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:
- Connect your iPhone to the PC using the cable.
- Tap "Allow" on the iPhone pop-up (enter passcode if asked).
- On your PC:
- Open the Photos app (search "Photos" in the Windows taskbar).
- Click "Import" → Select your iPhone.
- Choose photos/videos:
- "Select all" for everything.
- Manually pick items by checking boxes.
- 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:
- Connect iPhone → Tap "Allow" on your iPhone.
- On PC:
- Open File Explorer → Go to "This PC" → Double-click your iPhone.
- Open Internal Storage → DCIM.
- Find your photos in dated folders (e.g., "101APPLE").
- 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:
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Photos → Enable "Sync this iPhone".
- On PC:
- Install iCloud for Windows.
- Sign in with Apple ID → Check "Photos" → "Apply".
- Open Photos app → Select "iCloud Photos" tab.
- 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
- On iPhone: Install AirDisk (free from App Store).
- Open AirDisk → Select photos → Tap "Share" → "Generate Link".
- 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:
- Ensure both devices use the same Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi settings guide).
- Disable VPNs temporarily (VPN setup guide).
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:
- Connect iPhone and PC to the same Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi setup guide).
- 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:
- Keep your iPhone unlocked during transfers.
- Use the same Wi-Fi for wireless methods.
- Delete photos after transfer to free up space.