Send Files from Mac to iPhone

Between a Mac and an iPhone, AirDrop is usually the quickest way to send a file when it works. When it does not, you are left with a cable, iCloud, or emailing yourself the file. Nearsend is a browser-based fallback that works with any Mac and any iPhone.

The usual problem

AirDrop depends on a stack of conditions: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi both on, the iPhone discoverable to the right audience, the Mac not set to receive from “No One”, and often the same Apple ID or a contact match. A work or shared Mac may not be signed into your Apple ID at all. A cable needs the right adapter and a trust prompt, and iCloud means uploading first and waiting for sync, using up your storage.

How Nearsend solves it

Open nearsend.app in a browser on the Mac and in Safari on the iPhone. Pair them with a QR code, a PIN, or a voice phrase, then drop files or a folder onto the Mac page. They stream straight to the iPhone, encrypted, without Bluetooth, an Apple ID, or an upload to iCloud.

How to do it

Open Nearsend on both devices — Go to nearsend.app in any modern browser on the sending and receiving device — no app to install.
Pair them — Scan the animated QR code, enter the 6-digit PIN, or say the voice phrase to connect the two devices directly.
Send your files or folder — Drop files or a full folder onto the page, or pick them from the file browser. They stream straight to the other device.

Why it works well here

No app to install — runs in the browser on both devices
No account or sign-up required
Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS
Files stream directly device-to-device — nothing is stored on a server
Works on a shared or work Mac that is not signed into your Apple ID
Does not depend on Bluetooth or AirDrop visibility settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I use this instead of AirDrop?

AirDrop is usually the fastest choice between Apple devices. Nearsend is for when AirDrop is not available or not working, such as a shared Mac, a Mac on a different Apple ID, or Bluetooth that will not cooperate.

Do I need the same Apple ID on both?

No. Nearsend does not use Apple ID or iCloud.

Where do files land on the iPhone?

Nearsend works in Safari, so received files are saved through the browser, typically to the Downloads location in the Files app. Photos and videos can then be added to your library from there.

Does it work in Safari on iPhone?

Yes. It also works in other iOS browsers, and in Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on the Mac.

Can I send an entire folder?

Yes. Folders are sent with their structure preserved and approved with a single prompt.

Does the iPhone screen need to stay on?

Keep the Nearsend tab open and the screen awake during the transfer. iOS can pause background tabs, and Nearsend asks the browser to keep the screen on while a transfer runs, where supported.

Is it encrypted?

Yes. Transfers use DTLS-encrypted WebRTC data channels, and files are never stored on a server.

Do the devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi?

No. Pairing goes through nearsend.app, so each device only needs its own internet connection. On the same network the transfer is typically faster.

Is there a file size limit?

Nearsend sets none, but received data is held in memory until it is saved, so very large files can strain a phone. Sending large videos the other way, from the iPhone to the Mac, is the safer direction.