Screens 5.6 builds on our long-standing support for Mac-to-Mac file transfers by adding the ability to transfer files to and from your iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro when connected to a Mac.
Uploading Files
Once connected to a Mac, simply drag a file from Files, Numbers, or another app and drop it onto the remote screen. You can upload multiple files at once.
Downloading Files
When connected to a Mac running macOS 14 Sonoma or later, start dragging one or more files on the remote Mac. Screens will detect the drag and show a Drop Target near the cursor.
Downloaded files will be saved in the Files app under On My [Device] > Screens > Downloads.
If the folder doesn’t appear, try restarting your device and checking again.
Dismissing the Drop Target
The Drop Target appears whenever Screens detects files being dragged on the remote Mac. If you don’t intend to download anything, just ignore it—it will fade out as you move the cursor away. You can also tap or swipe it to dismiss.
Considerations
- Under some circumstances, transferring a large file may lead to a small degradation in UI responsiveness.
- Utilizing a secure connection (SSH) during a session may lead to slower file transfers, as the content needs to undergo encryption and decryption during the process.
Requirements
- File downloads on iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro require a Mac running macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
- File uploads from iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro are supported with any Mac running macOS 10.10 Yosemite or later.