iOS devices or desktops.
- Sync iOS music, videos, and more with PC.
- No iTunes or iCloud is needed for smooth transfers.
B. Desktop Version
The desktop version of Dr.Fone – Phone Manager is best for stable transfer. With its step-by-step process, transferring videos between your PC and iPhone is easy.
Step 1. Launch Dr.Fone - Phone Manager on your PC and connect your iPhone via USB. Select "Quick Transfer" when the app identifies your device.
Step 2. Select videos to transfer by clicking "Select Files". For fast file selection, drag and drop files into the interface.
Step 3. After selecting the files, Dr.Fone may ask you to choose a video-storing software. Choose Photos, VLC, iVideo, Adobe Acrobat, or other supported programs. The transfer process begins after selection.
Step 4. A transfer progress bar will show its status. Click "Cancel" to stop the process. After the transfer, hit "i" to see the exact placement of the videos on your iPhone.
C. Dr.Fone App – Phone Transfer
Utilizing the Dr.Fone App for easy, wireless video transfer between a PC and an iPhone. This makes file sharing easy without USB connections. Moving videos for editing, backup, or sharing with Dr.Fone is smooth and quality-preserving.
Dr.Fone App - Phone to PC
Wireless Transfer: Cross-System Transmission among Win/Mac/iOS/Android
- Supports images, videos, files, text messages, music, and apps (last two only for Android)
- Mutual transfer with real-time data visualization.
- No desktop app download required.
- Easy connection & fast transfer.
Why Use Dr.Fone for Video Transfers?
- Easy wireless setup without cords or hardware.
- Compatible with many iOS devices, including the latest iPhone models.
- The interface is intuitive for easy navigation.
- No compression or data loss with secure transfers.
2. Using iCloud Drive
iPhone consumers choose to use iCloud, Apple's built-in cloud storage service. It enables easy file transfers across devices. To send videos from PC to iPhone, follow these steps:
Step 1. Get iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store.
Step 2. Launch the app and "sign in" using your Apple ID.
Step 3. Drag the videos you want to transfer to the iCloud Drive folder on your PC.
Step 4. Wait for the files to be immediately transferred to iCloud.
Step 5. Open the iCloud Drive on your iPhone. Your videos will be there and ready for downloading.
This method is quick, wireless, and automatic. However, you must have enough iCloud storage to transfer huge files.
3. Cloud Storage Apps (Google Drive, Dropbox)
You may also use cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox to transfer videos from your PC to your iPhone without using iTunes. These apps allow you to transfer data between devices and easily access videos on your iPhone.
Using Google Drive
Google Drive makes sharing videos wirelessly from a PC to an iPhone simple. Take these steps:
Step 1. Launch Google Chrome on your PC. Click the Google Apps symbol in the upper-right corner and select "Drive."
Step 2. Click "New > File Upload."
Step 3. Select the videos you wish to upload.
Step 4. Wait for the upload to be complete. This could take many minutes.
Step 5. Launch the Google Drive application on your iPhone. You will see the uploaded videos.
Using Dropbox
Dropbox operates similarly to Google Drive but with greater freedom. It allows you to send videos from a computer to an iPhone instantly. Here's how.
Step 1. Install Dropbox on your iPhone.
Step 2. Log into the Dropbox website on your PC.
Step 3. Click "Upload" and select the videos you want to transfer.
Step 4. After uploading the videos, open Dropbox on your iPhone to access them.
4. Email or Messaging Apps
Email is one of the easiest ways to send PC videos to an iPhone. No apps are needed for this simple solution. However, sending several files takes time. To transfer videos from PC to iPhone without iTunes, use email:
Step 1. Open your PC email and compose a message.
Step 2. Send videos by attaching them. Avoid exceeding the email size limit.
Step 3. Send yourself the email.
Step 4. Open your iPhone email and download the attachments.
