iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through a�liate links, we may earn commissions, which
help support our testing.

Home How-To Operating Systems iOS

iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text

Between Your iPhone and PC
Copying and pasting between iOS and Windows is trickier than it is with other
operating systems, but it's doable if you know the right tricks and tools.

By Lance Whitney
January 19, 2024

1 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

(Credit: PaeGAG / Shu�erstock)

Snapdrop

Copying and pasting text has always been one of the coolest time-saving features built into
computers and mobile devices. But the way the process works varies depending on which
devices and operating systems you’re using.

Copying and pasting between an iPhone (or iPad) and a Mac is relatively quick and simple.
There are also several options for moving content between an Android device and Windows.
But what if you want to copy and paste between an iPhone and Windows, or vice versa? This is
where things get more complicated.

Neither iOS nor Windows o�ers any built-in methods to copy and paste between the two
platforms. However, all is not lost. There are a few ways to bridge the gap between your Apple
device and Windows PC, allowing you to copy and paste text back and forth.

Copy and Paste Using iCloud

If you want to copy and paste text between your iPhone or iPad and your Windows PC, iCloud

2 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

If you want to copy and paste text between your iPhone or iPad and your Windows PC, iCloud
is a viable method. For this, you can use any text-based app such as Notes, Mail, Contacts,
Reminders, or even an iWork program, such as Pages, Numbers, or Keynote. Notes probably
works best for general purpose text, so we'll use that to demonstrate.

Let’s try copying and pasting text from your iPhone to your Windows PC. First, make sure that
the Notes app is syncing via iCloud. Open Se�ings and tap your name at the top of the screen.
Select iCloud > Show All. Tap the Notes entry, and turn on the switch next to Sync this
iPhone.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)

Next, copy the text you want to transfer and paste it into the Notes app. Now, switch to your
PC. Open your browser and sign into the iCloud website. Open the iCloud Notes app and
choose the note that contains the text you want to use. Select the text, right-click on it, and
click Copy from the pop-up menu. You can then paste the text in an app on your Windows PC.

3 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple / Microsoft)

To go from Windows to your iPhone, again browse to the iCloud website on your PC. Click the
New Note icon in the Notes section on the page, then add your text to the page. Now, return to
your iPhone and open the Notes app. The note you created in Windows will be synced here.
You can then copy the items you want to use from the note and paste them into various apps
on your phone.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)

ADVERTISEMENT

Copy and Paste Using Microsoft OneNote

Another app you can use to transfer text between iOS and Windows is the free version of

4 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

Microsoft OneNote. All you have to do is create a note and add your text. You can then open
the app on the other device to access the note and copy the text.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Microsoft)

On your Windows machine, head to the Microsoft Store page for OneNote and download the
app. Open OneNote and sign in with your Microsoft account. You can then start a new note
and add the text you wish to transfer to your iPhone.

Next, install the OneNote app on your iPhone or iPad. Launch the app on your phone and log in
with the same Microsoft account. Open the note you created in Windows to see the text you
entered. The process works the same when going from your iPhone to Windows.

5 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)

AirDroid
AirDroid is a utility designed to sync �les and share content between Android and Windows,
but it also supports iOS and will let you copy and paste text between Windows and your
iPhone. The basic version of the app is free but saddles you with ads. An ad-free premium
version will run you $3.59 a month.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / AirDroid)

To get started, install AirDroid on your iPhone. You’ll be prompted to create a free account to
sign in. Next, head to the AirDroid website on your Windows PC and sign in with the same
account you used on the iPhone. From the AirDroid app on your phone, tap the My Devices
tab at the top and then choose the AirDroid Web entry.

6 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

(Credit: Lance Whitney / AirDroid)

Back at the AirDroid website on your Windows PC, click the Clipboard icon in the Toolbox
window on the right. In the Clipboard �eld, add the text you wish to transfer to your iPhone
and then click the white arrow in the blue box.

