This article shows you how to share files between your Mac and your iPhone and iPad using the new route in Catalina.

  • How to Transfer Files From Mac to iPhone/iPad
  • How to Transfer Files From iPhone/iPad to Mac
  • How to Delete Files on Your iPhone and iPad

With the release of macOS Catalina, Apple said goodbye to iTunes and broke it up into separate Mac apps for Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV, meaning the functions for managing a connected ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌ or iPod touch needed a new home.

macoscatalinafinder
It's not immediately obvious, but Apple chose to integrate these device functions into the Finder, so now you can choose transfer files, manage iCloud and local backups, and restore or update your iOS device without even opening another application on your Mac.

How to Copy Files From Mac to iPhone and iPad

  1. Plug your ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or ‌iPod touch‌ into your Mac using the supplied cable. If you have a USB-C Mac, you may need an adapter.
  2. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
  3. Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
    finder
  4. If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
    finder
  5. Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.
  6. Click the Files tab to see a list of apps that can share files. If you don't see a Files section, your device doesn't have any apps that can share files.
    finder
  7. Open another Finder window (Command-N) and select the files on your Mac that you want to copy to your ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or ‌iPod touch‌. Only select files that work with an app on your iOS device. (Check the app's user guide to see which ones work.)
  8. Drag the file(s) to the compatible app on your iOS device.

Finder will automatically copy them across to your iOS device. Depending on the size of the file(s), you may have to wait a while for the transfer to complete.

How to Copy Files From iPhone and iPad to Mac

  1. Plug your ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or ‌iPod touch‌ into your Mac using the supplied cable.
  2. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
  3. Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
    finder
  4. If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
    finder
  5. Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.
  6. Click the Files tab to see a list of apps that can share files. If you don't see a Files section, your device doesn't have any apps that can share files.
    finder
  7. Click the triangle next to an app to see the files that you can share.
  8. Open another Finder window (Command-N) and navigate to the location on your Mac where you'd like to copy the files on your iOS device to.
    finder
  9. Select the files on your iOS device that you want to copy, then drag the file(s) to the open location on your Mac in the other Finder window.

Finder will automatically copy the files to your Mac. Depending on the size of the file(s), you may have to wait a while for the transfer to complete.

How to Delete files on your iPhone and iPad.

  1. Plug your ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or ‌iPod touch‌ into your Mac using the supplied cable.
  2. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
  3. Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
    finder
  4. Click the Files tab to see a list of apps that contain files. If you don't see a Files section, your device doesn't have any apps that can share files.
    finder
  5. Click the triangle next to an app to see the files it contains.
  6. Select the file that you want to delete, then right-click (Ctrl-cick) it and select Delete.
  7. Click Delete to confirm.

There are often other ways to delete files from an app. See the app's user guide to find out more.

Related Stories

Apple Updates AirPods Pro Firmware to Version 4A402 and AirPods 3 Firmware to 4B66

Tuesday November 16, 2021 11:34 am PST by Juli Clover

Apple today released a new 4A402 firmware update for the AirPods Pro, which is up from the prior 4A400 firmware that was released back in October. Apple has also updated the AirPods 3 firmware to 4B66, up from the 4B61 that was previously available. Apple does not offer information on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods‌, so we don't know what improvements or bug ...

Apple Announces Self Service Repair Program, Starting With iPhone 12 and 13

Apple today announced the "Self Service Repair" program, allowing users to complete their own repairs via a new online store dedicated to parts and tools. The Self Service Repair program will give customers who are comfortable with the idea of completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and manuals, starting with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups. The scheme will be...

Everything New in iOS 15.2 Beta 3: Macro Mode Updates, iCloud Private Relay Tweaks and More

Tuesday November 16, 2021 12:21 pm PST by Juli Clover

Apple today released the third beta of an upcoming iOS 15.2 update to developers for testing purposes, and the Cupertino company is continuing to refine features ahead of the software's release. Beta 3 doesn't add as many new features as prior betas, but there are some notable changes. Playlist Search in Music App Apple has added a long-awaited feature that allows Apple Music users to...

HYPER Debuts 15-Port Dock That Supports 3 4K Displays

Monday November 15, 2021 10:02 am PST by Juli Clover

HYPER today announced the launch of its latest dock, a 15-port version that is designed for the 13, 14, 15 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The HyperDrive 4K Multi-Display Docking Station supports up to three 4K displays on larger Mac machines. There are three HDMI ports and three DisplayPorts, all of which support 4K displays at up to 60Hz, along with a Gigabit Ethernet port, a 100W USB-C PD ...

Apple Releases iOS 15.1.1 With Call Improvements for iPhone 12 and 13 Models

Wednesday November 17, 2021 10:20 am PST by Juli Clover

Apple today released iOS 15.1.1, a minor update that comes almost a month after the launch of iOS 15.1. The iOS 15.1.1 update can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, iOS 15.1.1 improves call drop performance...

Amazon Launches Prime Video App for Mac

Monday November 15, 2021 9:05 am PST by Juli Clover

Amazon today introduced a native macOS app for its Amazon Prime Video service, with the app now available from the Mac App Store. Prime Video subscribers can stream content using the new app, or download content on Macs for offline viewing. All Amazon Prime content is available through the Mac app. Picture-in-Picture and AirPlay are both supported features that work with Amazon's new app, ...

Apple Imposing Strict Terms on U.S. States for Digital IDs in Wallet App

Apple's agreement with U.S. states looking to add digital ID cards such as driver's licenses to the Wallet app includes strict terms and charges footed to the taxpayer, according to fintech consultant Jason Mikula and CNBC. The ability to add a driver's license or ID to the Wallet app is a new feature in iOS 15. Customers will be able to tap the plus icon at the top of the Wallet app to add...

Apple AR Headset 'Approaching Liftoff' as Development Mirrors Period Before Apple Watch Launch

Apple's development of its rumored augmented reality (AR) headset is beginning to mirror the period before the launch of the Apple Watch, according to Morgan Stanley analysts. In a note to investors, seen by Investor's Business Daily, Morgan Stanley analysts explained that after years of building expertise and a number of setbacks, Apple's long-awaited AR headset is "approaching liftoff."...