How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes [2025 UPDATE]

As we all know, iTunes is gradually abandoned by iOS users. Due to its poor performance, it is now being replaced by some iTunes alternatives. These alternatives could be a cloud service, a program, a USB drive, or any other services that can handle iTunes's tasks. If you're looking for an iTunes alternative solution that can transfer files from iPhone to PC, this guide is for you. Below we'll introduce some workable iTunes alternative ways to transfer files from iPhone to PC without iTunes.

✅Quick Answer: 6 Way to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes

Method 1. Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes via EaseUS MobiMover

Applies to: Photos, Videos, Audio Files, Contacts, Messages, Podcasts, Books...

If you're searching for a perfect iTunes alternative to transfer files from iPhone to PC, think of this versatile iPhone data transfer tool - EaseUS MobiMover.

If you often transfer photos, videos, and contacts from iPhone to PC, especially in bulk or without Wi-Fi, EaseUS MobiMover is the most convenient and secure option. No login required, no storage limit, and full support for iOS 18 and USB-C.

It boasts a fast speed and user-friendly interface. Even if you are a novice on the computer, you can use this program to transfer data with ease.  After transferring, all these files will be stored on your PC in an accessible and viewable way, and you can use them whenever you want.

Why Choose This iPhone Data Transfer Software:

• Transfers multiple file types at once, such as photos, videos, audio, notes, and contacts
• Transfer files between iPhone and PC mutually
• Allows up to 20 files per day for free transfers
• Back up iPhone to PC or Mac for free
• Manage and delete iCloud files in bulk, like iCloud photos

Pros:

✅Supports many file types

✅Fast transfer via USB; No Wi-Fi or cloud setup required

✅Beginner-friendly interface

Cons:

⛔Requires software installation

⛔This free version is not actually totally free; it only offers 20 file transfers per day for free.

👉How to Use EaseUS MobiMover to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable. Then launch EaseUS MobiMover and go to "Phone to PC" > "Next".

Step 2. Check the types of files you want to transfer and click "Transfer". You can specify a location to keep the transferred items in advance. Otherwise, they will be placed on Desktop by default.

Step 3. Wait for the transfer process to finish. When it has done, go to the selected folder to check the items.

Further reading: How to Transfer Files from Phone to USB Without Computer

Method 2. Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes via iCloud

Applies to: Photos, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Notes, and more

If you've backed up your data to iCloud, you can easily access and download files from any PC. This method suits users who prefer wireless, automatic sync, but keep in mind Apple only provides 5GB of free storage.

iCloud offers two ways to access your iPhone data on a PC — through its website or the iCloud for Windows app. If you've enabled iCloud syncing on your iPhone, both options let you download your data wirelessly and without iTunes.

Pros:

✅No cables needed

✅Access from any browser or PC

✅Syncs automatically

Cons:

⛔Limited free storage (5GB)

⛔Requires internet access

⛔Not suitable for large video transfers

⛔Can't transfer unsupported file types like messages

👉Here's how to transfer files from iPhone to computer via iCloud.com:

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, and enable the data types (e.g. Photos, Contacts) you want to sync.

Step 2. On your PC, either:

• Visit iCloud.com, log in with your Apple ID, and download files from the categories displayed.
• Or install iCloud for Windows, sign in, and enable file syncing in the control panel to access them via File Explorer.

Method 3. Transfer iPhone Photos to PC via Windows Explorer

Applies to: Photos and videos in the Camera Roll

If you only need to transfer photos and videos from your iPhone's Camera Roll, Windows File Explorer is a straightforward and lightweight solution. It doesn't require iTunes, iCloud, or any third-party software. You simply plug in your iPhone and access it like a USB drive.

However, this method only supports image and video files stored in the DCIM folder and does not work for app files, contacts, or messages. Also, file organization may appear chaotic, especially if you have a large photo library.

Pros:

✅No need to install anything

✅Works on all Windows versions

✅Direct access via USB

Cons:

⛔Only works with Camera Roll photos/videos

⛔No support for messages, notes, or third-party app data

⛔Files are stored in multiple subfolders (can be confusing)

👉Here's how to transfer files from iPhone to laptop via Windows Explorer:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Windows PC using a USB cable.

Step 2. On your iPhone, unlock the device and tap "Trust This Computer" if prompted.

Step 3. On your PC, open File Explorer and go to This PC > [Your iPhone's name].

Step 4. Navigate to Internal Storage > DCIM — this folder contains all Camera Roll photos/videos.

Step 5. Select and copy the desired files to a folder on your PC.

Method 4. Transfer iPhone Photos to PC via Windows Photos App

Applies to: Photos and videos in the Camera Roll

The Windows Photos app offers a user-friendly interface to import images and videos from your iPhone. It's included by default in Windows 10 and 11, and is ideal for users who want to organize imported content by date or album.

