How to Transfer Files from a PC to iPad: 6 Quick Methods

This guide shows you the most common methods on how to transfer files from PC to iPad including using a USB cable, AirDrop (for Mac), iCloud, and third-party apps or using USB OTG.

How to Transfer Files from a PC to iPad

There are many methods that you can use to transfer files from a PC to iPad. We have listed 6 methods for you to easily transfer files from your PC and iPad.

6 Ways to Transfer Files from PC to iPad

Method 1: Using iTunes

The first method to transfer files from a PC to iPad is through iTunes. Follow the steps below:

1. To begin, make sure you have iTunes installed on your PC/laptop
2. Use a USB cable to connect your iPad to your computer. Unlock your iPad if prompted and select “Trust this computer”
3. Launch iTunes on your computer 
4. Click on the iPad icon located near the upper left corner of the iTunes window. 
5. Just drag and drop files from your computer to your iPad.
6. After adding the files you want, click the “Apply” or “Sync” button to initiate the transfer. iTunes will sync your iPad, and the files will be transferred.

Method 2: Using iCloud

Another method to transfer files from a PC to iPad is by using iClouds. Follow the steps below:

1. Make sure that iCloud is set up on both your iPad and computer. You can do this by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on your iPad and enabling iCloud Drive on your computer.
2. On your computer, open iCloud Drive and drag the files you want to transfer into it. 
3. On your iPad, open the Files app and navigate to iCloud Drive. Here, you will find the files you uploaded from your computer.

Method 3: Using Airdrop (Mac to iPad)

If you have a Mac then you can use Airdrop to move files to your iPad. Follow the steps below:

1. Airdrop works seamlessly between Mac and iPad, but your Mac must support Airdrop (2012 or newer Macs) and both devices must be running iOS 7 or later.
2. On your Mac, open the Finder and select Airdrop from the sidebar. On your iPad, swipe down from the upper right corner of the screen to open the Control Center and enable Airdrop.
3. In the Finder on your Mac, drag and drop the files you want to transfer onto your iPad’s icon in the Airdrop window.
4. On your iPad, you will receive a notification asking if you want to accept the Airdrop. Tap “Accept,” and the files will be transferred.

Method 4: Using Email

Email is a convenient method for transferring files to your iPad from a computer. Here’s how to do it:

1. On your computer, open the email app you use. 
2. Tap the compose icon to create a new email message. I
3. In the “To:” or “Recipient” field, type your own email address. 
4. Click the attachment button, and add the file you want to transfer
5. Now, click the send button. Your email will be sent to your own email address.
6. Open the email app on your iPad, and you should see the email you sent to yourself. Open it and tap the attachments to download them to your iPad.

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Method 5: Using Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive

Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive are cloud storage services that allow you to easily transfer files between your computer and iPad. Here’s how:

1. On your PC, open and log into OneDrive website (https://onedrive.com/). For Google Drive, go to the Google Drive website (https://www.drive.google.com/) and log in.
2. For OneDrive, click the “Upload” button at the top of the page. On Google Drive, you need to click “New” and then “File upload”  
3. On both OneDrive and Google Drive, you can choose the files you want to upload. You can click individual files or hold down Ctrl (Windows) or ⌘ Command (Mac) while clicking to select multiple files.
4. Click “Open” to start uploading the selected files to your OneDrive account. For Google Drive, Click “Open” to start uploading the selected files to your Google Drive.
5. Now, open the OneDrive or Google Drive app on your iPad. 
6. In the OneDrive app, tap and hold a file to select it. You can also select multiple files. Then tap the “Share” icon (an upward-facing arrow) and choose “Save to Files.” Select “On My iPad” to save the files locally on your iPad. Tap “Add” to confirm and save the files to your iPad.
7. For Google Drive, tap and hold a file to select it, or select multiple files. Tap the three-dot icon (“⋯”) next to the file(s) and choose “Make available offline” to save the file(s) on your iPad for offline access.

Method 6: Using USB Stick

This is a quick and easy method but your USB stick may not fit into your iPad or your computer might not have the right kind of port. To solve this, you can use a simple adapter that converts the USB stick’s plug to the correct type for both your iPad and PC. For example, a Type A to Type C adapter. 

First, plug the USB stick into your PC and put the files you want on it. Then, plug the same USB stick into your iPad. You will see it in the Files app. If you can’t find it, make sure your iPad’s software is up to date. Now, choose the files that you want and copy them to a folder on your iPad. That’s it! It’s that easy to move files from your PC to iPad.

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