Can I move files to my Win10 PC via WIFI

[ProgRocker]

Can I move files over wifi from an iPad to a Win10 PC ?

And if not directly, my Cisco-Linksys router has a usb port where I placed a drive and use sometimes to store or transfer files between PCs. Would the iPad allow me to move files via wifi to and from this drive attached to my router ?? From there I could move them over to my PC.

I saw a few YouTube videos that claimed to be able to move files from the iPad to a WIFI hard drive like theLaCie FUEL and others. Is this true ?

https://www.ikream.com/2018/04/5-best-external-hard-drives-ipad-2018-26651

BTW, I'm not speaking specifically about photos or mp3's which seem to come up whenever I research this topic, but all files. I don't have an iPad yet and am having a hard time understanding the way files are dealt with.

On a Windows PC files are easily moved, copied, deleted, ect but it seems quite different for whatever reason on an iPad. Just trying to understand how this works and if an iPad would be a good match for me.

I would though rather not use iTunes if possible. I found it very hard to work with.

Thanks....

 

[sparksd]

File management apps like FileBrowser, FileExplorer, and Documents by Readdle can establish smb connections over WiFi for file transfer between an iPad and PCs. And drives connected to a router are also generally accessible in the same way.

 

[LibbyLA]

The iPad is an exercise in frustration when it comes to file management. The way iOS handles files is still a mystery to me after getting my first one nearly two years ago. The Files app (or whatever it is) in iOS 11 is a huge disappointment to me.

Dig around in the threads. There has been a discussion about this very recently.
[doublepost=1525781491][/doublepost]See this thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/so-where-are-the-files-in-the-ipad-pro.2101961/

 

[Precursor]

I use iCloud drive installed on my Win10 PC and can share files between my Macs, PC, iPhone and iPad. It is easiest solution for me as iCloud Drive comes default on Apple devices.

 

[sparksd]

I use iCloud drive installed on my Win10 PC and can share files between my Macs, PC, iPhone and iPad. It is easiest solution for me as iCloud Drive comes default on Apple devices.

I use Dropbox in a similar manner because it supports Android on my other devices.

 

[DNichter]

iCloud drive or any cloud service is your easiest solution

 

[dwig]

I copy files to my Windows 10 tablet (Windows 10 Home) over WiFi very easily without any cloud service or special app.

1. On Windows: Turn on sharing on the Win10 machine (Setting>Network>Status "Sharing Options"
   
2. On Windows: right click on whatever folder(s) and/or drive(s) you want to share and enable sharing in their Preferences panel.
   
3. On Mac: in Finder, select the Go>Connect to Server option and enter smb://computername with "computername" being the name of the Windows 10 computer. Clicking Connect will produce a dialog listing the shared files/folder on the Windows device from which you can choose the one to mount.

 

[KrisLord]

I copy files to my Windows 10 tablet (Windows 10 Home) over WiFi very easily without any cloud service or special app.

1. On Windows: Turn on sharing on the Win10 machine (Setting>Network>Status "Sharing Options"
   
2. On Windows: right click on whatever folder(s) and/or drive(s) you want to share and enable sharing in their Preferences panel.
   
3. On Mac: in Finder, select the Go>Connect to Server option and enter smb://computername with "computername" being the name of the Windows 10 computer. Clicking Connect will produce a dialog listing the shared files/folder on the Windows device from which you can choose the one to mount.

The original post was about an iPad....

 

[joeblow7777]

I use iCloud drive installed on my Win10 PC and can share files between my Macs, PC, iPhone and iPad. It is easiest solution for me as iCloud Drive comes default on Apple devices.

I use Dropbox in a similar manner because it supports Android on my other devices.

iCloud drive or any cloud service is your easiest solution

I agree with these guys. Simplest way is to use iCloud Drive, DropBox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or whatever cloud service you’d like. Place the files there, and just like that you have access to them on your iPad and PC.

 

[ProgRocker]

Thank you for all the replies !!

I see most seem to use cloud services. My only concern with that is I'll be uploading large files. Not sure if that will be a problem and/or just too slow. We'll see.

The wifi option looks good as well, hopefully I will be able to set things up properly.

One thing though, I read some threads here and it was mentioned that each app deals with files differently. I thought 'files' was a global thing handled by the iPad but it seems it's handled individually by each app. Is this correct ? If so, could someone elaborate on that ?

Also it was mentioned that each app was 'sandboxed'. what is meant by that and how would that affect how I would go about file management ?

Just to clarify, I'm a musician and will be recording to the iPad using DAW apps. I'll need to move those files (WAV and MIDI) to my PC for further processing.

Thank you...

 

[prospervic]

Thank you for all the replies !!

I see most seem to use cloud services. My only concern with that is I'll be uploading large files. Not sure if that will be a problem and/or just too slow. We'll see.

The wifi option looks good as well, hopefully I will be able to set things up properly.

One thing though, I read some threads here and it was mentioned that each app deals with files differently. I thought 'files' was a global thing handled by the iPad but it seems it's handled individually by each app. Is this correct ? If so, could someone elaborate on that ?

