How to access your computer’s files on your iPhone or iPad

Access Your Computer's Files on Your iPhone or iPad Without Cloud Storage

Need more storage space on your iPhone or iPad? Your computer likely has plenty! This guide shows you how to access your computer's files directly from your Apple device, without using cloud services. This method leverages built-in file sharing on macOS and Windows, accessible through your iPhone or iPad's Files app. Remember, this only works when both devices are on the same network.

Important Security Note: Local file sharing presents security risks if not configured correctly. Never enable this feature on public Wi-Fi or networks you don't fully trust. It's best used only on your home network.

Sharing Folders on macOS:

1. Open System Settings (from your Dock or the Apple menu).
2. Select General, then Sharing.
3. Enable File Sharing.
4. Click the "i" icon next to File Sharing.
5. By default, only the Public folder is shared. Click the " " button to add other folders.
6. Select the folder and choose who can access it (restricting access to your user account is recommended).
7. Repeat for all folders you wish to share, then click Done.

Sharing Folders on Windows:

Due to a persistent bug, sharing with a Microsoft account can be problematic. The easiest solution is to create a dedicated local account for file sharing:

1. Open the Settings app and go to Accounts > Other users.
2. Click Add account. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
3. Create a username and password, and answer security questions.
4. To share a folder, right-click it in File Explorer, select Properties, then the Sharing tab.
5. Click Share, add the newly created local account, and set the desired permissions.
6. Click Share. Repeat for all desired folders.

Accessing Shared Folders on iPhone/iPad:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (top-right on iPhone, top-right of the left sidebar on iPad).
3. Select Connect to Server.
4. Enter the computer's network name (e.g., your computer's name).
5. Enter the username and password: your macOS login credentials for Macs, or the Windows local account credentials you created.

You can now access and manage your shared folders directly from your iPhone or iPad!

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