How to Transfer Photos & Videos from iPhone to PC: 4 Easy Methods

Transferring photos and videos from your iPhone to a Windows PC is simple with four free methods: USB cable transfers (using Windows Photos app or File Explorer), iCloud sync, or wireless tools like pdr.net/AirDisk. Below is a quick-start guide for each method, here's how to transfer photos & videos from iPhone to PC.

How to Transfer Photos & Videos from iPhone to PC

Method 1: Transfer Photos with a USB Cable (Windows Photos App)

This is the easiest built-in method for most users.

What you need:

  • iPhone charging cable (Lightning/USB-C)
  • Unlocked iPhone
  • Windows PC

Steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the PC using the cable.
  2. Tap "Allow" on the iPhone pop-up (enter passcode if asked).
  3. On your PC:
    • Open the Photos app (search "Photos" in the Windows taskbar).
    • Click "Import" → Select your iPhone.
  4. Choose photos/videos:
    • "Select all" for everything.
    • Manually pick items by checking boxes.
  5. Click "Add # items" → Choose a folder (e.g., "iPhone Photos") → "Import".

Why it’s great:

  • Automatically organizes photos by date.
  • No extra apps needed.

Method 2: Transfer Photos with a USB Cable (File Explorer)

Use this for quick access to specific folders.

Steps:

  1. Connect iPhone → Tap "Allow" on your iPhone.
  2. On PC:
    • Open File Explorer → Go to "This PC" → Double-click your iPhone.
    • Open Internal Storage → DCIM.
  3. Find your photos in dated folders (e.g., "101APPLE").
  4. Copy/paste files directly to your PC.

Best for:

  • Transferring recent photos quickly.
  • Users comfortable with folder navigation.

Method 3: Transfer Photos Wirelessly with iCloud

Sync photos automatically (requires iCloud storage).

Setup:

  1. On iPhone:
    • Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Photos → Enable "Sync this iPhone".
  2. On PC:
    • Install iCloud for Windows.
    • Sign in with Apple ID → Check "Photos""Apply".
  3. Open Photos app → Select "iCloud Photos" tab.
  4. Choose photos → Click "Download".

Notes:

  • Free iCloud storage: 5GB (upgrades cost $0.99/month for 50GB).
  • Photos stay synced across devices.

Method 4: Transfer Photos Wirelessly Without iCloud

Ideal for large videos or cable-free transfers.

AirDisk App

  1. On iPhone: Install AirDisk (free from App Store).
  2. Open AirDisk → Select photos → Tap "Share""Generate Link".
  3. On PC:
    • Type the link into your browser.
    • Download files directly.

Why wireless wins:

  • 5x faster than USB for large videos.
  • No cables or subscriptions.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Method Best For Speed Setup Time
USB + Photos App Beginners ★★☆☆☆ 2 minutes
USB + File Explorer Quick transfers ★★★☆☆ 1 minute
iCloud Automatic backups ★★★★☆ 10 minutes
AirDisk Large files ★★★★★ 3 minutes

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: iPhone not showing up on PC.
Fix:

  • Unlock iPhone → Tap "Trust" when prompted.
  • Try a different USB port/cable.
  • Update Windows and iTunes (The Ultimate iPhone Guide has more tips).

Problem: Wireless transfer fails.
Fix:

Problem: iCloud photos not syncing.
Fix:

  • Check storage: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Storage.
  • Restart iPhone (force restart guide).

FAQ: Transferring Photos from iPhone to PC

Q1: Why won’t my PC detect my iPhone when connected via USB?
A: Try these fixes:

  • Unlock your iPhone and tap "Trust" when the prompt appears.
  • Use the original Apple cable (cheap cables often fail).
  • Restart both devices or try a different USB port.
  • Update Windows and iTunes (Full iPhone troubleshooting guide).

Q2: Can I transfer photos without a cable or iCloud?
A: Yes! Use AirDisk:

  1. Connect iPhone and PC to the same Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi setup guide).
  2. For AirDisk: Generate a download link on iPhone → Paste it in your PC browser.

Q3: Why are my iCloud photos not syncing to PC?
A: Check these:

  • Your iCloud storage is full (free tier: 5GB). Upgrade under Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.
  • iCloud for Windows isn’t running. Restart it or reinstall from Apple’s site.
  • Photos aren’t enabled in iCloud sync settings.

Q4: How do I transfer LARGE videos without failures?
A: Avoid USB for big files! Use:

  • AirDisk (wireless, no file size limits).
  • File Explorer manual copy: Go to Internal Storage > DCIM → Drag videos directly to your PC.

Q5: Where do transferred photos save on my PC?
A: Depends on your method:

  • Photos app: Folder you chose during import (e.g., "Pictures > iPhone Photos").
  • File Explorer: Any folder you paste them into.
  • iCloud: iCloud Photos folder (set up in iCloud for Windows).
  • AirDisk: Your PC’s "Downloads" folder (as a ZIP file).

Conclusion: Choose Your Best Transfer Method

Transferring photos from iPhone to PC doesn’t need to be confusing. Remember:

  • For simplicity: Use the Windows Photos app (USB).
  • For large files: Pick AirDisk (wireless).
  • For auto-backups: Set up iCloud (requires storage).

Always:

  1. Keep your iPhone unlocked during transfers.
  2. Use the same Wi-Fi for wireless methods.
  3. Delete photos after transfer to free up space.