RECOMMENDED BY OUR EDITORS

How to Send Large Files Over the Internet

How to Connect an iPhone to Windows 11

How to Wirelessly Transfer Photos From Your Phone to Your PC

7 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

(Credit: Lance Whitney / AirDroid)

Return to the AirDrop Web screen in the mobile app and you’ll see the copied text pasted into
the text �eld at the bo�om of the window. Press down on the text and select Copy to copy it to
the iOS clipboard. You can then paste it into another app or document.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple / AirDroid)

You can also copy and paste from your iPhone to AirDroid on the web. To do this, just copy the
text you want to transfer from your iPhone. At the AirDroid Web window on your PC, click the
Refresh bu�on. A message will appear on your iPhone, asking you to allow AirDroid to paste
the text you copied. Tap Allow Paste and the text appears in the AirDroid clipboard window at

8 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

the text you copied. Tap Allow Paste and the text appears in the AirDroid clipboard window at
the website on your PC. You can then select the text to copy and paste it elsewhere.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple / AirDroid)

ADVERTISEMENT

Snapdrop
Snapdrop is a free web-based tool that lets you share �les and sync text between di�erent
devices, including an iPhone and a Windows PC. On both devices, open your browser and
head to the Snapdrop website. The site in Windows should display an icon for your iPhone,
while the site on your iPhone should display an icon for your computer and browser.

To copy text from Windows to your iPhone, right-click on the iPhone icon. In the Send a
Message window, paste the text you want to send and then click Send. The sent text appears

9 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

in the text �eld at the site on your iPhone, allowing you to copy and paste it elsewhere.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple / Snapdrop)

To go from your iPhone to Windows, copy the text you want to send. At the Snapdrop site on
your phone, press down on the icon for your Windows browser. Tap in the Send a Message
�eld and then paste the copied text. Tap Done and then tap Send. The text appears in the site
on your Windows PC from where you can copy and paste it elsewhere.

(Credit: Lance Whitney / Apple)

Apple Fan?
Sign up for our Weekly Apple Brief for the latest news, reviews, tips, and
more delivered right to your inbox.

10 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

Enter your email Sign Up

This newsle�er may contain advertising, deals, or a�liate links. Subscribing to a newsle�er indicates your consent
to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsle�ers at any time.

19 People Reacted

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

13 6

AdChoices Sponsored

Conversation 2 Comments 11 Viewing

Log in Sign up

What do you think?

Sort by Best

Dave South
21 January, 2024
cut and paste from your phone into an email, send it to yourself, and then open it on
your laptop. works the other way too. no extra services/apps required.
Reply · 1 · Share
1 reply

Powered by Terms | Privacy | Feedback

Popular in the Community

11 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

T-Mobile Plans to US Senator: NSA

Deprioritize 'Heavy… Needs to Stop

MHCLV BlueOak

This fits right in with T- What actually should

Mobile no longer… happen - congress

Top Comment 19 Top Comment

AdChoices Sponsored

FURTHER READIN G

How to Remove the Most Stolen Device SharePlay 101: How to

Annoying Ads From Protection: How to Watch TV and Listen to
Windows Safeguard Your iPhone Music With Friends On
BY WHITSON GORDON
From Thieves FaceTime
BY LANCE WHITNEY BY LANCE WHITNEY

12 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

T REN DIN G

This Laptop Stand and 6-
in-1 Hub Featured at CES
is Now Under $102
BY STACKCOMMERCE TEAM
Playdate Finally Adds an After Years of Delays,
App Store—Alongside a Tesla Delivers First 12
$20 Price Hike Cybertrucks, Con�rms
BY MICHAEL KAN
Price and Range
BY EMILY DREIBELBIS

13 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

About Lance Whitney

Contributor

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other
articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've wri�en news stories and tutorials for a
variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic,
Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven
years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also
wri�en two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself
Visually LinkedIn .

Read Lance's full bio

Read the latest from Lance Whitney

• What Song Is This? How to Identify a Tune With Your Phone or Smart Speaker

• iPhone Data on the Web: Everything You Can Do on iCloud.com

• Ready to Rock? How to Create and Share Playlists For Your iPhone or iPad

• How to Use Apple's Built-In Translate App as Your Personal Translator

• Stolen Device Protection: How to Safeguard Your iPhone From Thieves

• More from Lance Whitney

14 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

PCMag Newsle�ers
Our Best Stories in Your Inbox

Follow PCMag

HONEST, OBJECTIVE, LAB-TESTED REVIEWS

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent
reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical
solutions help you make be�er buying decisions and get more from technology.

How We Test Editorial Principles

Reviews Best Products

Categories Brands

Events Series

Encyclopedia Sitemap

About PCMag Careers

Contact Us Press Center

15 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM
iOS to Windows: How to Copy and Paste Text Between You... https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-copy-paste-text-...

PCMag supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media
ownerships.

© 1996-2024 ZIFF DAVIS, LLC., A ZIFF DAVIS COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Zi� Davis and
may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and
trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any a�liation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you
click an a�liate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.

About Zi� Davis Privacy Policy

Terms of Use Advertise
Accessibility Do Not Sell My Personal Information

AdChoices

16 of 16 2/1/2024, 10:02 AM