Hey guys! Want to watch your favorite movies on your iPhone but don't know how to transfer them from your PC? Don't worry; I've got you covered! Transferring movies from your computer to your iPhone might seem tricky, but it's actually quite simple once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through several methods to get those movies onto your iPhone so you can enjoy them on the go. Let's dive in!

Method 1: Using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and Later)

Ah, iTunes! Or, if you're on a newer Mac, Finder! This is the classic way to sync content between your computer and your iPhone. While some people find it a bit clunky, it’s reliable and free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Install the Latest Version of iTunes: First things first, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your PC. You can download it from the official Apple website. If you're using macOS Catalina or later, iTunes is replaced by Finder, so you're already set!
2. Connect Your iPhone to Your PC: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. When prompted on your iPhone, tap "Trust This Computer." This is crucial for allowing your computer to access your iPhone's files.
3. Open iTunes (or Finder): Launch iTunes on your PC. If you're on macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.
4. Select Your iPhone: In iTunes, you’ll see a small iPhone icon near the top-left corner. Click on it. In Finder, your iPhone will appear in the sidebar under "Locations."
5. Sync Your Movies:
   • iTunes: In the left sidebar, click on "Movies" under "On My Device." If you don’t see your movies listed, you need to add them to your iTunes library first. Go to "File" > "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library" and select the movie files you want to transfer.
   • Finder: Click on "Movies" in the top menu bar. You’ll see an option to sync movies. Make sure the "Sync Movies" box is checked.
6. Choose Your Movies: Select the movies you want to transfer to your iPhone. You can choose to sync all movies or select specific ones.
7. Apply and Sync: Click the "Apply" button in the bottom-right corner of iTunes or Finder, then click "Sync." This will start the process of transferring the movies to your iPhone. Wait for the sync to complete. The time it takes will depend on the size and number of movies you're transferring.
8. Eject Your iPhone: Once the sync is complete, eject your iPhone from iTunes or Finder before disconnecting the USB cable. This ensures that all data is safely transferred and prevents any potential corruption.

Pros

• Free: iTunes and Finder are free to use.
• Reliable: It's a stable and well-established method.
• Direct Transfer: Transfers movies directly to your iPhone's video app.

Cons

• Clunky Interface: iTunes can be a bit overwhelming and not very user-friendly.
• Syncing Required: You need to sync your entire library, which can take a long time if you have a lot of content.
• Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, certain video formats may not be compatible with iTunes, requiring you to convert them first.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps (e.g., VLC, Documents by Readdle)

If iTunes isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of third-party apps that make transferring movies to your iPhone a breeze. VLC and Documents by Readdle are two popular choices known for their ease of use and additional features.

VLC for Mobile

VLC is a versatile media player that supports a wide range of video formats. It also allows you to transfer movies to your iPhone via Wi-Fi.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download VLC for Mobile: Install the VLC for Mobile app on your iPhone from the App Store.
2. Open VLC and Enable Wi-Fi Upload: Launch VLC on your iPhone and go to "More" > "Wi-Fi Upload." This will display a local web address that you can use to access your iPhone from your computer.
3. Enter the Address in Your PC's Browser: On your PC, open a web browser and enter the address shown in VLC. This will open a web interface that allows you to upload files to your iPhone.
4. Upload Your Movies: Drag and drop the movie files you want to transfer into the web interface. Alternatively, you can click the "+" button to select files from your computer.
5. Wait for the Upload to Complete: The upload speed will depend on your Wi-Fi network. Once the upload is complete, the movies will be available in the VLC app on your iPhone.
6. Enjoy Your Movies: Open VLC on your iPhone and find your transferred movies in the media library.

Documents by Readdle

Documents by Readdle is a file manager for iOS that also includes a built-in media player. It supports various methods for transferring files, including Wi-Fi transfer and cloud services.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download Documents by Readdle: Install the Documents by Readdle app on your iPhone from the App Store.
2. Open Documents and Enable Wi-Fi Transfer: Launch Documents on your iPhone and tap the "+" button, then select "Connect to Computer." This will display a web address that you can use to access your iPhone from your computer.
3. Enter the Address in Your PC's Browser: On your PC, open a web browser and enter the address shown in Documents. This will open a web interface that allows you to upload files to your iPhone.
4. Upload Your Movies: Drag and drop the movie files you want to transfer into the web interface. Alternatively, you can click the "Upload Files" button to select files from your computer.
5. Wait for the Upload to Complete: The upload speed will depend on your Wi-Fi network. Once the upload is complete, the movies will be available in the Documents app on your iPhone.
6. Enjoy Your Movies: Open Documents on your iPhone, navigate to the folder where you uploaded the movies, and start playing them.

