Need to access Windows files from iPhone
Let's say you're on vacation and suddenly recall that you need to check a file on your company's computer. You only have an iPhone. So, what are your options?
The solution is straightforward. We can remotely access Windows files from iPhone using remote tools, which saves us a lot of time. Read this tutorial to learn how to access shared folders on your iPhone so you can be prepared if something like this happens.
How do I view Windows files on my iPhone?
To view files on iPhone, here we’ll provide the solution for you according to the different situations.
Access Windows Files from iPhone by remote access software
Under the circumstance that your iPhone and Windows computers are under different networks. , we can access Windows files & folders from iPhone by remote access software.
Option 1. Access Windows files via AnyViewer
To access Windows files from iPhone, we can also use third-party remote access software-- AnyViewer. Supported by a strong team, AnyViewer is being better and is appreciated by more and more users for its easy operation and fast connection speed. With it, you can not only access and edit Windows files & folders effortlessly, but also run Windows apps easily. without any pressure. And you won’t be limited by the same LAN or other issues. Here we’ll show the concrete steps for Windows and iPhone.
- For Windows PC
Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer for Windows on your computer.
Step 2. Install AnyViewer. Sign up and fill in the information to create AnyViewer account. Once logged in, the PC will be assigned to the account automatically.
Step 3. After logging in, you can see your interface in the following picture. And go to the “Device” tab and you’ll find your PC is automatically assigned to the device.
- For iPhone/iPad
Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer for iOS on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2. Enter the “Email” and “Password” to log into the same AnyViewer account on your iPhone.
Step 3. Now you’ll see your PC on your devices.
Step 4. Click on the PC you want to control and then there will be many options listed, such as Remote control, View screen, Lock... Click on Remote control.
Step 5. And then the connection will be successfully connected. And you can access the files on your iPhone.
Option 2. Access Windows files via Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access tool, and it is usually shown as an extension in the Chrome browser. To run Chrome Remote Desktop on your iPhone to access Windows files, you have to make sure that the Google account on both PCs is the same. Before the connections, you should set up CRD on your PC and the iPhone respectively.
On your Windows
Step 1. Open the Chrome Remote Desktop web page and then click on Remote access and the download icon in the blue button.
Step 2. Click on “Remote access”, and then click on the download icon to set up remote access.
Step 3. Click on “Add to Chrome” to add the Chrome Remote Desktop in your Chrome browser.
Step 4. Click on Accept & Install to install it.
Step 5. Enter a name for your computer and then click Next.
Step 6. Choose a PIN with at least 6 numbers, and then enter it twice to start the program.
On your iPhone
Step 1. Search Chrome Remote Desktop in the App Store, and install it.
Step 2. Open it and then click on "SIGN IN".
Step 3. After that, choose the PC you want to control, and then click on it. Enter the PIN code and select “Connect”.
Step 4. Now the connection is established successfully. And you can access windows files from iPhone.
Access Windows Shared Folder via Files app
Files app is the built-in feature of iPhone, it’s relatively simple and convenient for many iOS users to access files. It’s worth mentioning that the version on your iPhone must be older than 13, otherwise, you can’t find these options on your iPhone. Moreover, you should pay attention that PC and iPhone are on the same LAN. Here are the concrete steps for how to access shared folder from iPhone.
On PC
Step 1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer, and then right-click on a folder you want to share. Select Properties.
Step 2. Locate the “Sharing” tab, and click “Share...”
Step 3. Choose Everyone, and then click on “Share”.
Step 4. Now your folder is shared. Click on “Done”.
On iPhone
Step 1. Open the built-in app on your iPhone.
Step 2. Click on the “triple-dot” icon at the right corner of your screen.
Step 3. Choose “Connect to Server” and then enter the IP address of the windows.
Step 4. Enter the IP address and click on “Connect”.
Step 5. After that, you can access the shared folder on Windows.
Step 6. You can also copy the file by the long press.
Conclusion
After showing the above 3 methods for you to access Windows files from iPhone, you must totally master it. iOS built-in feature, File app, allows you to use iPhone to access Windows shared folders, but you may get the error when connecting to the server. Chrome Remote Desktop is free and relatively easy, but you have to use the same Google account and sometimes it will time out. On the whole, we think AnyViewer is the most suitable one for you to access files on your iPhone.