How to Sync Videos to iPhone Without iTunes: 5 Methods
TL;DR:
You can sync or transfer videos to your iPhone from a PC or Mac using iOS Transfer, iTunes, iCloud, VLC, or AirDrop.
- iOS Transfer: Connect your iPhone via USB, select "Videos" > "+" > "Add File" or "Add Folder", then transfer videos selectively.
- iTunes: Add videos to the iTunes library, open the device icon > "Movies", check "Sync Movies", choose videos, and click "Apply".
- iCloud: Upload videos through "Photos" or "Drive" on iCloud.com, then access them in the iPhone's "Photos" or "Files" app.
- VLC: Enable "Sharing via WiFi", enter its IP address in a computer browser, and upload videos directly to VLC.
- AirDrop: Turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop, then drag videos from Finder to your iPhone for wireless transfer.
Want to move videos from your computer to your iPhone? A USB connection alone doesn't let you simply drag and drop videos into your iPhone's storage. The good news is that there are several easy ways to get the job done, whether you're using a PC or Mac. In this guide, we'll show you how to sync or transfer videos to your iPhone using iOS Transfer, Apple Devices or iTunes, iCloud, VLC, and AirDrop, so you can choose the method that works best for you.
Way 1: How to Sync Videos to iPhone from PC/Mac Using iOS Transfer
If you want to transfer videos from a computer to your iPhone without using iTunes or iCloud, iOS Transfer is a simple option to try. It lets you preview your videos, select the files you need, and transfer them to your iPhone in batches. It also supports various media formats, so you can manage your videos without worrying too much about compatibility.
Main characteristics of iOS Transfer:
- Sync videos from a PC/Mac to an iPhone and transfer videos back to a computer.
- Transfer files between iOS devices, computers, and iTunes.
- Support videos, photos, music, contacts, messages, TV shows, ringtones, podcasts, call logs, and more.
- Preview and select files before transferring them.
- Work with a wide range of iPhone and other iOS devices, including iPhone 18/17/16/15/14/13/12/11/X, etc.
- Keep your personal data private during the transfer process.
How to sync videos to an iPhone from a computer via iOS Transfer?
Step 1. Run iOS Transfer on your computer
Launch the installed program and connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. Once the device is detected, its data categories will appear in the left sidebar.
Step 2. Add videos from your computer to your iPhone
Click "Videos" in the left sidebar, then click the "+" button at the top. Choose "Add File" or "Add Folder" and select the videos you want to transfer from your computer.
Step 3. Transfer the videos to your iPhone
Select the desired video files and click "Open". The program will start transferring them to your iPhone. When the process is complete, you can find the transferred videos on your iPhone.
You May Be Interested in:
Way 2: How to Sync Videos to iPhone via iTunes
iTunes can sync videos from a computer to an iPhone, but it is mainly relevant to older Windows and macOS setups. On newer Windows PCs, Apple now uses the Apple Devices app for iPhone management and video syncing. If you still use a compatible version of iTunes, add your videos to the iTunes library first, then follow the steps below.
How to sync videos to an iPhone from a PC/Mac via iTunes?
- Run iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone with a USB cable. (iTunes driver not installed?)
- Once iTunes recognizes your iPhone, click the device icon in the upper-left corner.
- Select "Movies" from the "Settings" section in the left sidebar.
- Check "Sync Movies".
- Choose to sync all movies or select the specific movies you want to transfer.
- Click "Apply" to start syncing the selected videos to your iPhone.
Way 3: How to Sync Videos to iPhone with iCloud
iCloud lets you upload videos from a computer and access them on your iPhone without connecting the two devices with a cable. You can use iCloud Photos if you want the videos to appear in the Photos app, or upload them to iCloud Drive if you prefer to access them through the Files app. Make sure your computer and iPhone are signed in to the same Apple Account and that you have enough iCloud storage (How to fix not enough iCloud storage?).
How to copy videos to an iPhone from a computer with iCloud?
- Go to iCloud.com in a browser on your computer and sign in with the Apple Account used on your iPhone.
- Select "Photos" if you want the videos to appear in the Photos app on your iPhone. Then click the upload button and select the videos from your computer.
- If you prefer to store the videos as files, select "Drive", open or create a folder, and upload the videos from your computer.
- Once the upload is complete, open the "Photos" app or "Files" app on your iPhone to access the videos.
- If you want to keep an iCloud Drive video locally on your iPhone, tap the file and choose the download option.
See More:
Way 4: How to Transfer Videos to iPhone with VLC
VLC for iOS is a free, open-source media player that supports a wide range of video and audio formats. It also includes a Wi-Fi sharing feature that lets you transfer videos from a computer to your iPhone without a USB cable. However, the transferred videos are stored in the VLC app by default rather than the iPhone's Photos app.
How to move videos from a computer to an iPhone via VLC?
- Download and install VLC for Mobile from the App Store on your iPhone.
- Open VLC on your iPhone and tap the VLC icon in the upper-left corner to open the side menu.
- Turn on "Sharing via WiFi" and note the IP address displayed below it.
- Open a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address shown in VLC.
- Drag and drop the videos you want to transfer into the browser window and wait for the upload to finish.
- Once the transfer is complete, open VLC on your iPhone to find the videos.
The transferred videos are saved in the VLC app by default. If you want to save them to the Photos app, select the videos in VLC, tap "Save XX Videos", and confirm the action.
Way 5: How to Transfer Videos to iPhone by AirDrop
AirDrop is a convenient way to transfer videos from a Mac to an iPhone without using a cable. Before getting started, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on and keep both devices close to each other. Also, check that your iPhone can open the video format you're transferring.
How to transfer videos from Mac to iPhone with AirDrop?
- On your Mac, open "Finder" and go to "Go" > "AirDrop". Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if prompted, then set AirDrop to "Contacts Only" or "Everyone".
- Open "Control Center" on your iPhone, tap "AirDrop", and choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone".
- On your Mac, open "Finder" > "Go" > "AirDrop", then drag the videos you want to transfer onto your iPhone's name or icon.
- Accept the incoming files on your iPhone when prompted.
Alternatively, open the "Photos" app on your Mac, select the videos you want to transfer, click "Share" > "AirDrop", choose your iPhone, and accept the files on your iPhone. (What if AirDrop is not working on iPhone?)
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are several ways to transfer videos to an iPhone, from USB-based tools and iCloud to VLC and AirDrop. If you want a faster and more flexible option for selectively transferring videos from a computer, iOS Transfer is worth trying. It lets you preview your files and transfer them in batches without relying on iCloud. Choose the method that fits your needs and start moving your videos to your iPhone.
Related Articles:
5 Top Methods to Send Videos from iPhone to iPhone
7 Easy Ways to Transfer Videos from iPhone to Computer
[2026 Updated] How to Recover WhatsApp Photos and Videos from iPhone?
[8 Ways] How to Send Video from Android to iPhone - Incredibly Easy
