How to Share Files from Apple Devices to Others | Tech Subrat

Sharing files from Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, is straightforward and convenient. Apple has built-in tools that make it easy to share documents, photos, videos, and more. This blog post will guide you through different methods to share files from your Apple devices. 

1. AirDrop 

AirDrop is a quick way to share files between Apple devices. It uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between devices. Here’s how to use it: 

On iPhone or iPad: 

1. Enable AirDrop: 

• Swipe down from the upper-right corner to open Control Center. 

• Press and hold the network settings card (the one with Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth icons). 

• Tap on AirDrop and select either “Contacts Only” or “Everyone.” 

2. Share a File: 

• Open the file you want to share (e.g., a photo in the Photos app). 

• Tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow pointing up). 

• Select the AirDrop icon. 

• Choose the device you want to send the file to. 

On Mac: 

3. Enable AirDrop: 

• Open Finder. 

• In the sidebar, click on AirDrop. 

• Ensure AirDrop is set to “Contacts Only” or “Everyone.” 

4. Share a File: 

• Open Finder and locate the file you want to share. 

• Drag and drop the file onto the recipient’s icon in the AirDrop window. 

2. iCloud Drive 

iCloud Drive lets you store files in the cloud and access them from any Apple device. Here’s how to use it: 

On iPhone or iPad: 

5. Enable iCloud Drive: 

• Go to Settings. 

• Tap on your name at the top. 

• Select iCloud, then scroll down and tap on iCloud Drive. 

6. Share a File: 

• Open the Files app. 

• Find the file you want to share. 

• Tap and hold the file, then tap Share. 

• Select the method you want to use to share the file (e.g., Mail, Messages). 

On Mac: 

7. Enable iCloud Drive: 

• Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences. 

• Click on Apple ID, then select iCloud. 

• Ensure iCloud Drive is checked. 

8. Share a File: 

• Open Finder and go to the iCloud Drive folder. 

• Right-click the file you want to share and select Share. 

• Choose the method you want to use to share the file. 

3. Email 

Email remains a reliable method for sharing files. Here’s how to do it: 

On iPhone or iPad: 

9. Compose an Email: 

• Open the Mail app. 

• Tap the Compose button (a square with a pencil). 

10. Attach a File: 

• Tap inside the body of the email. 

• Tap the cursor until a menu appears, then select Add Attachment. 

• Find and select the file you want to share. 

11. Send the Email: 

• Enter the recipient’s email address. 

• Tap Send. 

On Mac: 

12. Compose an Email: 

• Open the Mail app. 

• Click on the Compose button (a square with a pencil). 

13. Attach a File: 

• Click on the paperclip icon or drag and drop the file into the email body. 

14. Send the Email: 

• Enter the recipient’s email address. 

• Click Send. 

4. Messaging Apps 

You can also use messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or others to share files. Here’s how: 

On iPhone or iPad: 

15. Open Messages: 

• Open the Messages app. 

16. Select a Conversation: 

• Tap on an existing conversation or start a new one. 

17. Attach a File: 

• Tap the App Store icon next to the text field. 

• Select the Photos app or another app to find the file you want to share. 

• Tap the file to add it to the message. 

18. Send the File: 

• Tap the Send button (an arrow pointing up). 

On Mac: 

19. Open Messages: 

• Open the Messages app. 

20. Select a Conversation: 

• Click on an existing conversation or start a new one. 

21. Attach a File: 

• Drag and drop the file into the message window. 

22. Send the File: 

• Press Enter or click the Send button. 

5. Third-Party Cloud Services 

Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive also allow you to share files. Here’s how: 

On iPhone or iPad: 

23. Upload a File: 

• Open the app (e.g., Google Drive). 

• Tap the + button and select Upload. 

24. Share a File: 

• Find the file you want to share. 

• Tap the three dots next to the file. 

• Select Share. 

• Enter the recipient’s email address or get a shareable link. 

On Mac: 

25. Upload a File: 

• Open the app or website (e.g., Google Drive). 

• Drag and drop the file into the app or click New > File Upload. 

26. Share a File: 

• Find the file you want to share. 

• Click on the file and select Share. 

• Enter the recipient’s email address or get a shareable link. 

6. USB Cable 

For transferring files directly, you can use a USB cable. Here’s how: 

On iPhone or iPad: 

27. Connect to a Computer: 

• Use a Lightning to USB cable to connect your device to a Mac or PC. 

28. Transfer Files: 

• On Mac: Open Finder, select your device, and drag and drop files. 

• On PC: Open iTunes or the Files app, select your device, and transfer files. 

On Mac: 

29. Connect to Another Device: 

• Use a USB cable to connect your Mac to another computer. 

30. Transfer Files: 

• Use Finder or the file manager on the other device to transfer files. 

Conclusion 

Sharing files from Apple devices is easy and can be done in various ways depending on your preference and the devices you are working with. Whether using AirDrop for quick transfers, iCloud for cloud-based sharing, email, messaging apps, third-party services, or a good old USB cable, Apple provides a solution that suits your needs. Try these methods and find the one that works best for you.