Like File Explorer, this method supports only the Camera Roll content. However, it provides a cleaner UI, better batch import options, and even lets you preview before importing — great for photo-heavy users.

Pros:

✅Built-in Windows app, no extra installation

✅Allows previewing photos before import

✅Organizes imported items by date

Cons:

⛔Only supports Camera Roll content

⛔Slightly slower than File Explorer for large batches

⛔Still no access to non-photo data

👉To transfer photos from iPhone to PC via Windows Photos App:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable.

Step 2. Unlock your iPhone and select "Trust This Computer" if prompted.

Step 3. Open the Photos app on your Windows PC (search “Photos” in the Start menu).

Step 4. Click the Import button in the top-right corner > choose “From a connected device.”

Step 5. Windows will scan your iPhone and present thumbnails of your images/videos.

Step 6. Select the items you want and click “Import Selected.”

Method 5. Copy Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes via Email

Applies to: Photos, Documents, and other small files

Apart from the above four methods, you can also use Email to transfer files between iPhone and computer. Email is a classic method for quick one-time transfers of light files. It doesn't require apps or cables, but it's more suited to transfer small/light files from an iPhone or iPad to a computer.

Pros:

✅No installation or cable required

✅Good for light, quick files

Cons:

⛔Size limitations (often <25MB)

⛔Inconvenient for large or many files

⛔Email accounts need to be logged in on two devices, a little tedious and troublesome

👉To transfer files between any two devices using Email:

Step 1. Open the Email app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Compose an email to attach files you want to transfer.

Step 3. Log in to your email account on your computer.

Step 4. Download attachment files to your computer.

Method 6. Transfer Files from iPhone to PC without iTunes via Google Drive

Applies to: Photos, Contacts, and Calendar events

Apart from Apple's iCloud service, Google Drive or Dropbox offers a simple cloud-based option to upload from iPhone and download to PC.  This method is convenient, especially for users who use other Google services, but may be slower with large files.

Pros:

✅Wireless and cross-platform

✅Free 15GB storage, compared to iCloud (5 GB for free)

Cons:

⛔Slower than USB

⛔Requires internet access

👉To copy files or documents from iPhone to computer using Google Drive:

Step 1. Download and open Google Drive on your iPhone, then sign in with your Google account.

Step 2. Tap the Add icon on your Google Drive app > Find and select the iPhone files you'd like to upload

Step 3. Tap Upload.

Step 4. On your PC, visit Google Drive websites and then download your wanted data to your computer.

The Bottom Line

Transferring files from iPhone to PC without using iTunes is not only possible — it's also faster, simpler, and more flexible than ever. Whether you want to move your photos, videos, contacts, or messages, there's a method that fits your needs:

FAQs on How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC

If you have any questions about today's topic, you may want to check the commonly asked questions below.

1. Can I transfer iPhone files to PC using just a USB?

Yes, but only photos and videos from the Camera Roll can be transferred directly via USB without iTunes or any third-party software. You can use the Windows File Explorer to access your iPhone's DCIM folder. Here's how:

• Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
• On your iPhone, tap "Trust This Computer" if prompted.
• Open File Explorer on your PC.
• Go to "This PC" > [Your iPhone's Name] > Internal Storage > DCIM.
• Browse and copy the photos/videos to your computer.

🔒 Limitations:

• Only supports Camera Roll (photos & videos you took).
• You can't access messages, contacts, music, documents, or app data this way.

If you need to transfer other types of data, tools like EaseUS MobiMover allow USB-based transfer without iTunes or iCloud login.

2. Is there a completely free way to transfer files without iTunes?

Yes. Google Drive and Email can work for small files. If you want to transfer hundreds of photos or large-size videos at once, a professional iPhone data transfer tool like EaseUS MobiMover is recommended accordingly.

3. How to transfer photos from Mac to iPhone?

The following three methods can help you make it:

Method 1: AirDrop (No Cable Needed)

• Make sure both your Mac and iPhone have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
• Open Photos on your Mac, select the pictures you want to send.
• Right-click and choose Share > AirDrop, then select your iPhone.
• On your iPhone, tap Accept to receive the photos.

Method 2: Finder (macOS Catalina and later)

• Connect your iPhone to your Mac via USB.
• Open Finder and select your iPhone from the sidebar.
• Go to the Photos tab and check “Sync photos to your device from”.
• Choose the folder or Photos app album to sync.
• Click Apply to start the transfer.

Method 3: iCloud Photos

• On your Mac, go to System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos, and enable iCloud Photos.
• Upload your photos to the Photos app.
• On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos, and turn on iCloud Photos.
• Wait for photos to sync across devices.