Connecting Apple devices like iPhone to Mac or iPhone to PC can serve you in different situations. You may think you just need a USB cable to connect your iPhone to Mac. Well, there are many different ways to do so – and they are more convenient and flexible!
In this article, we will discuss four different ways of connecting an iPhone to a Mac.
Method 1: Connect iPhone to Mac Using iTunes
iTunes is one of the most efficient ways of connecting an iPhone to a Mac. Syncing your phone with Mac over iTunes allows you to transfer files like music, videos, books, etc. You can connect iPhone to Mac with iTunes in two different ways:
● Connect iPhone to Mac with iTunes Using a Cable
Step 1 – Connect iPhone to Mac with USB Cable
Plug one end into your iPhone’s charging port and the other end into the USB port on your Mac.
Note: The latest versions of Mac have thunderbolt 3 ports which are USB type C. You can use Syncwire USB C to lightning cables to connect your iPhone to Mac.
Step 2 – Launch iTunes
iTunes will launch atomically. You can now use your Mac to transfer files to/from your iPhone through iTunes.
Step 3 – Share, Sync, and Transfer Files
Click on the iPhone icon in iTunes Windows and choose the desired action like back up, restore, sync, etc.
● Connect iPhone to Mac Using iTunes over WiFi
Make sure your Mac and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-fi network. Now follow the steps mentioned below:
Now, every time you connect your iPhone and Mac to the same WiFi your iPhone will automatically sync via iTunes.
Sometimes your iPhone gets disabled due to an incorrect password tries and won’t connect to iTunes. It seems difficult to fix it. Well, here is a complete guide to fix that issue and connect your iPhone to iTunes.
Note: To connect iPhone to Mac via iTunes using a WiFi connection, make sure that iTunes is open on your Mac.
Method 2: Using USB Cable
Connecting your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable is super easy. Follow these steps:
Step 1 – Connect USB to iPhone
Plug the Lightning to the USB end of your USB cable in your iPhone’s charging port and insert the USB end into the USB port on your Mac.
Step 2 – Open Finder
Your Mac will detect your iPhone and you will find the device folder under “connected iPhone or iPad” in Finder in the left sidebar under “Locations”.
Step 3 – Sync Devices
Now you can transfer files, sync data, and restore your iPhone from your Mac using Finder.
Method 3: Using Bluetooth
Bluetooth is an old but very effective method to connect devices over a wireless connection. Simply turn on the Bluetooth feature available on both devices for the connection between both devices. It will allow you to share music, images, documents, and more.
Follow these steps to connect iPhone to Mac via Bluetooth.
Note: To use a Bluetooth connection, make sure your iPhone and Mac are present nearby.
Step 1 – Turn on Bluetooth on Mac
You can turn on Bluetooth on Mac by clicking on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar or click on the Apple menu and go to System Preferences > Bluetooth.
Step 2 – Enable Bluetooth on iPhone
Tap on the Settings app icon and then go to General > Bluetooth.
Step 3 – Pair Devices
To pair the iPhone with your Mac, select your Mac from the available Bluetooth devices on your iPhone. Once the devices are paired you can exchange files between your iPhone and Mac.
Note: Your Mac and iPhone may ask for a confirmation code to pair with each other.
Method 4: Using AirDrop
AirDrop is a very useful feature in iOS devices. It is a built-in protocol that allows you to transfer files directly to any Apple device. You can exchange photos, videos, audio, or more using the AirDrop feature.
To connect your iPhone using AirDrop, enable the Airdrop feature in both devices.
Follow these steps to connect iPhone to Mac with AirDrop:
Step 1 – Enable Airdrop
● On iPhone:
Go to the Settings menu by tapping on the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen. Now go to General > AirDrop. Enable the Airdrop feature.
● On Mac:
Go to Finder > Go > AirDrop on your Mac. Turn on the AirDrop feature and adjust the setting according to your preferences.
Step 2 – Share Data
Once AirDrop is enabled on both Mac and iPhone, you can share files between them. Open the file you want to share from your iPhone to Mac and tap on Share.
Step 3 – Send to Mac
Select your Mac. Once the file is sent to your Mac, you will see a “Sent” prompt on your iPhone screen. You will find the shared file in the Downloads folder on your Mac.
Note: Similarly, you can also send files from Mac to your iPhone using AirDrop.
Conclusion
iPhone users are not well aware of connecting iPhone to other devices like PC or Mac. They generally depend on USB connections only. However, there are faster and more convenient ways to connect iPhone to Mac. Use AirDrop, Bluetooth, or iTunes to connect your iPhone to Mac and make file sharing easier.
How to Connect Your iPhone to PC?
For more informative articles related to various iPhone features, check out our blog.