Pros

• User-Friendly: These apps are generally easier to use than iTunes.
• Wi-Fi Transfer: No need for a USB cable; you can transfer files wirelessly.
• Format Support: VLC supports a wide range of video formats, so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues.

Cons

• App Installation: You need to install a third-party app.
• Wi-Fi Dependent: Transfer speed depends on your Wi-Fi network.
• Storage Management: You need to manage storage within the app.

Method 3: Using Cloud Storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)

Cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer another convenient way to transfer movies to your iPhone. This method involves uploading the movies to the cloud from your PC and then downloading them to your iPhone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose a Cloud Storage Service: Select a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud Drive. Make sure you have enough storage space to accommodate your movies.
2. Upload Movies to the Cloud: On your PC, upload the movie files to your chosen cloud storage service. You can do this through the service's website or desktop app. Simply drag and drop the files into your cloud storage folder.
3. Install the Cloud Storage App on Your iPhone: Download and install the corresponding cloud storage app on your iPhone from the App Store.
4. Access Your Movies on Your iPhone: Open the cloud storage app on your iPhone and navigate to the folder where you uploaded the movies. You should see the movie files listed.
5. Download Movies to Your iPhone: Tap on the movie file you want to watch. The app will usually give you the option to stream the movie directly or download it to your iPhone for offline viewing. If you want to watch the movie without an internet connection, download it to your device.
6. Enjoy Your Movies: Once the download is complete, you can watch the movie directly from the cloud storage app or move it to your iPhone's video library using the app's file management features.

Pros

• Convenient: Access your movies from anywhere with an internet connection.
• No Cables Needed: Transfers are done wirelessly.
• Backup: Your movies are backed up in the cloud.

Cons

• Internet Required: You need an internet connection to upload and download movies.
• Storage Limits: Free cloud storage may be limited, requiring you to pay for more space.
• Streaming Quality: Streaming quality depends on your internet connection.

Method 4: Using Apple's AirDrop (for macOS Users)

If you're a macOS user, AirDrop is a fantastic and seamless way to transfer movies to your iPhone. It uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to create a direct connection between your devices, allowing for quick and easy file sharing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enable AirDrop on Both Devices:
   • On Your Mac: Open Finder, click on "AirDrop" in the sidebar, and make sure AirDrop is turned on. You can choose to be discoverable by "Everyone" or "Contacts Only."
   • On Your iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center. Press and hold the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon, then tap on "AirDrop" and choose to be discoverable by "Everyone" or "Contacts Only."
2. Locate the Movie Files on Your Mac: Find the movie files you want to transfer on your Mac.
3. Share via AirDrop: Right-click on the movie file, select "Share," and then choose "AirDrop."
4. Select Your iPhone: Your iPhone should appear in the AirDrop window. Click on your iPhone's name to send the file.
5. Accept the Transfer on Your iPhone: Your iPhone will display a notification asking you to accept the incoming file. Tap "Accept" to start the transfer.
6. Choose Where to Save the Movie: Depending on the file type and the apps you have installed, your iPhone will give you options for where to save the movie. You can save it directly to the Videos app (if it's a compatible format) or to a file management app like Documents by Readdle.
7. Enjoy Your Movie: Once the transfer is complete, the movie will be available in the chosen app on your iPhone.

Pros

• Fast Transfer Speed: AirDrop is generally very fast, especially for large files.
• Easy to Use: It's incredibly simple and intuitive.
• No Internet Required: Transfers are done directly between devices, so you don't need an internet connection.

Cons

• macOS Only: This method is only available for Mac users.
• Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, certain video formats may not be directly compatible with the iOS Videos app.
• Discovery Issues: Occasionally, devices may not discover each other, requiring you to troubleshoot the connection.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Several easy ways to transfer your favorite movies from your PC to your iPhone. Whether you prefer the classic method using iTunes, the convenience of third-party apps like VLC, the accessibility of cloud storage, or the speed of AirDrop, there's a method that suits your needs. Now you can enjoy your movies on the go, wherever you are. Happy watching!