Transfer files wirelessly between your iPad and computer with email, messages, or AirDrop
The simplest way to manually transfer files is to use email, messages, or AirDrop to wirelessly send files between devices.
Use email to transfer files
Make sure you have an email account on your iPad and computer, then follow the steps below.
Attach one or more files to an email message on your iPad or computer, then send the email to yourself.
For example, to transfer a photo from your iPad using Mail, select the item in Photos, tap
, choose Mail, then send the message to yourself.
Open the email and download the attachments on the other device.
For example, when using Mail on a Mac to receive a file, select the email that includes the attachment, then choose File > Save Attachments.
Note: Depending on your email provider and ISP (internet service provider), there may be size limits to the files you send.
Use text messages to transfer files
Make sure you have messaging set up on your iPad and computer, then follow the steps below.
Attach a file to a message on your iPad or computer, then send the message to yourself.
For example, to transfer a photo from your iPad using Messages, select the photo in Photos, tap
, choose Messages, then send the message to yourself.
Open the message and save the attachment on the other device.
For example, when using Messages on Mac to receive a photo, Control-click the attached photo in a message, then select Add to Photos.
Note: Standard carrier data and text rates may apply. Your carrier may set size limits for attachments. iPad may compress photo and video attachments when necessary.
Use AirDrop to transfer files
On a Mac (OS X 10.10 or later), you can use AirDrop to send files between it and your iPad. AirDrop transfers information using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the devices must be nearby. (Make sure you’ve turned on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your Mac, and you’ve turned on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your iPad.) Transfers are encrypted for security.
To use AirDrop, you must be signed in with your Apple ID on both your iPad and your Mac.
Choose an item on your iPad or Mac.
Tap or click the button (such as
, Share, AirDrop, or
) that displays the app’s sharing options.
For example, to transfer a photo from your iPad using AirDrop, select the photo in Photos, then tap
.
Tap or click
in the share options, then select your other device.
After an item is sent to your iPad, you can find it in the app you saved the item to or in the app that automatically opened. After an item is sent to your Mac, you can find it in the app you saved the item to or in the Downloads folder.