A large number of users are used to using iTunes to be able to move files of any type from the iPhone to the PC (or vice versa), therefore remaining tied to the solution offered by Apple. The problem is when we have to move files to a new PC or a computer not owned by us: iTunes can be synchronized only with one device at a time, preventing the exchange of files (we can only use the iTunes of our PC).
But if we have to download a photo or video to the PC, how can we do it without using iTunes "> control an Android phone from the computer) AirDroid is one of the best solutions to move photos and videos from iPhone to PC without ever opening iTunes!
We can download this app for free from here -> AirDroid
To take advantage of this app we must make sure that the iPhone and the PC are connected to the same network (same router, both via WiFi or wireless for the iPhone and Ethernet cable for the PC).
Once installed, simply open the app by tapping on the AirDroid icon and go to the My Devices tab, as visible in the image below.
We can now choose how the iPhone connects; we can choose between AirDroid Web or AirDroid Desktop .
- With AirDroid Web just use a Web browser on the PC to be connected;
- With AirDroid Desktop we can use the program that can be installed on a PC to manage the Apple device.
Now let's see how to use both.
2) AirDroid Web
Let's tap on the AirDroid Web item inside the app to see the instructions appear.
We can connect in the browser by typing in the address bar the following address //web.airdroid.com and tapping at the bottom of the app on Scan QR Code; now let's scan the QR code on the AirDroid web page to pair our iPhone device.
Alternatively we can type, always in the address bar of the browser on the PC, the IP address provided by AirDroid itself accompanied by the port number 8888, so as to have direct access to the device (example 192.168.1.11:8888 ).
In both cases the app on the iPhone will ask for authorization to start the connection via the Web.
Click on the Accept button to start the connection; now the iPhone is connected to the PC via the web browser!
A small desktop environment will appear in the browser window showing all the main folders and functions of the iPhone (battery charger, internal memory capacity etc.).
In order to transfer files correctly, we recommend that you never turn off the iPhone screen (it will remain on thanks to AirDroid, which will prevent the iOS operating system from turning it off automatically) and never close the app, which must always remain in the foreground (to prevent the iOS power saver from closing it by mistake).
This method does not require registration to the service, therefore it can be used at any time.
3) AirDroid Desktop
We want to take advantage of the AirDroid application to be installed directly on the PC "> AirDroid Desktop.
At the end of the installation we will see the login window as visible in the image below.
Compared to the Web version, login credentials are required here in order to correctly manage the device.
Once the credentials have been entered (we can also create a new account by clicking on the Register button) we will only have to use the QR code to associate the device or also log in from the mobile app, so that the app and the program for PC can see each other without problems.
The PC will appear in the My Devices list , just click on it to see the AirDroid environment appear.
4) Move photos and videos with AirDroid
Once paired with one of the available methods, we can move the photos and videos on the iPhone to the PC by clicking on one of the folders in the environment created by the service.
By clicking on Photos we will have access to all the images and photos taken with the iPhone, while clicking on Videos we will be able to watch all the videos present in the internal memory of the Apple device.
The Files folder is useful for accessing other iPhone folders, perhaps for downloading documents.
Once you find the file or files to be moved, just select them and click on the Download icon, present both at the top right of the window and under each file.
With this manager you can also delete files, just select the file or files to be deleted and click the Delete button in the shape of a recycle bin.
In addition to deleting and downloading files, we can upload files or folders to the iPhone's internal memory, using the Upload file or Upload forder buttons .
In addition to the keys, we can upload files of any nature simply by dragging them into the file manager, AirDroid will take care of transferring them immediately to the iPhone.
In addition, you can access other innovative features such as sharing links and notes between PC and iPhone, the appearance of iPhone notifications on PC (Desktop version only) and much more that can be tried by using the app assiduously and its counterpart for PC or Web.
5) Transfer large files
The video we made or the photo folder is too large to be shared via AirDroid "> WeTransfer, while it can be downloaded as an iPhone app from here -> WeTransfer App .
We can send files up to 2 GB for free using email as the transmission medium.
The file will be uploaded to the service (via the Web or via the app), then ask for an email address to send the link from which to download the file.
Obviously we can use our same email address, so as to "park" the file in a secure cloud and then download it from the PC once you get home, just open the link arrived via email.
6) Alternatives
While Airdroid is an excellent solution that does not require the installation of programs on a PC, if you want something that does more than just move photos and videos from iPhone to computer, you can replace iTunes with a very free synchronization program as reliable as Easus MobiMover Free .
MobiMover allows you to transfer and backup contacts, messages, notes, calendar entries, voice messages, books in iBooks, Safari data and bookmarks, photos, videos and audio files.
In addition, MobiMover offers an easy way to transfer data from an old iPhone to a new one.
To use MobiMover you only need to download and start the software on the PC, connect the iPhone or iPad to the USB port and choose which data to transfer, even in a personalized way, making possible something that cannot be done with iTunes.
MobiMover also works very well in organizing files as well as transferring them and is a perfect solution to make space on the phone's memory.
To transfer data from one iPhone to another, you can both connect to the computer and follow the wizard.
Wanting other alternatives, in another article are finally listed all the programs to manage iPhone and iPAd on PC without iTunes .
