Yes, connecting an iPhone or iPad to a personal computer based on Windows or Mac OS X is quite simple, and with the release of iOS 5 and iTunes 10.5, this can be done not only with a standard USB cable. If you know all the ways to connect “iPhone - computer” and you don’t have any problems with it, pass by, for the rest - welcome “under the cut”.
Perhaps, after reading the title, experienced iOS users will bombard me with “rotten” comments and they have the right to do so, because connecting an iPhone to a computer is simply simple.
In today's publication, we will look at ways to connect iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) to a personal computer based on Windows and Mac OS X, look at the advantages and disadvantages of each method and try to find the optimal one.
Preliminary preparation. Finding a cable, preparing software and downloading drivers
The connection begins by searching for the appropriate connectors, software and drivers, but first things first:
Selecting a USB cable
The cables that came with the iPhone have been changed three times already. At first, 30-Pin USB cables were supplied in boxes with 3 and 4 series.
A little later, Lightning appeared with 8 contacts instead of 30.
And, starting with the iPhone 11 Pro Max, the equipment has changed again and the Lightning – USB Type-C option has appeared.
In the latter case, you will have to take care of purchasing an adapter to a standard USB, otherwise there will be problems connecting to the PC.
Download software
Without a special media player from Apple, called iTunes, it is almost impossible to interact with mobile equipment connected to a computer or laptop. From the same iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, you can only pull out photos.
If you download iTunes, the functionality will expand: downloading music and books, preparing backup copies, updating the operating system. If you log in, iTunes will allow you to watch movies or use third-party services, like Apple Music.
Interacting with iTunes is easy. Immediately after installation, all that remains is to go to the settings of the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, and then on the left side of the interface you need to select the appropriate sections to view and use.
Alternatively, if you want to download a movie, you need to open “Shared Files,” scroll to “Add,” and then select the appropriate content to download. Videos, music or documents will appear in the application to which they were originally added.
An alternative option is to add content to your library using the "File" button at the top of the interface. In the future, all that remains is to select the films that need to be synchronized and click on the “Apply” button. The only difference is the “source”. Synchronizing your media library involves transferring content to “native” sections, such as “Music” or “Galleries”.
Search for drivers
In rare cases, when connecting an iPhone to a PC, the Windows operating system is not able to load drivers to recognize mobile equipment. The Driver Booster tool can handle the task automatically. The necessary components will be added immediately, which will eliminate half of the possible problems and malfunctions.
"Pros" and "Cons" of both types of connections
The main advantage of connecting to a computer using a USB cable is the ability to restore the device’s firmware, return the original settings and completely erase all user content.
Pairing with a computer wirelessly eliminates this possibility, but, fortunately, most users rarely need this option and are used mainly when there are software failures, an update is released, or the device is being prepared for sale (this is exactly the kind of preparation I will do with my 4s after this review ).
Published by ProfiAppler Don't forget to read the comments, there is also a lot of useful information there. If your question is not answered, but later comments are answered, then your question is answered in the article, respect other people's time.
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Alternative to iTunes. Third party file managers
When you connect your iPhone to your PC, you have the chance to organize a media library of entertainment or information content, without duplicates, repetitions, or missing meta tags. You can also prepare backups, update iOS, or even free up memory. Not only iTunes, but also programs from third-party developers can cope with the listed tasks:
iTools
A multifunctional tool that describes in detail every feature of the device connected to your computer: iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. The developers offer to study statistics, download programs from the App Store, carry out semi-automatic optimization and clear internal memory. Even books are added to iBooks in minutes.
Additional features include:
- Preparing ringtones through the built-in editor.
- Backup.
- Go to the forum - where it’s easy to read about repairs or problems that arise.
Waltr
A service that saves those who don’t like Apple’s classic media combine – iTunes. Waltr offers to copy music, videos or ringtones directly to memory, avoiding installing and launching iTunes. The transferred content is automatically sorted into appropriate directories (you don’t even have to deal with the media library), and becomes available for viewing and interaction without restrictions. The same transferred tracks will appear in “Music”, and videos in “Gallery”.
iFunBox
A high-quality alternative to iTools, with a similar style and set of capabilities. The advantage is a less overloaded interface, which is easier for beginners to understand. But the disadvantages can easily be attributed to rare updates - iFunBox stopped developing after the iPhone 7, and therefore copes with equipment starting from 4, 5S and 6 - better than with new products.
PhoneView program
PhoneView - an application for synchronizing iOS devices and computers
A special application for synchronizing data between Mac and iPhone. Using this application, you can backup data from your device and store it in the cloud. Thanks to the PhoneView program, the smartphone can be used to store the necessary files like a regular flash drive, sending information to it from a standard PC.
The PhoneView app helps you open files saved on your smartphone. The synchronization function itself makes it possible to send and edit information files - such as bookmarks, notes, call logs. You can also create copies of the necessary MMS and SMS messages. And as an additional feature of the PhoneView application - the ability to manage your iPhone smartphone’s media library without using iTunes.
