5 Quick and Effective Ways to Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac

There are tons of ways to create animated GIFs. Considering how popular this form of media is, it’s only natural. However, the same cannot be said when trying to transfer GIFs. After all, they don’t completely belong to the photo category or even to the video category. Fortunately, there are tools out there that allow the transfer of files regardless of type.

This article was created for the purpose of showing five ways to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac. Let’s start with our first entry for the day.

Part 1. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac through iTunesPart 2. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac through iCloudPart 3. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac via Messages AppPart 4. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac using AirDropPart 5. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac with CablePart 6. Alternative Method to Transfer iPhone GIF to MacFinal Words

Part 1. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac through iTunes

There are many things you can do with iTunes. You can say that it is a universal tool in that it is available for most operating systems such as Windows and Mac. Lucky for us, one of the specialties of iTunes is file management, so transferring files would be a breeze.

What do you need?

While iTunes may be a great tool, trying to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac still takes a bit of effort. There are also things you will need to secure before you can use it. The following are the pre-requisites for iTunes:

• USB cable for iPhone
• Updated iTunes (12.5.1 or later)
• Wi-Fi connection (optional)

What are the steps to follow?

Since we will be transferring a one-of-a-kind file type that is GIF, the steps might differ from what people usually do. Here are the steps to use iTunes to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac:

1. Connect the iPhone into the Mac using a compatible USB cable.

Note: You may also connect the two devices to the same Wi-Fi connection if a USB cable is not available, but the wired transfer is still the most recommended.

2. Launch iTunes on the Mac desktop.
3. Click on the Device icon from the top-left corner of the window then choose your iPhone.
4. From the left panel, select Photos.
5. Check the option for Sync Photos.
6. The dropdown menu at the bottom of the said option will be unlocked. Click on this menu then select Photos.

Note: This allows iTunes to transfer the photos from the Mac into the iPhone Photos app, though it also works the other way around.

7. Check All photos and albums to include all your photos, but you may also choose Selected albums.
8. Click Apply.

While you may be wondering why this method works, it’s mainly because GIFs are counted as Photos by your iOS device, or at least most GIFs.

Also, remember that this only needs to be done once, and you’re all good to go once you set it all up. Now we go to another way to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac that uses another built-in tool.

Part 2. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac through iCloud

Our second entry involves the use of iCloud. It can be said that it is a bit similar to iTunes, though there are also some differences. While iTunes is a file management tool, iCloud is a storage service. But since both are offered by Apple, they are completely reliable.

What do you need?

You will have to get some things to be able to use iCloud. Here’s a list of the prerequisites for using iCloud to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac:

• OS X Yosemite or later versions (Mac)
• iOS 8 or later versions (iPhone)
• Internet connection

What are the steps to follow?

Now once you have fulfilled the aforementioned requirements, you will be able to use this method. Before that, remember that it is just like with iTunes in that you don’t have to do it again once you’ve set it up.

1. Open the iCloud app on your Mac.

Note: The iCloud app is a default app on Mac desktop. Upon launching it for the first time, a setup interface will appear.

2. While setting up iCloud, make sure to check the iCloud Drive option from the selection of content types.
3. Now on your iPhone, head to Settings.
4. Tap on iCloud then switches the toggle for iCloud Drive to turn it on.
5. Go back to Home then open the Files

Note: The Files app is the file management app on iOS devices which are usually preinstalled upon purchase of the product.

6. On the app, locate the iCloud Drive folder then tap on it to expand the folder.
7. Locate the GIFs that you want then simply Move them into anywhere outside the iCloud Drive.

While iCloud is a viable option, you can’t use its component, iCloud Photos. This is because iCloud Photos don’t support animated GIFs, so you can only rely on iCloud Drive.

Part 3. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac via Messages App

Although it’s not as popular as the method that involves iTunes and iCloud, this one might appeal to you due to its simplicity. We will be using the Messages app for this method. The process is basically sending a message that contains a GIF to your own address, then access that message through your Mac.

What do you need?

For this, you will only need an internet connection and the Messages app, though that should already be taken care of since it is a default app.

However, there are some restrictions. Particularly, you can only use this method in certain regions such as United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and more. If it doesn’t work for you, assume that it is restricted to your country.

