SMB protocol is a network file sharing protocol with additional functionality implemented in Microsoft Windows. With this feature enabled, you can turn your PC into SMB server so other computers and mobile devices can connect your PC for data exchange and file sharing. See how iPhone users can connect Windows SMB server for file sharing. In fact, you can SMB file sharing is also implemented in Mac OS. In this quick guide, we will show you how to connect iPhone to Mac SMB shares using the free file manager and transfer app, the Documents app.
Since iOS 13, the stock Files app is able to connect to SMB servers without the need for any third-party apps. Check out this guide to share files between iPhone iPad and computer via SMB.
Step 1. Setup SMB server on Mac
Click Apple menu from the top menu bar, choose System Preferences from the drop-down menu, choose Sharing >> File Sharing.
Click Options, select ‘Share files and folders using SMB‘. Select the user account that will be used to share files with other devices or users, enter the password for that user, then click OK, Done.
Step 2. Connect iPhone to Mac SMB file sharing
Run Documents app on iPhone, switch to the Services tab from the bottom. Tap Add Account >> Windows SMB. The SMB protocol was developed by Microsoft. Thus it is also known as Windows file sharing or Windows SMB, Windows SMB protocol.
On the Windows SMB screen, you need to type in Mac SMB URL address which can be found in the Mac Sharing screen, your Mac login username and password. SMB server title and domain are optional. When you are done, tap Save button at the top right corner to finish. You will then open the Mac SMB server from iPhone. You can then copy files between iPhone and Mac wirelessly through the SMB protocol.