# Sharing files on iPhone/iPad This guide provides the information you need to start sharing files over Meshnet using an iPhone or an iPad. ## Before you begin Make sure that the device you want to share files with meets the following criteria: * The device is connected to your Meshnet. * The [file sharing permissions](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions) are granted. {% hint style="info" %} **Note** You can add devices to your Meshnet in two ways, depending on device ownership: * To add your own device, just enable Meshnet on that device. See [Using Meshnet on iPhone/iPad](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/getting-started/how-to-start-using-meshnet/using-meshnet-on-ios#add-your-own-devices) for details. * To add an external device, send an invitation via the NordVPN app with the owner's email. Ensure the invitation is accepted. See [Adding external Meshnet devices on iPhone/iPad](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-ios). {% endhint %} ## Send files You can initiate a file transfer from the [NordVPN for iOS](https://nordvpn.com/download/ios/) app or via the native iOS/iPadOS sharing menu. {% hint style="success" %} **Tip** You can initiate file transfers even if the desired peer device is offline. The device will receive the transfer notification as soon as it becomes active. If the **Always accept transfers** option is enabled, the transfer starts automatically without needing confirmation. {% endhint %} ### Method 1: From the NordVPN app 1. In your **NordVPN** app, select **Products** > **Meshnet** > **Share files**.
"Share files" card highlighted in the Meshnet tab.
2. Select **Photos** to open your photo library or **Files** to open the file manager.
Showing the menu containing the Photos and the Files options.
3. If prompted, allow NordVPN to access your files. 4. Select the files you want to send and tap **Open** or **Add**.
Selecting files for the transfer in the Files app.
5. Select the Meshnet devices you want to share the files with. 6. Tap **Send to 1 device**. (If multiple devices are selected, the button is labeled with the number of selected devices).
Tapping 'Send to 2 devices' in the Share files card.
{% hint style="info" %} **Note** You can only send files to the devices that have the file sharing permission enabled for your device. For more information, see [File sharing permissions](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions). {% endhint %} The file transfer begins when the recipient accepts your download request on their device.
The waiting status of the initiated file transfer is displayed.
For details, consult the appropriate guides: * [Receive shared files on Windows](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-windows#sharingfilesovermeshnetonwindows-receivesharedfiles) * [Receive shared files on Android](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-android#sharingfilesovermeshnetonandroid-receivesharedfiles) * [Receive shared files on iPhone/iPad](#sharingfilesovermeshnetonios-receivesharedfiles) * [Receive shared files on macOS](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-macos#sharingfilesovermeshnetonmacos-receivesharedfiles) * [Receive shared files on Linux](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-linux#sharingfilesovermeshnetonlinux-receivesharedfiles) * [Receive shared files on Android TV](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-androidtv#receive-shared-files) ### Method 2: Using the iOS sharing menu 1. Open the app where the files are located, such as **Files** or **Photos**.
Typing Files in the serch bar with the Files app displayed among the search results
2. Touch and hold the file you want to send, and then tap **Share**.
The Share option is highlighted.
If you want to transfer multiple files at once: * In **Photos**, tap **Select**, choose the files you want to send, and then tap **Share** .
Tapping the 'Share' button after selecting the files for the transfer.
* In **Files**, tap the **More** button, tap **Select**, and then choose the files you want to send. Tap Share. 3. Select **NordVPN** from the list of apps.
The NordVPN option is highlighted.
4. Select the Meshnet devices you want to share the files with. 5. Tap **Send to 1 device**. (If multiple devices are selected, the button is labeled with the number of selected devices). ## Receive shared files {% hint style="info" %} **Note** Make sure that Meshnet is enabled on your device to receive the file transfer request from the sender. {% endhint %} To receive files shared from your Meshnet peer’s device, complete the following steps: 1. Have your sharer send the file. 2. Open the NordVPN app or tap the file transfer notification in your device's **Notification center** to launch the app.
3. Tap **Accept** to save the file to your device’s storage.\ \ If the transfer includes multiple files, you can tap next to the paperclip icon to view the contents of the transfer.
4. After accepting the file, you'll be prompted to select a destination folder where you want to save the file. Choose the appropriate folder and tap **Open**.​ Keep the NordVPN app open until the download is complete.
The transfer download progress is shown using a percentage and a progress bar.
## See also * [Sharing files on Windows](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet/sharing-files-windows) * [Sharing files on Android](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet/sharing-files-android) * [Sharing files on macOS](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet/sharing-files-macos) * [Sharing files on Linux](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet/sharing-files-linux) * [Sharing files on Android TV](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet/sharing-files-androidtv) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet/sharing-files-ios.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.