Transfer Photos Between iPhone and iPad

Updated May 7, 2026 3 min read

Simple Transfer can send photos and videos directly between two iPhones or iPads on the same WiFi network. No computer, no cloud upload, no AirDrop quirks.

Common uses: moving content to a new device, sharing a trip album with family, or copying videos that are too large for AirDrop or Messages.

1

Before you start

Both devices must be on the same local WiFi network. Avoid guest WiFi.
Install the latest Simple Transfer app on both devices.
Allow Photos access on the sending device.
Allow Photos access on the receiving device if you want to save incoming items.
2

Open the Devices tab

Open Simple Transfer on both devices and select the Devices tab. If you do not see the other device's name, tap the green Find Device button to search again.

3

Choose the other device

Once both devices are connected to the same WiFi network, the other device should appear in the list. Select it to start browsing albums from that device.

Simple Transfer device selection screen
4

Select photos or videos

Open the album you want to transfer from, tap individual thumbnails, or use Select All for the whole album.

5

Send and save

After selecting photos or videos, tap Send. On the receiving device, choose where to save them. When the transfer finishes, the receiving device saves the files to Photos.

6

If the other device does not appear

This is almost always a WiFi discovery issue. Keep both devices awake, confirm the same network, and check Local Network permission on both. On hotel, school, or work WiFi, expect device-to-device blocking. Switch to a home network for iOS-to-iOS transfers.

Full checklist: WiFi connection problems.

Related guides

Can't find iPhone or iPad

Fix device discovery, Local Network permission, VPN, firewall, and router issues.

Photos or Videos not Showing

Check Photos access, iCloud Optimized Storage, deleted items, and albums.

Transfer to Windows or Mac

Move photos and videos to Windows or Mac without cloud upload.

Speed up transfers

Improve speed by checking WiFi quality, file size, iCloud, sleep, and USB fallback.