If you are a long time iPhone user, or even if you have just changed from Android device to iOS ecosystem, you must have noticed the absence of a file manager on iPhone. This is because iPhones and iPads do not allow access to the internal file system, unless you jailbreak iOS. However, there are file manager apps that you can use to manage files on your iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking. So, Here are the 7 best file managers for iOS devices:
1. Documents 5
Documents 5, is a file manager app for iOS devices, which will let you manage almost everything on your iPhone. The app comes with a variety of useful features, which will make managing files on your iOS devices a breeze. With Documents 5 you will be able toaccess your entire Apple Music / iCloud Music Library, as well as your photos, iCloud files, and more. The app also has supports .ZIP files, so you can easily extract the ZIP files on your iPhone.
Documents 5 will also allow you to listen to audio files, view images and read pdf files, directly in the application itself. The app also comes with a number of services, such as the ability to integrate cloud services like Dropbox, onedrive et Google Drive. It will also allow you to create FTP servers on your iPhone, which you can connect, using an FTP client of your choice. Additionally, the app comes with a right built-in web browser, so you can download files directly into the app, or just browse the web, without leaving the app, if you want.
Documents to download 5 (free)
2. FileApp
FileApp is another great file manager software for iPhones or iPads. The app comes with a great interface, and automatically organizes files by type, date, and even displays recent files you've accessed the app. You can even create new images, audio recordings, or text files directly from the app. Not only that, FileApp will also allow you to view images, play media files, and read PDF files , directly inside the application.
FileApp can also be used for transfer files from your iphone to pc or Mac. The app offers various options for doing this, including the transfer over HTTP, FTP, and using the FileApp desktop application. Sharing is off, by default, but you can turn it on, and even set a custom username, and password, to keep your files protected from unauthorized access. If you wish, you can activate the Password protection from the app settings, which will require a password to unlock file access, and by extension, all of your files.
Download FileApp (free)
3. File Hub
File Hub is a great file manager for iOS devices. The app offers a plethora of features, such as the ability to create folders to organize files, create empty files, or even create a new file from the clipboard. You can even import files directly from iCloud Drive, as well. The sorting options in the app really make it stand out, and you can sort files by name, type, etc. The app will also let you share files from your iPhone to a Mac or PC via WiFi transfer, or Bluetooth transfer.
In the settings page, you can enable the secure WiFi transfer, to protect your phone from unauthorized access. You can also activate the file extensions, if you want, and change the slideshow settings for photos. The app also supports a lock code to prevent access without a password. Unfortunately, the app does not support Touch ID, which is something I hope the developer adds soon. Overall, the app is definitely a good option for managing files on an iPhone or iPad; and share files between iPhone and Mac or PC.
Download File Hub ($4,99)
File Manager
File Manager is a free, ad-supported application that may well meet your needs for a file manager on iOS devices. The app comes with a clean interface where you can easily create files and folders. You can also add various cloud services to the app, so you can easily manage all your cloud accounts from one place. The app supports services like Dropbox, WebDAV, Google Drive, hard drive, and much more.
File Manager also includes its own web browser, which you can use to upload files directly to the app, or just browse the web. It also supports lock passcode, so you can secure your files with ease, and not have to worry about unauthorized access. Talking about security, the application too supports Touch ID for devices that come with Touch ID capability. You can share files from your iPhone to the cloud, using WiFi Sync, or via iTunes. If you get annoyed by in-app ads, you can remove them with an in-app purchase, as well.
File Download Manager (Free, With In-App Purchases)
5. File Master
Another option you have for a file explorer on the iPhone is Master File. The app is very well rounded, and offers a lot of features offered by other apps. The app's interface is a bit dated, but the features are very well done. The app will let you easily create folders, text files, import photos, and do a lot more, very easily. It also comes with a right built-in web browser, so you can easily upload files in the app.
As far as security goes, the app leaves no stone unturned. You get options for secure the app with a pin, and it even supports Touch ID – something I wouldn't expect from an app that looks rather dated. You can even hide files and folders in the app, to keep personal data from being seen by someone else. Once you get past the rather weird folder designs, you might prefer this app over the rest.
Download File Master (Free, With In-App Purchases)
6. iExplorer mobile
iExplorer Mobile is an iOS file manager, from the developers of the popular iExplorer desktop app. The app offers features comparable to most of the other file managers I've mentioned in this article. You can easily create text files, audio recordings, and create folders to organize files on your iPhone. The app also comes with a webpage downloader, which you can actually use to browse the web as well. You can also import photos from your camera roll in the app, or take a new photo from the app itself.
The app supports cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, with iCloud and Box support coming soon. If you have a SMB ou WebDAV server you can easily access from the iExplorer application as well. Also, if you keep sensitive information on your iPhone, you can lock the iExplorer app, with a passcode. Unfortunately, the app does not support Touch ID to unlock, again.
Download iExplorer mobile (free)
7. Pocket Drive
Pocket Drive is an iPhone, and iPad file manager, that doesn't look like anything too special at first glance. However, the app packs in a plethora of features, and isn't far behind most of the other apps on this list. With the app, you can easily create text files, take photos and videos, and create folders to keep your iPhone organized. The app also includes a web browser that you can use to upload files directly to the app.
The app's settings page packs in a number of features, such as WiFi file transfer, web browser settings, and for audio playback. The app doesn't skimp on security, either. You can set a password lock on the app, and even enable/disable Touch ID to authorize access to the application. Once you get past the app's interface (which looks rather drab), it's actually good enough to be used as a file manager.
Download Pocket Reader (Free, With In-App Purchases)
