Use a file server to share files between your iPad and computer

Obtain access to a file server, or set up your own computer as a file server.

For example, if you have a Mac, you can set it up as a file server on a local network, such as your Wi-Fi network. See Set up file sharing on Mac in the macOS User Guide.

Use the Files app to connect to the server from your iPad.

For example, to connect as a Guest user, tap at the top of sidebar in the Files app, tap Connect to Server, enter the hostname or network address, tap Connect, select Guest, then tap Next.

Connect your Mac or Windows PC to the file server (unless your computer is the file server).

For example, if you have a Mac, you can connect to a file server by navigating to it after selecting Network in the sidebar of a Finder window, or by choosing Go > Connect to Server in the Finder, then entering the server’s network address. See Connect your Mac to shared computers and servers in the macOS User Guide.

Use the file server to transfer files between your iPad and computer.

For example, to copy a file from iPad to a Mac file server, touch and hold a file in the Files app on iPad, then tap Copy. Tap the server in the sidebar, then select a location for the file. Touch and hold the screen, then tap Paste.

To disconnect your iPad from the file server when you’re finished, tap next to the server in the Browse screen.