Is there a file size limit or cost?

Handoff is 100% free with no accounts or subscriptions. It supports file and video transfers up to 1.5 GB per file.

Browser Guide & Alternative

How to AirDrop Photos from iPhone to Windows (Without an App)

Q: How do I AirDrop photos from iPhone to a Windows browser without an app?

Open handoffdrop.app on your Windows PC browser, click 'Start a handoff', and scan the on-screen QR code with your iPhone camera. You can then select and send photos immediately without downloading any app.

Q: Do my iPhone and Windows PC need to be on the same Wi-Fi?

No. Unlike traditional local AirDrop or local network tools that fail across different networks, Handoff works over any internet connection, including mobile data (5G/LTE) to office Wi-Fi.

Q: Do iPhone HEIC photos work on Windows?

Yes. When transferring photos from an iPhone, HEIC images are automatically converted to standard JPG format so you can open them instantly in Windows Photos, Office, and browsers without extra codecs.

Apple doesn't make an AirDrop app for Windows, but you don't need cables, iTunes, or cloud subscriptions to move your pictures. Handoff runs entirely in your web browser, letting you transfer photos, videos, and files directly from your iPhone to any Windows PC by simply scanning a QR code.

Start a handoff

How to AirDrop photos to a Windows browser in 3 steps

Open Handoff on your PC: Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on your Windows computer and go to handoffdrop.app. Click Start a handoff to create an encrypted room and display a pairing QR code.
Scan the QR code with your iPhone: Open the built-in Camera app on your iPhone, point it at the screen, and tap the yellow link to open the session in Safari. No app download or account required.
Pick your photos and download on PC: Tap to select photos or videos from your iPhone photo library. They upload immediately with zero compression, and iPhone HEIC photos automatically convert to JPG so they open seamlessly in Windows Photos.

Handoff compared with AirDrop

	AirDrop	Handoff
Works with Windows PCs	No	Yes
Works with Android phones	No	Yes
Install needed	Built into Apple devices	Nothing, runs in the browser
Devices must be nearby	Yes	No, any internet connection
Send text and links	Yes	Yes, syncs as you type
Cost	Free	Free up to 1.5 GB per file

What people do instead, and where it falls short

Email it to yourself. Attachments are capped around 20 to 25 MB, and your inbox fills with copies.
iCloud for Windows. Needs an install and an Apple sign-in on the PC, and you wait for photos to sync.
A USB cable. You have to find the cable, trust the computer, and dig through DCIM folders.
Message it to yourself. Chat apps often compress photos and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I AirDrop photos from iPhone to a Windows browser without an app?

Open handoffdrop.app on your Windows PC browser, click Start a handoff, and scan the on-screen QR code with your iPhone camera. You can select photos immediately from your camera roll and download them on PC without installing any software.

Do my iPhone and Windows PC need to be on the same Wi-Fi?

No. Both devices simply need an internet connection. Your phone can be on 5G/cellular while your PC is on home or office Wi-Fi.

Do iPhone HEIC photos work on Windows?

Yes. iPhone HEIC photos are automatically converted into standard JPG format during transfer, so they open immediately in Windows Photos, Paint, and browser upload forms without requiring third-party codecs.

Is there a size limit or cost?

Free for files up to 1.5 GB each. Full-resolution photos, 4K videos, and documents transfer without any subscription, account, or app needed.