How to transfer wav files from ipad to mac via finder in Ventura

Well, I'm stumped. I have the latest iPad version (17.0.3) and Mac Ventura version (13.5.2). I joined my iPad to my MacBookPro via thunderbolt cable. Opened the iPad shown in the Finder. Selected "Files" across the top and then went to the dictation/voice recorder type app I have (HT Recorder) that I just love.


It shows the app and all the many WAV files it has in it in the Finder. Most of these are recordings of bird song or else conversations between friends etc. I can select these files in Finder, and can drag them to a different Finder tab and there is a blue plus sign over the files. But they do not transfer. Copying is grayed out. Right click just gives you the option to Delete.


I tried with a different iPad app that had pdf files and was able to drag/drop with no problem.


Searching online I see loads of links for transferring files from Mac to iPad, but scarcely anything at all from iPad to Mac for any AUDIO type files. Am I missing something here? How can I get my files off the iPad? I'd rather not do this one file at a time through AirDrop. Thanks!


iPad Pro, iPadOS 17

Posted on Nov 18, 2023 2:07 PM

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Posted on Nov 19, 2023 10:45 AM

Check the settings in HT Recorder. I believe you need to "share" the recordings out of HT Recorder to make them available. "Share recording using ..."


I remember I had to do that with Rode Rec LE (plus choose an audio format) in order to transfer each recording to my Mac.

10 replies

Nov 20, 2023 12:00 PM in response to mcgap

I don't think it's a DRM thing. I really doubt that HT Recorder is capable of DRM-encrypting anything.


FWIW, I have iOS 17.1.1 on my iPhone SE; Catalina 10.15.7 on my iMac. I am able to drag files from the iPhone Files tab in the Finder to my Desktop. Just did it from multiple app folders on my iPhone.


Try shutdown/restart on both your iPad and your Mac. See if that changes anything.



Nov 18, 2023 4:21 PM in response to dialabrain

I beg your pardon. You are right. I had forgotten there was an update. I may be able to do that in a couple of days but I'm in a travel situation where it's not possible right now. But, this problem has been going on for a while--before the latest updates came out. It's frustrating that there is so little out on there on moving any type of audio files FROM an iPad/iPhone TO a Mac. Lots on how to do it the other way. Used to be very easy. Any thoughts to a solution?

Nov 20, 2023 3:25 AM in response to MartinR

I had already done that, but it was good advice. It made no difference other than I could see the files in Finder. I keep wondering if Apple is preventing this because of DRM concerns. Shouldn't be an issue as these are live recordings of personal notes and bird song! Certainly in years past and earlier OS versions, I didn't have this problem. I should also mention I do NOT have Apple Music sign on/turned on or subscribed to.


Thanks for trying!

Nov 22, 2023 10:08 AM in response to MartinR

Martin, Sorry to be so slow responding but I've been trying to get back home. Since then I have updated my iPad to 17.1.1. Mac is still on Ventura 13.5.2 but I plan to upgrade to Sonoma when I have the time (slow downloads here). I have rebooted, but still no dice. The files show up fine in Finder under the iPad. When I drag a few out there is a green plus sign like it's working, but they never arrive. For just a second one file appeared on the desktop but winked out again. May try rebooting again. Is weird for sure....


Do appreciate your help!

Nov 22, 2023 10:14 AM in response to MartinR

Martin, I went to the App Store to see if there might be an update for HT Recorder and the app did not show up! Do you know if they've quit supporting it? This has been a fave for a long time. I'll be sick if they've dropped it. Would have gladly paid again to keep it going....Perhaps you know know another that has the good qualities that made this one so special.

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How to transfer wav files from ipad to mac via finder in Ventura

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