How to Transfer Videos From iPhone to Mac or Windows PC in 2026

Quick answer: On a Mac, connect the iPhone by USB and import with Photos, or use AirDrop for a smaller one-off transfer. On Windows, Apple’s current workflow is to install the Apple Devices app, connect and trust the iPhone, then use Microsoft Photos to import. If you use iCloud Photos, your library can sync instead of being manually imported.

Choose the right transfer method

Method Mac Windows PC Best use
USB + Photos Yes Yes Direct import from the iPhone
iCloud Photos Yes Yes Keeping the photo/video library available across devices
AirDrop Yes No Quick transfer to a nearby Mac
Image Capture Yes No Importing directly to a folder on Mac

Do not compare these methods using invented “seconds per 1 GB” figures. Real transfer time depends on the iPhone model, cable, port, storage, computer, file format, Wi-Fi conditions, and whether originals are already stored locally.

Transfer videos from iPhone to a Mac with USB

Apple’s May 19, 2026 support instructions use the Photos app for the standard USB workflow:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the Mac with a compatible USB cable.
  2. If macOS asks whether to allow the accessory to connect, click Allow.
  3. Open Photos on the Mac.
  4. Select the iPhone in the Photos sidebar if the Import screen does not appear automatically.
  5. Unlock the iPhone. If prompted, tap Trust.
  6. Select the videos you want, then choose Import Selected, or import all new items.
  7. Wait for the import to finish before disconnecting.

Apple also lists Image Capture as an option when you want to import images and videos directly into a folder instead of the Photos library. See Apple’s current transfer photos and videos from iPhone or iPad to Mac or PC article.

Transfer videos from iPhone to a Windows PC with USB

The current Apple workflow is no longer accurately described as “just install iTunes.” Apple now directs Windows users to Apple Devices plus Microsoft Photos.

  1. Install Apple Devices from the Microsoft Store.
  2. Connect the iPhone to the PC with USB.
  3. Unlock the iPhone.
  4. If prompted on the iPhone, tap Trust or Allow.
  5. Open Microsoft Photos and use its import-from-connected-device workflow.

Important if iCloud Photos and Optimize Storage are enabled

Apple says iCloud Photos stores the original, full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud. If you are importing to a Windows PC by USB while iCloud Photos is on, Apple specifically instructs you to download the original, full-resolution versions to the iPhone or iPad first. Otherwise, an optimized local copy may be all that is currently on the device.

If you prefer not to manage local originals on the phone, using iCloud Photos on the PC can be a cleaner approach because the library is already being synchronized through iCloud.

Use AirDrop for a nearby Mac

For a small number of videos, AirDrop avoids the cable workflow. Open Photos on the iPhone, select the videos, tap Share > AirDrop, then choose the Mac. AirDrop is an Apple-device feature; it is not a native Windows transfer path.

Do not confuse sync with backup

Moving videos to a computer or using iCloud Photos can protect you from filling the iPhone’s local storage, but think carefully before deleting originals. With a synchronized photo library, deletions can propagate across devices. Confirm that the files you need are present in the destination you intend to keep before removing them from the iPhone.

Troubleshooting: the computer does not see the iPhone

  1. Unlock the iPhone and leave it connected.
  2. Respond to any Trust This Computer, Trust, Allow, or accessory prompts.
  3. Try a cable and USB port known to support data, not only charging.
  4. On Windows, confirm Apple Devices is installed and current.
  5. On Mac, reopen Photos and select the iPhone from the sidebar.

Do not reset all network settings or erase the iPhone as an early troubleshooting step for a basic USB-import problem.

Sending one video to someone else?

For that different search intent, use our guide to sending long videos on iPhone, which covers AirDrop, iCloud Links, and Mail Drop.

FAQ

Do I need iTunes to import iPhone videos on Windows in 2026?

Apple’s current support article directs Windows users to install the Apple Devices app, connect the iPhone, then use Microsoft Photos for importing.

Can AirDrop send videos to a Windows PC?

No native AirDrop receiver is built into Windows. Use USB import, iCloud Photos, or another service you intentionally choose for Windows.

Why are some iCloud videos not available for USB import to my PC?

If iCloud Photos is using optimized device storage, the full-resolution original may be in iCloud instead of stored locally on the iPhone. Apple tells Windows users to download originals to the device before USB import.

Will changing Camera > Formats convert videos I already recorded?

No. Apple’s “Most Compatible” setting affects future camera capture. Do not change it merely to solve a one-time import unless you understand that it changes how future photos and videos are recorded.

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