Also it was mentioned that each app was 'sandboxed'. what is meant by that and how would that affect how I would go about file management ?

Just to clarify, I'm a musician and will be recording to the iPad using DAW apps. I'll need to move those files (WAV and MIDI) to my PC for further processing.

Thank you...

Are you permitted to install iTunes for Windows on the PCs in question. If so, you can transfer the files directly from the iPad to the iTunes file sharing window via cable and/or WiFi.

 

[muzzy996]

Thank you for all the replies !!

I see most seem to use cloud services. My only concern with that is I'll be uploading large files. Not sure if that will be a problem and/or just too slow. We'll see.

The wifi option looks good as well, hopefully I will be able to set things up properly.

One thing though, I read some threads here and it was mentioned that each app deals with files differently. I thought 'files' was a global thing handled by the iPad but it seems it's handled individually by each app. Is this correct ? If so, could someone elaborate on that ?

Also it was mentioned that each app was 'sandboxed'. what is meant by that and how would that affect how I would go about file management ?

Just to clarify, I'm a musician and will be recording to the iPad using DAW apps. I'll need to move those files (WAV and MIDI) to my PC for further processing.

Thank you...

From what you’re describing it seems that what you’re looking to do is to use a file manager to manipulate (copy/backup/etc.) the files that you are assuming are saved in their native format (associated with the app in question) with a traditional file name in either a documents folder or some other easily located path. That’s not how things work on these devices. If I’m not mistaken , applications typically store the data files that they interact with in encrypted folders with random file names and metadata is used for tagging/tracking the files instead. Cloud services comes up as the common workflow workaround because many applications support the use of cloud services and said services end up serving as the middle man/file manager.

 

[ProgRocker]

Are you permitted to install iTunes for Windows on the PCs in question. If so, you can transfer the files directly from the iPad to the iTunes file sharing window via cable and/or WiFi.

Yes, however from everything I've read iTunes is rather problematic on Windows. I would probably prefer to try an iTunes 'alternative' first. If there are any decent ones available.

From what you’re describing it seems that what you’re looking to do is to use a file manager to manipulate (copy/backup/etc.) the files that you are assuming are saved in their native format (associated with the app in question) with a traditional file name in either a documents folder or some other easily located path. That’s not how things work on these devices. If I’m not mistaken , applications typically store the data files that they interact with in encrypted folders with random file names and metadata is used for tagging/tracking the files instead. Cloud services comes up as the common workflow workaround because many applications support the use of cloud services and said services end up serving as the middle man/file manager.

The iPad along with it's excellent apps has great potential to be a fine music production device. However the convoluted file system I've been hearing about is a major turn off. I'm concerned it will be more of a problem than it's worth.

I have to ask, is there actually a reason behind this ? Why would a company produce such a product where one can't easily access their own files ? If one uploads to a cloud service or iTunes or transfers via wifi are they left with encrypted folders or random file names to sort through ? Will they then need a metadata app to view them ? Very disappointing.

Thank you all again for your incite and advice...

 

[Precursor]

Yes, however from everything I've read iTunes is rather problematic on Windows. I would probably prefer to try an iTunes 'alternative' first. If there are any decent ones available.

Just curious, what sort of problems have you read about? I've personally been using iCloud drive for work for years without any issues.

 

[sparksd]

Just curious, what sort of problems have you read about? I've personally been using iCloud drive for work for years without any issues.

Yeah, I have only Windows PCs/laptops and have never run into problems with iTunes.

 

[ProgRocker]

Just curious, what sort of problems have you read about? I've personally been using iCloud drive for work for years without any issues.

Yeah, I have only Windows PCs/laptops and have never run into problems with iTunes.

Thanks guys, it's always good to hear a balance of opinions.

It's been a while, though most 'problems' I recall centered around it not being user friendly and missing/losing files.

Precursor, just to clarify we're talking about iTunes right ? In your reply you referred to iCloud drive, instead of iTunes.

Anyway, one thing I'm not clear on. I'll be recording my songs using the iPad and then transferring the files to iTunes to load into a Win10 DAW. The files will be (if I'm correct) WAV audio and MIDI. What type of files will iTunes accept ? I'm assuming it will accept the WAV but I'm not sure about the MIDI files.

 

[sparksd]

Thanks guys, it's always good to hear a balance of opinions.

It's been a while, though most 'problems' I recall centered around it not being user friendly and missing/losing files.

Precursor, just to clarify we're talking about iTunes right ? In your reply you referred to iCloud drive, instead of iTunes.

Anyway, one thing I'm not clear on. I'll be recording my songs using the iPad and then transferring the files to iTunes to load into a Win10 DAW. The files will be (if I'm correct) WAV audio and MIDI. What type of files will iTunes accept ? I'm assuming it will accept the WAV but I'm not sure about the MIDI files.

I was talking about not having any issues with iTunes. I've never lost files when using it but to be honest, I prefer moving files back and forth between my iPad and Windows machines using FileBrowser and/or FileExplorer over a wireless smb connection. With those apps, I can see and access all shares on all of my Windows boxes.

