Air Files iOS Wi-Fi Transfer Using FTP Client

Air Files is an iOS app that can store and view multiple different file formats whether they are images, audio or Office documents and more. The app comes in two versions: ファイル君(Air Files) for iPhone or iPod Touch or AirFilesHD for iPad. It is one of the least expensive apps for transferring files onto an iOS device without going through iTunes or needing to upload files to Dropbox. I have used them since version one and used FTP file transfer to move multiple files in one go onto the iOS devices. With version three of Air Files for iPhone/iPod, the FTP transfer stopped working for me. Connection kept being refused. Transfer of files, one at a time, still worked with a browser but that becomes tedious with lots of files.

The solution I found was to use my FTP client, Transmit, but use the protocol of WebDAV and the server settings of HTTP. This is what I did to make file transfer work again:

1. Air Files Wi-Fi Transfer settings on iPod

Launch Air Files on the iPod and tap Wifi

1. I used the HTTP server settings. The number before the colon (3 in my case) is different on different devices. The other numbers (8080) stay the same.
2. I needed to enter a simple name and password to make the process work.

2. Setting up Air Files Connection in Transmit

In Transmit I click the WebDAV button to create a connection favourite.

1. Choose the Protocol: WebDAV
2. The server number is the number given next to HTTP on the iPod before the colon (:8080)
3. Use the User Name and Password entered on the iPod
4. The Port is the number given after the colon on the iPod. In my case 8080. Do not include the colon.
5. Click the + to add the settings. Then click Save

3. Apple System Preferences Sharing

On the Mac the File Sharing needs to be checked. Click Apple > System Preferences…

1. Click Sharing
2. Check File Sharing

4. File Sharing Options

Having checked File Sharing, to the right of the System Preferences File Sharing window there is an Options button:

1. Click Options…

5. Share Files Using FTP

I have found that I also need to:

1. Check Share files and folders using FTP

6. Connect Transmit to Air Files

• Launch Air Files on the iPod
• Double-click the Transmit connection saved earlier
• Hopefully the Air Files folders will appear in Transmit ready to drag and drop files into.