5. SMB Shared Folder via Files App
Server Message Block (SMB) can wirelessly transfer videos from PC to iPhone. This solution lets you build and access a PC-shared folder from your iPhone. This requires iOS 13 or later. Here's how to transfer PC videos to iPhone without iTunes using SMB:
Step 1. Open PC Command Prompt (cmd). Type ipconfig and enter. Record the IPv4 address.
Step 2. Right-click your desktop and make a folder. Name it Shared Videos.
Step 3. Right-click and select Folder "Properties." Click "Advanced Sharing" under "Sharing." Check "Click Permissions," then share this folder. Select All and Give Full Control. Click "OK" after applying.
Step 4. Launch the Files app on your iPhone. Select "Browse > Three Dots (top-right) > Connect to Server."
Step 5. Enter smb://YourIPAddress (replace with Step 1 IP). Select "Registered User" and input your PC's login and password. Tap "Next," then Finish.
6. Transfer Videos from Mac to iPhone via USB Using Finder
If your Mac is running macOS Mojave or later, you can use Finder to transfer videos to your iPhone. Finder has replaced iTunes for data syncing, allowing for seamless video transfers. Follow the steps to transfer the files:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac via a USB cord.
Step 2. Select "Trust" on your iPhone and input your passcode if requested.
Step 3. Open "Finder" and then select your iPhone from the sidebar.
Step 4. To see which apps enable file sharing, select the "Files" tab.
Step 5. Drag and drop videos from your Mac into the corresponding program folder.
Step 6. Once the files have been transferred, open the app on your iPhone to access them.
This method assures that files are transferred quickly and directly without needing iTunes. For greater flexibility, consider AirDrop or cloud storage services if you prefer a wireless solution.
7. Via AirDrop
AirDrop is an excellent option for transferring files from your Mac to your iPhone if you prefer a wireless alternative. This built-in Apple capability enables smooth file sharing between iOS and macOS devices without wires. However, a Mac PC is required because AirDrop is limited to Apple devices.
To transfer files, ensure your Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then:
Step 1. On your Mac, locate the file you wish to send.
Step 2. Click "Share" > "AirDrop," and then select your iPhone from the list.
Step 3. When prompted by your iPhone, click "Accept".
The file will be sent instantaneously, and you can access it anytime. If you don't own a Mac, explore other wireless options, such as cloud storage or third-party apps, to ensure seamless transfers.
Part 4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Transferring videos from a PC to an iPhone can be difficult. Discuss common concerns and solutions.
A. iPhone Not Detected
If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, try these:
- Use an Apple or MFi-certified cable. Check the cord and USB ports for damage.
- When connecting your iPhone, a prompt should ask if you trust this computer. Tap "Trust" to connect.
- Some connectivity issues can be fixed by restarting devices. Restart your iPhone and PC.
- Outdated drivers can affect recognition. Update your computer's OS and drivers.
B. Videos Not Playing
Transferred videos won't play on your iPhone? Try these:
- iPhones support MP4. Your video may not play in another format.
- Turn videos to MP4 using a VLC media player.
C. iCloud Sync Delays
Having trouble with iCloud syncing? What to do:
- Connect your PC and iPhone to a stable internet source.
- Open the Files app on your iPhone and force refresh. Refresh iCloud Drive by sliding down. It synchronizes immediately.
D. Security Considerations
Protecting data during transfers is essential.
- Transfer files using verified cables and avoid public computers.
- Transfer files over AirDrop on a secure network to avoid unauthorized access.
E. Backup Advice
Back up videos before transferring:
- Store your videos on an external hard drive or the cloud.
- Back up your iPhone with iCloud or iTunes to avoid data loss.
Conclusion
Multiple methods make transferring videos from your PC to your iPhone without iTunes easier. Wireless, USB, and cloud storage offer flexibility, speed, and convenience. Avoiding iTunes removes the constraints of a comfortable ride. Dr.Fone – Phone Manager is a dependable and effective solution with seamless transfers, extensive compatibility, and an easy-to-use interface. Choose the correct approach to move and enjoy videos on your iPhone without restrictions easily.
Daisy Raines
staff Editor