Quick answer: For an iPhone next to the Mac, use AirDrop. For an iPhone elsewhere, or when AirDrop fails, upload the file at Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB per transfer) and send the link or show the QR code. The iPhone saves it to Files > Downloads in original quality.
Built-in options, and their limits
AirDrop sends directly from Finder or the Share menu to a nearby iPhone. Photos and videos go into Photos; other files open in Files or a matching app.
With a cable (or over Wi-Fi after first setup), the iPhone appears in Finder: its Files tab copies documents into apps that support file sharing, and you can sync music, films and photos.
iCloud Drive shares files between both if you have iCloud storage to spare.
Send any size from Mac to iPhone with a link
- On the Mac, open Share Large Video Files and drag the files onto the page.
- When the upload finishes, show the QR code or copy the link.
- Scan the code with the iPhone camera, or send the link by Messages.
- Tap Download in Safari. The file goes to Files > Downloads; save videos to Photos from the Share button.
Things that trip people up
- ProRes and other editing files from a Mac are huge and may not play smoothly on older iPhones. Export an H.264 or HEVC MP4 for viewing.
- AirDrop to someone else's iPhone needs their receiving setting on Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Syncing films through Finder puts them in the TV app, not in Files, and removes them if you later sync without them.
If AirDrop can't see the iPhone
- Unlock the iPhone and keep the screen on.
- On the iPhone: Settings > General > AirDrop > Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Turn off Personal Hotspot on the iPhone; it blocks AirDrop.
- On the Mac: Finder > AirDrop, and set "Allow me to be discovered by" to Contacts Only or Everyone.
- Still nothing after a minute? Upload and scan the QR code instead: it does not depend on Bluetooth at all.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't my Mac find my iPhone in AirDrop?
Wake and unlock the iPhone, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, turn off Personal Hotspot, and set AirDrop receiving to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes. Otherwise send a link.
Does AirDrop have a size limit?
Apple does not publish one; the practical limit is free space on the iPhone and keeping the devices close together while it runs.
Where do files from a link go on the iPhone?
Into Files > Downloads. Save photos and videos to Photos with Share > Save Image or Save Video.
Can I send to several iPhones at once?
AirDrop sends to one device at a time. One link or QR code works for any number of people.
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