How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone Using USB Cable

If you are looking for a way to transfer files from PC to iPhone using USB cable, you can't miss this guide, which will share two easy methods to help you transfer photos, music, books, and movies from PC to iPhone via USB.

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Gorilla

Updated on Sep 03, 2025

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Many users want to copy videos, photos, music, or documents from a Windows computer to an iPhone via a USB cable but often get confused because of the iOS restriction. In this guide, we'll show you how to transfer files from PC to iPhone using USB cable in two practical ways—one with EaseUS MobiMover and one with iTunes. Whether you want to move photos, videos, songs, or documents, you'll find a reliable solution here.

Key Takeaways:

To transfer files, videos, and photos from PC to iPhone using a USB cable, the simplest method is EaseUS MobiMover. Connect your iPhone, launch MobiMover, select PC to Phone, choose the files, and click Transfer. It's fast, safe, and will not overwrite existing content.

You can also use iTunes by connecting your iPhone, selecting the type of content to sync, choosing folders from your PC, and clicking Apply. While official, iTunes may overwrite files of the same type and is less flexible than MobiMover.

How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone Using USB Cable via EaseUS MobiMover

The easiest and fastest way to move files or videos from PC to iPhone using a USB cable is with EaseUS MobiMover. Unlike iTunes, this tool doesn't erase your iPhone data during transfer, and it supports almost all common file types you may want to copy.

Why choose EaseUS MobiMover for USB transfer?

🔹Direct USB transfer – As long as you connect your iPhone with a USB cable, you can move data instantly without relying on Wi-Fi or cloud storage.

🔹Wide file support – Transfer videos, photos, music, documents, contacts, messages, and more from PC to iPhone.

🔹Fast speed – Large videos and thousands of photos can be imported within minutes.

🔹No data loss – Unlike iTunes sync, MobiMover will not overwrite your existing files on iPhone.

🔹Simple & Time-saving – Just three steps: connect, select files, and transfer. It takes only several minutes to transfer over 1,000+ photos or videos in large sizes.

🔹Never Overwrite Content – Unlike iTunes's overwriting feature, existing files on your iPhone will stay safe.

How to transfer files/videos from PC to iPhone without iTunes via a USB cable using EaseUS MobiMover:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable and tap "Trust" on your device when a pop-up appears and asks you to trust this computer. Open EaseUS MobiMover and choose the "PC to Phone" mode. Move your mouse to the right pane and click "Select Files".

how to transfer data from PC to iPhone using USB - step 1

Step 2. Windows File Explorer will open, go to select the files or folders that you want to transfer from PC to your iPhone and click "Open".

how to transfer data from PC to iPhone using USB - step 2

Step 3. The selected files will display on the interface for you to preview. "Add File" lets you add more files at this step. Finally, click "Transfer" to begin importing data from PC to iPhone using the USB cable. Don't disconnect your device while transferring. When the transferring accomplishes, open the corresponding apps to check the content.

how to transfer data from PC to iPhone using USB - step 3

As a full-way iOS data transfer & management tool, EaseUS MobiMover is able to copy content between iOS devices or move files between iPhone and PC/Mac. You can add, edit, organize, and delete iPhone files on your computer with more convenient keyboard operation.

It offers a free trial version which allows up to 10 files for free transfer per day. Click the button below to try it for free!

How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone Using USB Cable with iTunes

Another common way to transfer files from PC to iPad or iPhone via USB is by using iTunes. iTunes works as Apple's official tool for syncing music, videos, photos, and other media files from a computer to an iPhone.

One drawback of using iTunes is that its sync process may overwrite the existing music, videos, or photos on your iPhone. For example, if you sync music, the songs already on your iPhone but not in your iTunes library could be removed. If you don't want to risk losing current data, using EaseUS MobiMover is a safer option.

Step 1. Prepare the files you want to transfer to your iPhone from your PC. You'd better put them in a place where it is easy to get.

Step 2. Open your iTunes > Connect your iPhone to your computer.

Step 3. Under Settings, click on "Photos" (any type of data you want to transfer). Here we take Photos as an example.