FAQ. Modem mode, viewing files through Explorer, troubleshooting
Outside of standard synchronization, the iPhone allows you to view some information as if from a flash drive and offers to share megabytes of traffic. Also, I often encounter errors that cause connection problems. Therefore, let’s talk about everything in order:
Modem mode
Apple developers allow you to share access to the Internet via Wi-Fi and a USB cable. The necessary parameters are hidden in the main section with “Settings”, in the “Modem mode” item.
How to proceed? – iOS prompts using text instructions that appear when you move the slider to the active state.
For example, when connecting your iPhone to a computer or laptop, to use the Internet, just go to “Network Services” and from there select the appropriate network. But more often than not, additional actions are not needed - the transition to the Internet from mobile technology occurs automatically.
Why problems occur
If connecting an iPhone to a PC ends in an error, then it is recommended to look for reasons at each stage. It is recommended to start with Windows and clean the system directory located along the path: C:\ProgramData\Apple\Lockdown .
In some situations, extra files interfere with important services and processes.
Next is reinstalling iTunes. Special software will help you uninstall the previous version - like “IObit Uninstaller”, which can “clean up” the remaining components, libraries and files remaining on the system. Then all that remains is to reboot and try again.
If no changes appear, you should change the USB cable or connector used for connection. The last step is to look at the “Settings” section, the “Reset” menu and agree to restore the system to factory settings. The procedure will not take much time, and important data will not be lost if a suitable backup copy has already been prepared.
How to quickly view photos
If full synchronization of files, music or documents is not needed, then photos stored on iPhone can be easily viewed without iTunes. All you need is Explorer and a suitable USB cable.
The iPhone will appear under Devices and Drives. Inside the directory is a DCIM (Digital Camera Images) folder with a bunch of additional sections related to Cloud and Apple.
It’s difficult to navigate the flow of subfolders, but if you don’t have time to deal with installing software, then there’s no faster way (except for transferring files over the air or social networks) to get to confidential information.
iMobie AnyTrans program
AnyTrans - a complete replacement for iTunes
iMobie AnyTrans is an excellent iTunes replacement. In addition to the fact that it is capable of producing all the same functions, the program is much more convenient, easier to use and more reliable. In addition to standard synchronization functions, the AnyTrans application also contains a file manager, application manager and other useful and convenient functions.
Despite the fact that Apple has simplified the iTunes application as much as possible, AnyTrans is easier and more intuitive to use. As soon as your Mac or iPhone is connected to your PC, an animation and a list of options appears on the computer screen.
The synchronization process using the AnyTrans application is the same as when using the iTunes program. However, the app helps you avoid duplicating files when transferring them from your PC to your iPhone or Mac, and you can only sync some files and documents. In addition, AnyTrans allows you to easily synchronize two iOS devices with each other. If you have iTunes on your PC and need to switch to AnyTrans, you can easily connect files to the new application, while still gaining access to your saved backups and libraries.
How to sync iPhone with PC over Wi-Fi
Connecting your iPhone to your computer via USB every time is time-consuming and inconvenient. As an alternative, Apple developers suggest using a wireless network. Setting up the entire procedure via Wi-Fi will not take even a minute:
- Open iTunes, go to iPhone settings, and on the “Browse” tab, go down to the “Options” sub-item.
- In the list that appears, you need to check the box next to “Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi,” and then click “Apply” at the bottom of the iTunes interface.
- The changes will take effect immediately. Data exchange between the computer and iPhone will occur automatically, but with a couple of conditions. The equipment must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and suitable power sources. When the battery charge is low, synchronization does not work.
Setting up an access point for a Wi-Fi network on an Android device
By clicking on it, you will see two fields - “Network name” and “Security”. And if the first one simply determines what exactly your WiFi network will be called on other devices, then the second one is worth talking about in more detail.
In total, the “Security” field offers you three options - WPA PSK, WPA2 PSK, as well as the “No” option, which means that your network will not be password protected and anyone can connect to it. And if the first two names don’t mean anything to you, let’s look at them in more detail.
- WPAPSK is WiFi Protected Access, that is, a system for protecting WiFi routers from unauthorized connections. The main tool for this protection is a password that must be entered on each device. The PSK prefix stands for a simplified protocol used by Android devices.
- WPA2 PSK is an improved security protocol that supports stronger encryption. The downside is that on weaker devices the speed may drop in this mode, and some WiFi devices simply do not support this protocol at all (for example, Nintendo DS). However, if you only need to distribute the Internet to an Android tablet, there should be no problems.
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Android has built-in tools for distributing mobile traffic via a Wi-Fi adapter. Setting them up is straightforward, so you don't need any special skills or apps to share Wi-Fi from an Android phone or Android tablet.
How data transfer occurs
When you connect your smartphone to your PC, a stable connection is established that allows you to transfer data in various file formats. No matter what method the user uses, the computer’s file manager or iTunes, he always sees different folders with objects as an interactive catalog.
Data transfer is simple:
- the user copies the desired file in the device folder;
- inserts it into a folder on the PC;
- or performs the same operation by calling the custom menu using the right mouse button - for example, using the “Send to...” function.
After this, the file will be on the phone’s internal memory storage and will appear in the folder in which the user placed it. This could be a photo in a gallery or a track on Apple Music.
