How to Transfer Videos from iPhone to Computer: 4 Easy Methods

Transferring videos from your iPhone to a computer frees up storage, lets you edit footage, or share clips more easily. The fastest way is using a USB cable and File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), but you can also use Wi-Fi, cloud services, or external drives. Here’s how to transfer videos from iPhone to computer:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
2. Tap "Trust/Allow" on your iPhone when prompted.
3. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
4. Select your iPhone > Internal Storage/DCIM folder.
5. Drag videos to your computer’s desktop or a folder.

Now, let’s explore all methods step-by-step!

Before You Start: Check iPhone Settings

For smooth transfers, adjust this setting:

1. Open Settings > Photos.
2. Under "Transfer to Mac or PC", choose:
   • "Keep Originals" (best for full-quality videos).
   • Avoid "Automatic" (may compress videos).

How to Transfer Videos from iPhone to Computer: 4 Methods

Method 1: Transfer Videos Using a USB Cable

Option A: File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB.
2. On iPhone, tap "Trust" and enter your passcode.
3. On your computer:
   • Windows: Open File Explorer > This PC > Apple iPhone.
   • Mac: Open Finder > Locations > iPhone.
4. Open the DCIM folder (videos are in dated subfolders).
5. Drag videos to your desktop or a folder.
   • Note: This only works for iPhone→computer transfers.

Option B: iTunes/Apple Devices App (For PC→iPhone Transfers)

1. Install iTunes (Windows) or the Apple Devices app (Windows 11).
2. Connect your iPhone via USB > Tap "Trust".
3. Open iTunes/Apple Devices > Click your iPhone icon.
4. Go to File Sharing > Select an app (e.g., Google Chrome).
5. Drag videos into the app’s documents area.
6. On iPhone: Open Files > App Folder (e.g., Chrome) > Share > Save Video.

Method 2: Transfer Videos Over Wi-Fi (No Cable!)

Option A: VLC Media Player

1. Install VLC on your iPhone.
2. Open VLC > Tap Network > Enable "Sharing via Wi-Fi".
3. Note the IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.10:8888).
4. On your computer (same Wi-Fi network):
   • Enter the IP address in a web browser.
   • Drag videos into the browser window (iPhone→PC).
   • Click files to download them to your computer (PC→iPhone).
5. On iPhone: Find videos in Files > On My iPhone > VLC folder.

Option B: iTunes Wi-Fi Sync

1. First, connect via USB and open iTunes/Apple Devices.
2. Under Summary, check "Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi".
3. Disconnect the cable.
4. Repeat the iTunes transfer steps (Method 1B) wirelessly.

Option C: Intel Unison (Windows 11 Only)

For PCs with Intel processors:

1. Install Intel Unison from the Microsoft Store.
2. Pair your iPhone via QR code.
3. Transfer videos wirelessly between devices.

Method 3: Use External Storage (USB/SD Card)

Requires a Lightning/USB-C adapter.

1. Connect an external drive (USB stick/SD card) to your iPhone.
2. Open Photos > Select videos > Share > Save to Files.
3. Choose the external drive > Save.
4. Move the drive to your computer > Copy videos to your PC.
   To transfer PC→iPhone: Copy videos onto the drive first.

Method 4: Transfer Videos via Cloud Services

Option A: iCloud

1. On iPhone:
   • Open Photos > Select videos > Share > Save to Files > iCloud Drive.
   • (Tip: Create a "Transfer" folder).
2. On computer:
   • Visit iCloud.com > Sign in > Open iCloud Drive.
   • Download videos.
   • Upload PC→iPhone: Click the upload button (↑) on iCloud.com.

Option B: Google Drive

1. Install Google Drive on your iPhone.
2. Open Drive > Tap + > Upload > Photos and Videos.
3. Select videos > Tap Upload.
4. On computer:
   • Go to drive.google.com > Download videos.

Tip: Use the iCloud for Windows or Google Drive desktop app for drag-and-drop transfers!

Which Method Is Fastest?

Key Tips for Success

• Large videos? Use a cable or external storage (cloud/Wi-Fi may timeout).
• Videos not showing? Check your iPhone’s Photos settings or restart both devices.
• Need to edit videos? Learn how to Photoshop on iPhone first!
• Transferring photos too? See our full photo/video transfer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why won’t my computer detect my iPhone?

• Answer: First, check your USB cable and port. If those work:
  1. Unlock your iPhone and tap "Trust" when the prompt appears.
  2. Update iTunes (Windows) or macOS (Mac).
  3. Restart both devices.
     Still stuck? Try our iPhone Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.

2. Do videos lose quality when transferred?

• Answer: No—if you choose "Keep Originals" in Settings > Photos > "Transfer to Mac or PC". Avoid "Automatic" (compresses files).

3. How do I find videos after transferring via iTunes/VLC?

• Answer: They’re in your Files app, not Photos. Open Files > On My iPhone > [App Name] (e.g., Chrome, VLC). Tap a video > Share > "Save Video" to add to Photos.

4. Can I transfer without a cable or internet?

• Answer: Yes! Use external storage (USB/SD card):
  1. Plug a drive into your iPhone via adapter.
  2. Save videos via Photos > Share > "Save to Files".
  3. Move the drive to your computer.
     Need help? See how to find downloads on iPhone.

5. iCloud vs. Google Drive: Which is better?

Conclusion

Transferring videos from iPhone to computer is simple once you pick the right method:

• Need speed? → Use a USB cable.
• No cables? → Try Wi-Fi (VLC) or cloud services.
• Editing videos? → Save space with external storage.

For more tips, explore our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide or learn to transfer photos + videos together.