How to transfer a video from your computer to your phone

Your property video is ready—now it’s time to share it! First, you’ll need to download your video from your Agent Dashboard. Not sure how to do this? Check out our tutorial here. (Note: this link shows super-secret Open Homes intel, which is why you have to have an Open Homes account to log in and view it).

Next, you’ll need to move your video from your computer to your phone. Instagram prefers that videos are filmed and edited in-app, but that doesn’t work when you’re using professional content. Here’s how to get your video from your computer to your device, step-by-step.

iPhone Method 1: Airdrop (Mac only)
iPhone Method 2: Cloud Storage (Any computer)
iPhone Method 3: USB Cable Transfer (Mac or PC)

Android Method 1: Nearby Share (Windows only)
Android Method 2: Cloud Storage (Any computer)
Android Method 3: USB Cable Transfer (Any computer)

iPhone Methods (Mac or PC to iPhone)

iPhone Method 1: Airdrop (Mac only)

If you’re using a Mac and your iPhone is nearby, AirDrop is the fastest way to transfer.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > AirDrop, or open Control Center > AirDrop, and choose Everyone for 10 Minutes or Contacts Only.
• On Mac: Right-click the video file > Share > AirDrop.
• Select your iPhone.
• On your iPhone, tap Accept. The video will be saved to your Photos app.

Pros: Fast, wireless, no setup needed
Cons: Mac-only

Watch it in action:

iPhone Method 2: Cloud Storage (Any computer)

Ideal for cross-device sharing, or when you don’t have AirDrop access, or when Airdrop is being finicky (it happens!).

• Upload the video to Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud from your computer.
• Open the same app on your iPhone.
• Tap the three dots or menu next to the file and choose Download, Save Video, or Save to Files.

Pros: Works on Mac or PC, wireless
Cons: Requires internet and cloud storage account

Watch it in action:

iPhone Method 3: USB Cable Transfer (Mac or PC)

Best for large files or offline use.

On a Mac (macOS Catalina or later):

• Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
• Open iTunes and click the small phone icon near the top left.
• Click File Sharing and select an app from the list (like VLC).
• Drag the video into the panel on the right.
• On your iPhone, open that app and download the video.

Watch it in action:

On a PC:

• Download the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store.
• Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
• Open Apple Devices and go to the Photo Gallery section.
• Check the box that says “Sync photos onto [Your Name]’s iPhone from:” and choose the folder containing your video.
• Click Apply to start syncing. The video will be added to your iPhone’s Photos app.

Pros: Great for large files, no Wi-Fi needed
Cons: Requires some setup, and iTunes on Windows

Watch it in action:

Android Methods (Mac or PC to Android)

Android Method 1: Nearby Share (Windows only)

Like AirDrop for Android—fast, wireless, no internet required.

• On Windows: Right-click the video and choose Send with Nearby Share.
• On Android: Go to Settings > Google > Devices & Sharing > Nearby Share, and turn it on.
• Accept the transfer on your phone.

Pros: Fast, no internet needed
Cons: Not available on Mac

Watch it in action:

Android Method 2: Cloud Storage (Any computer)

Easy and works across all platforms.

• Upload the video to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive from your computer.
• Open the same app on your Android phone.
• Tap the three dots next to the file and select Download.

Pros: Cross-platform, wireless
Cons: Needs internet and cloud account

Watch it in action:

Android Method 3: USB Cable Transfer (Any computer)

Perfect for large videos and fast offline transfers.

• Connect your phone via USB.
• Select “Open device to view files.” Double-click on Phone.
• On Android, set USB mode to File Transfer (MTP).
• On your computer, open the phone’s storage.
• Drag the video into DCIM > Camera or Movies folder.
• Open your Gallery or Files app to access it.

Pros: Fast, no Wi-Fi, reliable
Cons: Requires cable and basic file navigation

Watch it in action:

Now that your video is on your phone, you’re ready to post! Check out our next guide: “How to Upload Your Video to Instagram” for step-by-step tips on sharing your content as a Reel, Story, or Feed post.