Step 4. Select the checkbox next to each item that you want to transfer, and then select the folders that store the photos you'd like to transfer.

Step 5. Click Apply. And then, all photos will be synced to your iPhone or iPad.

Put Files to iPhone from PC via USB

👉 If you only need to transfer music or videos from PC to iPhone via USB occasionally and don't mind the sync limitations, iTunes works fine. But if you want a faster, safer, and more flexible solution without data loss, EaseUS MobiMover is a better choice.

Bonus Tip: How to Transfer Photos from PC to iPhone with USB Cable

If you only need to move photos from PC to iPhone using a USB cable, the process can be even simpler. With EaseUS MobiMover, you don't have to sync through iTunes or risk losing existing pictures. Instead, you can directly copy selected photo folders to your iPhone in just a few clicks.

With this method, you can quickly import holiday albums, event pictures, or large photo collections from your PC to your iPhone without compression or quality loss.

In conclusion

Transferring files, videos, and photos from PC to iPhone doesn't have to be complicated. As long as you use a USB cable, there are two reliable ways to complete the transfer:

EaseUS MobiMover offers the most convenient solution, allowing you to copy different types of files without data loss or overwriting existing content. It supports fast and flexible USB transfer for photos, large video files, music, and more.

iTunes, as Apple's official tool, can also help move media files from PC to iPhone via USB, though it comes with syncing limitations and potential overwriting issues.

👉 If you want a quick, safe, and flexible way to put files on your iPhone, EaseUS MobiMover is highly recommended. Whether it's photos, videos, or other important files, USB transfer with the right tool ensures your data moves smoothly and securely.

FAQs on How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone Using USB Cable

1. How to transfer large videos from PC to iPhone using USB?

To transfer large videos from PC to iPhone via USB, the safest and fastest way is to use EaseUS MobiMover. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable, launch MobiMover, choose PC to Phone, select the video files or folders, and click Transfer. This method supports large files without compression, completes quickly, and will not overwrite your existing content. You can also use iTunes for video transfer, but it may replace existing videos on your iPhone if they are not in the iTunes library.

2. Can I transfer documents (Word, PDF, Excel) from PC to iPhone with a USB cable?

No, you cannot directly transfer documents like Word, PDF, or Excel from PC to iPhone using only a USB cable. iOS does not allow direct file writing into its file system due to sandbox restrictions. To transfer documents, you need to use iTunes File Sharing, a third-party tool like EaseUS MobiMover, or a cloud service such as iCloud Drive or Dropbox, which will import the files into the corresponding app on your iPhone.

3. Why is my iPhone not showing up on PC when connected via USB?

If your iPhone doesn't appear on your PC when connected via USB, possible reasons include a faulty USB cable, a damaged USB port, outdated or missing iTunes drivers, or the iPhone not being unlocked and trusted. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked, tap Trust This Computer when prompted, use a certified USB cable, and ensure iTunes or Windows drivers are up to date.

4. Can I drag and drop photos directly from PC to iPhone's DCIM folder via USB?

No, you cannot directly move photos or other files from PC to iPhone using only a USB cable. When you connect an iPhone to a Windows PC, the DCIM folder is read-only, meaning you can only copy photos and videos from iPhone to PC, not the other way around. To move files from PC to iPhone, you must use iTunes, a third-party tool like EaseUS MobiMover, or a cloud service. Only these methods ensure that the files are correctly imported and accessible on your iPhone.

5. Can I transfer files from USB Drive to iPhone?

Directly transferring photos from USB to iPhone is not possible without using additional tools or adapters. iOS does not allow copying files from external storage into the system by default. However, you can use a Lightning-to-USB or USB-C adapter to connect the USB drive, and then access supported files through the Files app on iPhone. Alternatively, you can first transfer files from the USB drive to your PC, and then use EaseUS MobiMover or iTunes to move them to your iPhone via a USB cable.

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Updated by Gorilla

Gorilla joined EaseUS in 2022. As a smartphone lover, she stays on top of Android unlocking skills and iOS troubleshooting tips. In addition, she also devotes herself to data recovery and transfer issues.

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