What are the steps to follow?

As previously said, this method makes use of the Messages app, but the most important thing you have to remember is the #images. Either way, here’s how you can transfer iPhone GIF to Mac using the said app:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the plus (+) button at the top menu to create a message, or just tap on the conversation if it already exists.
3. Tap on the magnifying glass icon to search for something.
4. Tap on Find images then enters a keyword that can describe the GIF you want to send.
5. Tap the GIF once you find it, and then tap on the upload button.
6. Go to your Mac then open the Messages
7. Now find and open the message with the GIF.
8. Tap and hold on the GIF, then select Save from the resulting menu.

The only disadvantage of this is that you will only be able to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac if the GIF itself already exists on the internet. If not, then you won’t be able to find it from the Find images option, though that is very unlikely.

Part 4. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac using AirDrop

You may have already heard of AirDrop. Basically, it is a feature that is similar to Bluetooth, though there are some differences. Either way, it is also the same as our aforementioned options in a way that it is a built-in function for Apple products.

What do you need?

You might find that the prerequisites for this one are a bit different from what you’ve become used to. Regardless, the following are the prerequisites for using this method:

• OS X Yosemite or later versions (Mac)
• iOS 7 or later versions (iPhone)

As you can see, this method doesn’t require an internet connection, unlike the other three options. However, the two devices should still connected to the same network, preferably Wi-Fi, though it doesn’t need to have internet.

What are the steps to follow?

The steps for this method are a bit similar to the Messages option. Additionally, this is not a one-time process so you will have to follow these steps every time you want to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac:

1. Go to your Mac, tap on the Go menu, and then select AirDrop.
2. On your iPhone, head to the Control Center then tap and hold on to the WiFi
3. Select AirDrop from the resulting menu, and then choose Everyone.
4. Now go to the Files app and locate the GIF you’d want to transfer.
5. Tap and on hold on the GIF then select Share.
6. Tap on AirDrop from the resulting menu.
7. A screen will appear with a list of devices with AirDrop turned on. Select your Mac from the list.

The advantage of this is that it can be done more quickly than our previous methods. This is perhaps because it doesn’t rely on your internet connection to be fast.

Part 5. Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac with Cable

If you’re not fond of the previous options, your last option is to use a cable. Again, this is not a one-time process. However, there are perks of this method. One, it is the easiest and quickest method. Two, it doesn’t have many requirements. Three, it should be possible regardless of your situation.

What do you need?

As the name suggests, this method requires you to use a cable. With that said, your main requirement is a USB cable, preferably one that is compatible with your Mac and iPhone. While it may cost a bit, you won’t have to buy a new one if you have taken good care of the USB cable that came along with your iPhone.

What are the steps to follow?

Considering how simple the process is, there’s no need to discuss the steps one by one. You simply have to connect one end of the USB cable to the iPhone and another end to the Mac. Then, transfer the necessary files.

With this, you can easily transfer iPhone GIF to Mac. It’s easy as that, but it’s not for everyone, especially for those that don’t feel comfortable plugging in their smartphone to a desktop that might have some virus.

Part 6. Alternative Method to Transfer iPhone GIF to Mac

Although I said that the previous entry was the last entry, I still have one last recommendation if none of the aforementioned options work for you. This involves the use of a third-party tool called FoneDog Phone Transfer.

Compared to our other options, FoneDog Phone Transfer was made specifically for our goal, and that is to transfer files from one device to another. Such as transferring files from iPhone to iPhone. Although it requires installing a third-party tool, it is good enough to be worth your time. In addition, you can also transfer contacts from iPhone to mac in this tool, if you need to use it, you can click to learn about it.

Phone Transfer Transfer files among iOS, Android and Windows PC. Transfer and backup text messages, contacts, photos, video, music on computer easily. Fully compatible with iOS 13 and Android 9.0. Free Download

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Final Words

We have different ways to socialize. While others like sending emoticons, some of us prefer sending GIFs that we talk about will entertain our friends. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a good GIF, and that is why it’s crucial to save our favorite GIFs.

This article helped you find ways to transfer iPhone GIF to Mac. That way, you can easily share with your friends the GIFs that you love without having to take a long time looking for them.