Sending iPhone → Receiving iPhone
How to transfer photos and files from iPhone to iPhone
QuickBeam can move files between two separate iPhones using Safari. One iPhone displays the receiving QR code and the other scans it. This works without an account and can be helpful when AirDrop is unavailable, disabled, or simply not the option you want to use.
The receiving iPhone must be able to show the QR code to the sending iPhone. If both roles are on the same physical phone, there is nothing for its camera to scan; use another device or a different sharing method instead.
Step-by-step instructions
-
Choose which iPhone will receive
On the destination iPhone, open Safari and visit quickbeam.app. Keep the Scan QR Code tab visible.
-
Scan with the sending iPhone
Open Camera on the source iPhone, point it at the destination iPhone's QR code, and tap the QuickBeam notification to open Safari.
-
Pick the files
On the sending iPhone, tap Choose Files and select items from Photos or the Files app. Confirm the selection to begin.
-
Keep both Safari pages open
Do not lock either phone or switch to another app during the transfer. The receiver changes to Received Files as downloads arrive.
-
Save or open the received items
iOS places browser downloads in the Downloads location configured for Safari, normally in the Files app. Use the share sheet if you want to save a received photo into Photos.
Good to know
- Increase screen brightness temporarily if the sending camera has trouble reading the other iPhone's QR code.
- For many photos between Apple devices, AirDrop or iCloud Photos may be more convenient; QuickBeam is designed for selected browser-based transfers.
- If Safari asks where to download a file, choose a location you can find later in Files.
Frequently asked questions
Why use QuickBeam instead of AirDrop?
AirDrop is an excellent built-in choice for Apple devices. QuickBeam offers a browser-based alternative that needs no Apple contact discovery and uses the same QR workflow across iPhone, Android, and computers.
Can I send from and receive on the same iPhone?
No. The workflow pairs two browser sessions and requires the sending device to scan a QR code displayed by the receiving device.
Where do downloaded photos go on iPhone?
Safari downloads normally appear in the Downloads folder in the Files app. They are not always added to the Photos library automatically; open the file and use Share, then Save Image or Save Video if needed.