How To Transfer IPhone Photos To PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

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6 min. read

Published on October 16, 2025

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Transferring photos from your iPhone to your PC might seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process with several methods available. Whether you prefer using a USB cable, cloud services, or even email, this guide will walk you through each step to ensure your precious memories are safely stored on your computer.

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to transferring your iPhone photos to your PC, covering various methods to suit your needs and preferences. We’ll explore using the Photos app, File Explorer, iCloud, email, and third-party applications, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your specific situation.

What’s the Best Way to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC?

Method 1: Using the Photos App (Windows 10 & 11)

The Photos app is a built-in Windows application that offers a seamless way to import photos and videos from your iPhone.

Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
Unlock your iPhone and tap “Trust This Computer” if prompted.
Open the Photos app on your PC (search for it in the Start menu).
Click “Import” in the top right corner of the Photos app.
Select “From a USB device”.
The Photos app will scan your iPhone for photos and videos.
Choose the photos and videos you want to import.
Click “Import Selected” or “Import All New Items”.
Select the destination folder on your PC where you want to save the files.
Click “Import”.

Method 2: Using File Explorer

File Explorer allows you to directly access your iPhone’s storage and copy files to your PC.

Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
Unlock your iPhone and tap “Trust This Computer” if prompted.
Open File Explorer on your PC (Windows key + E).
In the left pane, locate and click on your iPhone’s name (it might appear under “This PC”).
Double-click on “Internal Storage”.
Double-click on the “DCIM” folder. This folder contains subfolders with your photos and videos.
Copy the desired photos and videos from the DCIM folders to a folder on your PC. You can drag and drop or use Ctrl+C (copy) and Ctrl+V (paste).

Method 3: Using iCloud for Windows

iCloud for Windows can automatically download your photos to your PC.

Download and install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store.
Open iCloud for Windows and sign in with your Apple ID.
Check the box next to “Photos”.
Click “Options” next to “Photos”.
Select the location on your PC where you want to store your iCloud photos.
Click “Done” and then “Apply”.
Your photos and videos will automatically download from iCloud to your PC.

Method 4: Emailing Photos

For transferring a small number of photos, email can be a quick option.

Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
Select the photos you want to transfer.
Tap the share icon (the square with an arrow pointing up).
Choose “Mail”.
Enter your email address in the “To” field.
Send the email.
Open the email on your PC and download the attached photos.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

Several third-party applications, like Google Photos, offer photo transfer and backup solutions.

Download and install Google Photos on your iPhone and PC.
Sign in to Google Photos on both devices with the same Google account.
Enable backup and sync on your iPhone in the Google Photos app.
Your photos will automatically upload to Google Photos.
Access your photos on your PC through the Google Photos website or app.

Tips

Choose the right method: For large transfers, USB is generally faster. For automatic syncing, iCloud or Google Photos are convenient.
Check storage space: Ensure you have enough free space on your PC before transferring large amounts of photos.
Organize your photos: Create folders on your PC to organize your photos by date, event, or category.
Convert HEIC files: If you encounter HEIC files (iPhone’s default photo format), you may need to convert them to JPEG for compatibility with older software. Several free online converters are available.

Comparison of Transfer Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Photos App	Easy, built-in, good for importing large batches.	Requires Windows 10 or 11.	Importing large numbers of photos quickly and easily.
File Explorer	Direct access to files, no extra software needed.	Can be slow, requires manual file management.	Users comfortable with file management and smaller transfers.
iCloud for Windows	Automatic syncing, convenient for ongoing backups.	Requires iCloud subscription, can consume storage space on your PC.	Users who want automatic syncing and are already using iCloud.
Email	Quick and easy for small numbers of photos.	Not suitable for large transfers, reduces photo quality.	Sending a few photos quickly.
Google Photos	Cross-platform, automatic backup, free storage (with limitations).	Requires a Google account, privacy considerations.	Users who want cross-platform access and automatic cloud backups.

Keeping Your Memories Safe

Transferring your iPhone photos to your PC is a crucial step to ensure your memories are safe and accessible. Choose the method that best suits your needs and keep your photos organized for easy retrieval.

FAQ

How do I transfer photos from my iPhone to my computer without iCloud?

You can use a USB cable and either the Photos app (on Windows 10 & 11) or File Explorer to directly copy the photos.

Why can’t I see my iPhone photos on my PC?

Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and you’ve tapped “Trust This Computer” when prompted. Also, ensure that the necessary drivers are installed on your PC.

How do I convert HEIC photos from my iPhone to JPG on my PC?

You can use a free online HEIC to JPG converter or install a codec on your PC that supports HEIC files.

Will transferring photos from my iPhone to my PC delete them from my iPhone?

No, transferring photos to your PC does not delete them from your iPhone. You’ll need to manually delete them from your iPhone if you want to free up space.

How do I transfer photos from my iPhone to my PC wirelessly?

You can use iCloud for Windows, Google Photos, or other cloud-based services to wirelessly sync your photos to your PC.