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How to Download Movies to iPad with your PC | Best 5 Methods

Josh Brown

Published: June 16, 2019

Updated: November 6, 2024

11 min read

Would you like to download a movie on an iPad without any manipulation with iTunes? As we know, this is time-consuming and outdated. So, here is our quick tip: Check out WALTR PRO. We will introduce the app in a few moments.

Apple’s dev team could use some help to make file sharing easier. When you want to download movies on an iPad or any other iOS device, you typically have to use iTunes. And you know that this will mean time wasted and limitations of all sorts. To top this off, it isn’t easy to navigate.

How to Transfer Movies to iPad from Computer with WALTR PRO

To download movies to an iPad without iTunes, simply use WALTR PRO. The movie will then appear in your default TV or Videos apps.

Take a look at how WALTR performs!

You can download it now. The app has a free 24-hour trial option. Activate via your email during the app's startup. It works on Windows and Mac.

Here’s how to save videos to iPad without iTunes using WALTR PRO:

Step 1: Download WALTR PRO app and install it

After the app is installed upon launch, you will be prompted with an onboarding video. Our CEO, Josh, will tell you all about how the app works in the engaging video.

Step 2: Connect your iPad to the computer via USB

Get your USB cable ready and plug your iPad into your computer. You only have to use the cable once because WALTR PRO can wirelessly download movies to iPads or iPhones.

Connect your device. Click the settings wheel below the app. Select ‘Enable Wi-Fi Connectivity’. Next time, you can leave the cable behind and use your Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Drag & Drop the video into WALTR PRO window

The file format of your movie can be different: AVI, MKV, FLAC, APE, MP4, MP3—all music & video formats are covered. Once you push the file into WALTR, you’re going to see the progress bar.

When it’s filled up – check your Home Videos folder. Now, you can play this video on your device. What’s more, you can do this from Apple’s native player application.

That’s all. Converting is that easy.

You can now download movies to iPad without iTunes. Of course, WALTR PRO is able to help you save not only video files but audio and other media, too.

WALTR features to Drag & Drop the Video

- Design and smart UI

- Simplicity and speed

- Support of non-Apple media formats

- Support of all legacy iPods

- No need for iTunes sync or jailbreak

Now you can play this video on your device, and your downloading of movies for iPad is complete. What’s more, you can do this from Apple’s native player application. There are other ways to bypass the Apple format barrier. One of the most evident options is, of course, converting.

This means you’ll need to get your hands dirty with versatile settings and codecs.

Download Movies to iPad using your local Wi-Fi and VLC player

Another good method for downloading movies to an iPad is to use a VLC player. It can sync movies from your computer with your iPad using Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below to find out how.

Step 1. Install VLC player and enable Wi-Fi sharing

After the download, the app is easily found in the AppStore and on your device. Launch it and tap "Allow" when the prompt asks for access to the local network.

Once you enable Wi-Fi sharing, the app will provide you with two unique addresses that you can use to open a file exchange page in your computer's web browser.

Navigate to your web browser address bar (usually located at the top of the app, below currently opened windows), and enter either a set of numbers or the name provided by the app.

The URL will look something like this: "http://123.456.7.891 and http://ipad-****.local".

Step 2. Transfer the movies via Sharing

Drop the desired video or movie into the marked section, or use '+' symbol to navigate to any file specifically. You can later find that file in VLC app in the 'Local files' section or in Files => On My iPad => VLC.

Download Movies to iPad from iCloud

iCloud usually lets you download a lot of data commonly synced between your Apple devices, including the ability to download movies to your iPad.

Step 1. Make sure iCloud sync is enabled

To use this method, ensure you have a stable internet connection, enough free space in your iCloud (5GB provided on the free plan), and iCloud syncing enabled on your device.

Navigate to 'Settings', tap your name at the top, and follow the actions showcased below.

Step 2. Login to your iCloud account on PC and upload the file

Navigate to iCloud home page and login to the system. Make sure to use the same account in your device and on iCloud webpage. Navigate to Drive.

Tap the 'Upload' button and choose the movie you wish to upload. Wait for the process to finish. Depending on your internet, it might take a while.

Step 3. Download movie and locate it in Files

If syncing is enabled, your iPad will automatically start downloading files you upload to iCloud. However, we advise you to locate the file in the iCloud Drive section and initiate the download manually.

The time it takes to sync may vary depending on your internet connection. As showcased in the screenshots below, you will be able to access them from your Files app.

Transfer Movies to iPad with Finder on Mac

Important: Works on devices with macOS Catalina and later.

Since Apple discontinued iTunes, the Finder app on Mac has taken over file transfers between devices. Windows users, though, are left stranded and forced to find other means and workarounds.

But the file transfer would be a breeze if you are a lucky owner of a compatible Mac. The interface still resembles iTunes a bit and can be easier to navigate for people who have used it before and a nightmare for newcomers.

Step 1. Launch Finder and connect your iPad to the computer via a USB cable

The promt will ask you if you trust this computer, press 'Trust' and enter a password if needed.

Step 2. Choose your device and movies to transfer

In Finder choose your device near the button in the left-hand corner menu. Then, navigate to movies sub-menu below your device and make sure that checkmark near "Sync movies onto [your iPad name]" is present.

Step 3. Pick your movies and click 'Sync' or 'Apply'.

The process is the same for any other type of file. Pick all movies you interested in and click 'Sync' button when you are ready. The transfer via cable is the quickest one but still may take a while depending on the file size.

Download Movies from Apple TV app or Netflix

This method is kind of universal and provided by most streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime video and Apple TV. It's probably one of the most obvious ways for you to download movies to iPad but many users are still not aware or not actively use this function.

Download Movies from Netflix

If you have an active subscription to Netflix, you can download any movies or series you can access.

Step 1. Find and pick desired movie

Step 2. Tap the download button

Step 3. Locate it in 'Downloads' and enjoy it offline

Download Movies from Apple TV

The same is true for Apple TV. If you have access to movies and shows or have bought some of them separately, you can freely download them directly from the app.

Step 1. Find and pick desired movie

Step 2. Tap an icon to download it

Step 3. Locate it in 'Library => Downloads' and enjoy it offline

Bottom Line

The iPad has a big, high-definition display. It's great for browsing and viewing media, but dealing with iTunes sync for file transfer can be difficult.

This is because iTunes has multiple functions and can slow down systems.

WALTR provides a simple option for downloading movies to iPad, bypassing iTunes. It is a fast and efficient method for iPhone/iPad users. Unlike other methods, it doesn't require an internet connection and provides unparalleled speed during transfer.

FAQ

How can I download movies and TV shows to my iPad without using iTunes?

The article discusses a method to download movies to iPad without iTunes using WALTR PRO. You can transfer videos easily using this third-party app. Simply drag and drop the videos into its interface. This avoids the complications of syncing with iTunes.

Why should you choose WALTR PRO over converting unsupported formats to meet Apple's requirements?

Converting unsupported formats can pose challenges because reliable tools are scarce. It is also difficult to manage multiple settings during the conversion process. WALTR PRO provides an effortless alternative. It converts file formats instantly and saves them to your default Apple apps. This eliminates the requirement for iTunes.

What are the advantages of using WALTR PRO over iTunes for downloading videos to iPad?

WALTR PRO offers a fast and easy way to download videos to your iPad. You don't need iTunes or syncing. The interface is user-friendly. It supports various media formats. It ensures speed and simplicity. It doesn't require jailbreaking or iTunes sync. It offers a seamless experience for iPad users.