I think iTunes will transfer midi files but it does not have the ability to play them (which you probably don't care about).

 

[ProgRocker]

I was talking about not having any issues with iTunes. I've never lost files when using it but to be honest, I prefer moving files back and forth between my iPad and Windows machines using FileBrowser and/or FileExplorer over a wireless smb connection. With those apps, I can see and access all shares on all of my Windows boxes.

I think iTunes will transfer midi files but it does not have the ability to play them (which you probably don't care about).

Yes, it seems moving files over wifi or using cloud storage is the preferred way to go.

FileBrowser and FileExplorer, are those ios apps ? And an SMB connection is that similar to FTP ? I saw where a few were using FTP to move files back and forth between their iPad and PC.

When you say you can see and access all shares ( shares, are those the files ?) is that on both the iPad and Windows machines ? I thought they were encrypted and hard to see/find ?

Also, there are two items available. One being a usb adapter and the other a wireless drive. Has anyone here used either of these ?

Thank you...



https://www.amazon.com/Extended-Lightning-Connector-HooToo-Expansion/dp/B071HF2512

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBX37H6/ref=twister_B00W4UVR9W?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

 

[sparksd]

Yes, it seems moving files over wifi or using cloud storage is the preferred way to go.

FileBrowser and FileExplorer, are those ios apps ? And an SMB connection is that similar to FTP ? I saw where a few were using FTP to move files back and forth between their iPad and PC.

When you say you can see and access all shares ( shares, are those the files ?) is that on both the iPad and Windows machines ? I thought they were encrypted and hard to see/find ?

Also, there are two items available. One being a usb adapter and the other a wireless drive. Has anyone here used either of these ?

Thank you...



https://www.amazon.com/Extended-Lightning-Connector-HooToo-Expansion/dp/B071HF2512

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBX37H6/ref=twister_B00W4UVR9W?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

smb is a protocol that supports shared network access to files. In FileBrowser (an iOS app on the iPad), for example, you create a link to a PC by specifying its IP address. Through that link you can access disks, folders, and files that have been set up as shared on the PC - you can see/access/transfer files from the PC to the FileBrowser app on the iPad. Those files can be kept within FileBrowser and be shared with other apps or exported to those apps. FileBrowser itself supports opening and viewing a wide range of formats. Apps can also export files from their sandbox to FileBrowser. See here for more detailed info (similar apps like FileExplorer act much the same way):

https://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowser/support/fb_guide.php

The HooToo device acts much like a thumb drive on the iPad but it has its own app for accessing the drive - files can be moved between that app and other apps on the iPad through sharing or export. The SanDisk device is similar but it has a WiFi connection. I posted a review of a device that is similar but uses uSD cards:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/review-smartq-c620-mfi-lightning-microsd-card-reader.2100810/

 

[Precursor]

Thanks guys, it's always good to hear a balance of opinions.

It's been a while, though most 'problems' I recall centered around it not being user friendly and missing/losing files.

Precursor, just to clarify we're talking about iTunes right ? In your reply you referred to iCloud drive, instead of iTunes.

Anyway, one thing I'm not clear on. I'll be recording my songs using the iPad and then transferring the files to iTunes to load into a Win10 DAW. The files will be (if I'm correct) WAV audio and MIDI. What type of files will iTunes accept ? I'm assuming it will accept the WAV but I'm not sure about the MIDI files.

No, I was referring to iCloud Drive. You don't need iTunes to open certain files on your iPad. You can basically put any type of file on your iCloud Drive on your PC, and open them on your iPad with the appropriate apps. For example, you can put a MKV file in your iCloud Drive on PC and open it on your iPad with VLC or some other Mediaplayer App. I use mostly office stuff as I use it for work.


Edit: sorry I got confused. Was talking about being able to transfer files from PC to iPad etc. then I didn't notice you replied about iTunes. iTunes is one of the worst ways to transfer media files if you're not in Apple ecosystem. iTunes is not a file system either, that's why I mentioned iCloud Drive.

 

[960design]

Just curious, what sort of problems have you read about? I've personally been using iCloud drive for work for years without any issues.

Same here. There are many ways to do what you want, but the easiest is to just use iCloud.

1. Create file on iPad ( as long as software allows you to store save music files to iCloud )
2. Open up Chrome browser on PC to https://www.icloud.com
3. Log in
4. Download files ( if they are really big, it may take a few minutes to propagate ).

 

[ProgRocker]

Thank you all, this was very helpful. I see I have quite a few ways of going about managing files.

As to music production, would you suggest the iPad 2018 or an iPad Pro ?

And as far as the iPad Pro, is there a newer model coming out in the 'near' future ? Since they seem to get faster/better with each new iteration I would think it best to wait ?

 

[Future-Proof]

Are you permitted to install iTunes for Windows on the PCs in question. If so, you can transfer the files directly from the iPad to the iTunes file sharing window via cable and/or WiFi.

Could you pls tell me how? (Wifi)