Is iExplorer Still Safe to Use? Reliability Issues & Better Alternatives 2025

Is iExplorer Safe in 2025? Safe from viruses, yes. Safe for your data and sanity? Absolutely not.
You're mid-transfer, moving important photos from your iPhone to your computer, when iExplorer freezes completely. Force quit. Restart. Connect again. And... your files are corrupted. Sound familiar? This isn't a rare occurrence—it's the daily reality for iExplorer users trapped in a cycle of crashes, freezes, and data loss.

While iExplorer doesn't contain malware, its frequent crashes during file transfers, licensing activation problems, hidden upgrade costs, and heavy iTunes dependency create serious risks for your data integrity. As one user reported on MacUpdate:
"After the third crash in 20 minutes, iExplorer corrupted my only copy of voice memos from my grandfather before he passed away."
— MacUpdate user
Make it Easier With WALTR PRO
With WALTR PRO, the entire process takes seconds instead of minutes or hours, guaranteeing you no crashes & headaches.
- Launch and connect: Open WALTR PRO and connect your iPhone via USB or Wi-Fi
- Drag and drop: Simply drag files onto the app window
- Done: Files are automatically converted if needed and appear on your device

iExplorer vs. WALTR PRO: Task-Based Comparison
Task | iExplorer | WALTR PRO |
---|---|---|
Transfer 4GB movie collection | ⚠️ 15-20 min with crash risk | ✅ 3-5 min with reliable completion |
Export text messages | ✅ Supported (but crash-prone) | ❌ Not supported |
Access app data | ✅ Full file system access | ❌ Not supported |
Transfer music to iPhone | ⚠️ Complex with iTunes dependency | ✅ Simple drag-drop with metadata |
Browse iOS file system | ✅ Complete directory access | ❌ Not supported |
WALTR PRO excels at media transfers but lacks the deep system access of iExplorer. This isn't a flaw—it's by design. WALTR PRO focuses on doing one thing extremely well rather than trying to do everything with mixed reliability.
When to Use WALTR PRO Instead of iExplorer
1. Media and Document Transfers
WALTR PRO completes transfers 3-4x faster than iExplorer with virtually no crashes. The simple interface reduces errors, and format conversion happens automatically.
2. When Stability is Critical
WALTR PRO's stability record shows minimal crash reports and no documented cases of data corruption during transfers.
3. For iTunes-Free Operation
WALTR PRO works completely independently of iTunes, eliminating an entire category of potential problems and conflicts.
When to Keep Using iExplorer

Despite its drawbacks, iExplorer remains necessary for:
Accessing the iOS file system and app directories
Extracting text messages and voicemails
Browsing and extracting app data
Accessing specific system files
Pricing Comparison
Plan | iExplorer | WALTR PRO (Universal License) |
---|---|---|
Annual | $39.95/year (single app) | $39.95/year (all Softorino apps) |
Lifetime | $69.95 (single app) | $300.00 (all Softorino apps) |
WALTR PRO's Universal License includes access to all Softorino apps, not just one tool.
Conclusion
iExplorer offers specialized features like iOS file system access, message extraction, and app data browsing that appeal to technical users. However, its frequent crashes, licensing problems, hidden costs, and iTunes dependency create significant frustrations.
For everyday media and document transfers, WALTR PRO provides a dramatically better experience—faster, more reliable, and without unnecessary complexity.
No sync. No delays. Just drag, drop, done.
FAQs
Why does iExplorer crash so frequently?
iExplorer suffers from stability issues, particularly when handling large files or complex transfers. WALTR PRO offers significantly better stability with virtually no crashes, completing transfers 3-4x faster without data corruption risk.
Does iExplorer require iTunes to work properly?
Yes, iExplorer relies heavily on iTunes components for many of its functions, creating additional points of failure. WALTR PRO works completely independently of iTunes, eliminating this entire category of potential problems.
Why do iExplorer license keys sometimes stop working?
Many users report that iExplorer product keys suddenly fail after updates or system changes. WALTR PRO uses Softorino's Universal License system with reliable activation that works consistently across updates and different computers.
Is iExplorer regularly updated for new iOS versions?
iExplorer updates tend to lag behind iOS releases, creating compatibility gaps. WALTR PRO is typically updated within days of new iOS versions, ensuring consistent compatibility with Apple's latest software.
Can iExplorer corrupt files during transfers?
Unfortunately, yes. When iExplorer crashes mid-transfer (which happens frequently with large files), it can corrupt data. WALTR PRO's superior stability protects your files with reliable, crash-free transfers.