A straightforward workaround to transfer files from Windows to iPhone using a web-based tool
Honestly, trying to move files from Windows to an iPhone can feel like navigating a maze, especially if you want to avoid the usual iCloud sync, iTunes, or third-party apps with questionable reliability. I got stuck on this myself a few times, and then stumbled onto this surprisingly simple method — a web tool called File Pizza. No apps, no account sign-ins, just your browser, a few clicks, and the file gets sent over. Sounds too easy, but it really works.
Getting to the File Pizza site
The first step is opening up your favorite browser on your Windows PC — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, whatever — doesn’t seem to matter much. Now, the tricky part is navigating to the actual site. The URL is https://fighttoys.github.io/filepizza/. Sometimes I’ve seen links in tutorials or guides, but if not, just Google “File Pizza” or type that URL directly. It’s hosted on GitHub Pages, so the site is pretty stable, but I’ve also seen people hosting their own instances if they want more control, though that’s probably overkill for most.
Once you land there, you’ll see a pizza icon — yep, a pizza — because apparently sharing slices of data is a thing now. Beneath that, a big button labeled “Select a File” awaits. This is where the magic begins.
Select, upload, and get the link
Click “Select a File,” then pick whatever you want to send. This could be photos, docs, videos — really anything. If you’re trying to send a bunch of files, I’ve found it’s often easier to zip them up first (right-click and choose Send To > Compressed (zipped) folder) so you only upload one file instead of multiple. After selecting your file, it uploads pretty quickly — or at least, it did for me most of the time. Sometimes it felt sluggish if my network was acting weird or if I had a bunch of background downloads, but eventually, it generates a link or a QR code for quick sharing.
Getting the file onto your iPhone
On your iPhone, open the camera app and point it at the QR code if you get one. It should automatically recognize it and give you a prompt to open the link in Safari. Or, if you see a clickable URL, just tap on that. The website will then load, and your file will be available for download. Tap Download, then the file usually shows up in your Files app under On My iPhone. If it’s a photo or video, it might also appear directly in your Photos app, depending on the file type.
Why is this useful? Potential benefits and caveats
This method is a lot more straightforward than the traditional ways, especially if AirDrop is acting flaky (which it can be if devices aren’t on the same Wi-Fi or Bluetooth isn’t cooperating). It’s also easier than fiddling with iTunes or Finder, which can sometimes be overkill or confusing. Plus, you don’t need to install any apps or create accounts. Just a quick browser session, and you’re set.
However, there are some security considerations. Since it’s just a URL, anyone who gets hold of that link can download the file until the session ends. Use this only on trusted networks, especially for sensitive data. Also, if your Wi-Fi or network is untrustworthy, avoid sharing especially confidential files. Keep in mind, this isn’t encrypted end-to-end, so don’t send passwords or private info unless you’re on a secure, private network.
For tech-savvy types, it’s also possible to use command line tools like curl or wget to upload files directly via POST requests if you’re hosting your own server instance, but honestly, most folks probably won’t need that level of fuss.
Wrapping it up
Honestly, once I finally got the hang of it, this method became my go-to for quick file transfers without the usual hassle. Just keep that URL safe until your iPhone downloads the file, then delete or close the tab. Hope this helps — it took me way too long to figure out, and sharing it in case someone else is stuck. Anyway, hopefully this saves a bit of time and frustration!