Send files from iPhone to a Windows PC

AirDrop stops at the edge of Apple's world, which leaves iPhone owners on Windows with a cable, iTunes or an iCloud login. None of that is needed to move a few files.

Open BuddySend in Safari on the iPhone, upload, and type the 6-digit code on the PC. It works over the internet, so the two devices don't need to be on the same Wi-Fi.

How to do it

1. On your iPhone, open buddysend.com in Safari.
2. Tap the upload area, then choose Photo Library for pictures and videos, or Browse for documents. Up to 5 files, 100MB in total.
3. Wait for the upload to finish. You'll see a 6-digit code.
4. On your Windows PC, open buddysend.com/receive and type the code.
5. Download the files. They're removed from BuddySend afterwards.

Why this beats the usual options

• No cable or adapter. Nothing to find in a drawer, and nothing to trust or unlock.
• No iTunes. You never install Apple software on the PC.
• No iCloud sign-in. Useful when the PC is a work or shared machine.
• Original quality. Files are not re-compressed, so photos and videos arrive exactly as they left the phone.
• Any network. Phone on mobile data and PC on office Wi-Fi is fine.

When something else is better

If you're moving your whole camera roll, or files larger than 100MB, use a cable or iCloud for Windows instead. BuddySend is built for handing over a few files quickly, not for bulk backup.

FAQ

Does this work on any iPhone?

Yes. It runs in Safari, Chrome or any browser on iOS, so there is nothing to install and no iOS version requirement beyond a current browser.

Will my photos lose quality?

No. BuddySend uploads the original file and the PC downloads that same file, so there is no compression step like the one in many chat apps.

Do I need an account on either device?

No. Sending and receiving are free and need no sign-up on the phone or the PC.

How long do I have to type the code?

Until the transfer expires, which is about an hour after upload, or until the files have been downloaded. After that the code stops working.

Can I send in the other direction, from Windows to iPhone?

Yes. Upload on the PC and type the code at buddysend.com/receive on the iPhone; the files download to your phone.

Need the longer explanation? Read how to send files from your phone to your PC without an app.