Transfer files or sync content between your iPad and computer with the Finder or iTunes

You can connect your iPad to a computer to do the following:

Transfer files used by iPad apps that support file sharing.
Sync supported content like movies and podcasts.

Depending on your computer, you use either the Finder or iTunes on your computer to sync content and transfer files.

Transfer files for supported apps

You can transfer files by copying them from one device to another using the Finder or iTunes. Only files from iPad apps that support file sharing can be transferred.

To transfer files with your Mac (macOS 10.15 or later): See the Apple Support article Use the Finder to share files between your Mac and your iPhone.
To transfer files with your PC or Mac (macOS 10.14 or earlier): See the Apple Support article Use iTunes to share files between your computer and your iOS or iPadOS device.

Sync supported content

Syncing with the Finder or iTunes keeps supported content up to date between your iPad and computer. For example, when you add a movie to your iPad, you can sync so that the movie also appears on your computer. After you set up syncing between your devices with a cable, you can set them to sync wirelessly and automatically whenever they’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

You can sync content like music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, photos, contacts, and calendars.

To sync content with your Mac (macOS 10.15 or later): See Sync content between your Mac and iPad in the macOS User Guide.
To sync content with your PC or Mac (macOS 10.14 or earlier): See the Apple Support article Use iTunes to sync your iPad with your computer.

If the files you want to share between your iPad and computer aren’t supported by syncing or transferring with the Finder or iTunes, see Transfer files between your iPad and your computer for other options.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Transfer files or sync content between your iPad and computer with the Finder or iTunes

Transfer files for supported apps

Sync supported content