# How to Send Large Files From a Windows PC to an iPhone

Windows and iOS have no AirDrop between them, and the old iTunes route is fiddly. Scanning a QR code with the iPhone is usually quicker.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/pc-to-iphone-file-transfer · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** To send a large file from a Windows PC to an iPhone, upload it at Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB per transfer) and scan the QR code with the iPhone's camera. Safari downloads the file to Files > Downloads; save videos and photos to the Photos app from the Share button. No cable, iTunes or Apple Account on the PC.

## Built-in options, and their limits

The **Apple Devices** app for Windows (which replaced iTunes for devices) copies files over a cable into apps that support file sharing, such as VLC, and can sync a folder of photos.

**iCloud for Windows** adds iCloud Drive to File Explorer, so files you put there appear in the iPhone's Files app, within your iCloud storage.

**Phone Link** connects Windows to an iPhone for calls, messages and notifications, not for sending files.

## Send any size from Windows PC to iPhone with a link

1. On the PC, open Share Large Video Files and drag the files onto the page.
2. When the upload finishes, show the QR code.
3. Point the iPhone's camera at it and tap the link.
4. Tap Download in Safari. The file goes to Files > Downloads.
5. For a video or photo, open it in Files, tap Share and choose Save Video or Save Image.

## Things that trip people up

- Photos synced with the Apple Devices app land in their own album and cannot be deleted one by one on the iPhone. A link download saves normal, deletable copies.
- MKV, AVI and WMV do not play in the iPhone's Photos or TV apps. Convert to MP4 first, or use a player app.
- Music files downloaded in Safari do not appear in the Music app. Play them from Files, or use a player app.
- Large downloads on mobile data can be paused by iOS. Use Wi-Fi for anything over a few hundred MB.

## Which route for which file

| File | Best route |
| --- | --- |
| One large video or ZIP | Upload, scan the QR code |
| Films for VLC or another player app | Apple Devices app > Files, drag into the app |
| Documents you edit on both | iCloud Drive in File Explorer |
| A folder of photos for the camera roll | Link, then Save Image, or Apple Devices photo sync |

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I still need iTunes to put files on an iPhone?

No. On Windows, the Apple Devices app replaced iTunes for devices, and for single files a link and a QR code need no Apple software at all.

### Can Phone Link send files to an iPhone?

Phone Link on iPhone covers calls, messages and notifications, not file transfers. Use a link, iCloud Drive or the Apple Devices app.

### Why won't my video play on the iPhone?

iPhones play MP4 and MOV with H.264 or HEVC. MKV, AVI and WMV need converting to MP4 or a third-party player.

### Is there a size limit?

Up to 20 GB per transfer, and the iPhone needs enough free storage for the file.