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How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows/Mac

author Emily Watson
date Monday, September 11, 2023

"How do I transfer photos from iPhone to computer Windows 10?"

"How do you transfer photos from iPhone to computer?"

You may come across the unsolved questions above on Quora, Reddit, etc. Due to insufficient iPhone storage, photo backup, or reproduction, people would like to find a way to transfer photos from iPhone to Windows or Mac. To be honest, there is always more than one way. This guide collects all the ideas and shows you how to transfer photos from iPhone to computer in 5 ways. Now, let's get the rope here.

Transfer Photos from iPhone to Computer with iCloud Photos (PC/Mac)

As is known to all, iCloud can sync data from iPhone to the cloud including Photos. Therefore, you can easily transfer iPhone photos to Windows PC or Mac using iCloud if you've enabled the Photos backup in iCloud. The drawback is that there is only 5 GB of free iCloud storage. Now, you may see how to transfer photos from iPhone to computer without USB via iCloud Photos below.

1. On your iPhone 15/14/13/12/11, go to "Settings" > "Apple ID" > "iCloud" > "Photos".

2. Toggle on "Sync this iPhone" and decide whether to keep full-resolution originals.

Enable iCloud Photos iPhone

3. On Macbook Air/Pro/Mini, open the "Photos" app. On Windows PC or laptop, you should download and install iCloud for Windows. Then, log in with the same Apple ID and go to "File Explorer" > "iCloud Photos".

4. Select one or multiple photos and download your selection to your computer.

Download iPhone Photos from iCloud Photos

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows 11/10/8/7

For Windows 11//10/8/7 users, there are 2 more methods to choose from. Now, pick a preferred way and learn how to transfer photos from iPhone to computer below.

Import Photos from iPhone to PC with USB

Windows Photos app enables you to directly move iPhone photos to Windows 10/11 with a USB cable. However, if some photos are synced from another device via iCloud Photos, you'll have to download the originals first.

tips Tips:

If you transfer photos from iPhone to computer with USB, it may occur:

  • iPhone albums will not be kept.
  • HEIC images cannot be directly viewed.
  • Photos/videos will be saved in random order.
  • Photos/videos will be saved in random order.

1. Update the iTunes for Windows app to 12.5.1 or later.

2. Hook up your iPhone to Windows PC/laptop via a USB cable.

3. Open the Windows Photos app and select "From a connected device".

 Windows Photos App Connected Device

4. Click "Change destination" and select desired photos.

5. Now, click "Import XX items" to transfer photos from iPhone to Windows with USB.

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Computer with USB

Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC via DoTrans

FonePaw DoTrans is a fully-fledged data transfer software that lets you easily transfer all types of data from iPhone 14/13/12/11/X to Windows/iPhone/Android including photos, videos, music, audio, contacts, and messages. With its state-of-the-art technology, it works as a flash to transfer unlimited photos of any size with a click. Now, let's grasp the idea of how to transfer photos from iPhone to Windows computer with this best iTunes alternative.

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1. Launch FonePaw DoTrans after you download and install it to Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP.

2. Connect your iPhone to the software and it'll load your photos when iPhone is detected.

3. Select "Photos" and choose an album or "Camera Roll" to see all the photos.

4. Click "Check All" to select all photos or make your own choices.

5. Click "Export to PC" and choose the output folder to transfer your iPhone photos.

Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows Computer

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Computer (Mac)

As for Macbook Pro/Air/mini users, 3 methods are available for your reference. Now, get your best pick and get the hang of how to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac computer.

Move Photos from iPhone to Mac Computer with USB

Since both iPhone and Mac are proudly made by Apple, the devices are well-compatible with each other. Only by connecting an iPhone to a Mac with USB can you transfer iPhone photos to Mac. That's so easy that you can do it with your eyes closed. Here's how it works.

1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac.

2. Launch the Photos app on the Mac.

3. Select your iPhone on the left side under "Devices".

4. Click "Add to" to choose a destination folder.

5. Select one or multiple photos and hit the "Import All New Photos" button.

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac Computer with USB

Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac using iOS Transfer

FonePaw iOS Transfer is an exclusive iPhone/iPad manager that works as the best alternative to iTunes. This top-rated software enables you to manage files and transfer data from iPhone to Mac/Windows/iPhone including photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, playlists, ebooks, audiobooks, etc. With its intuitive interface, it takes no effort to transfer as many photos as you want to Mac in an instant.

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1. Download and install FonePaw iOS Transfer on your Mac. Then, open the software.

2. Insert a USB cable into your Mac and connect your iPhone to the other end.

3. Click "Photos" and check out all your photos on your iPhone.

4. Select desired or all photos and click "Export to PC" to transfer them to Mac.

How to Transfer All Photos from iPhone to Computer

Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac without USB via AirDrop

AirDrop is a wireless way to share files like photos, videos, and documents between nearby Apple devices. However, it may be slow to transfer a bunch of photos at the same time via AirDrop. Moreover, if you have a hotspot on, you should turn it off to make AirDrop work. Here, you may check out how to transfer photos from iPhone to computer wirelessly.

1. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on iPhone and Mac.

2. Open the "Photos" app on your iPhone and select one or more photos.

3. Tap the "Share" icon followed by "AirDrop".

4. Select your Mac as a receiver and click "Accept" on the Mac to receive photos.

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac Computer with AirDrop

Watch the video: Learn more about transferring photos

FAQs about Transferring Photos from iPhone to Computer

How do you transfer photos from iPhone to computer without USB?

If you happen to have no USB cable in hand, no worries. There are actually many ways to transfer photos from iPhone to computer without USB including:

  • Cloud services: iCloud Photos, Google Photos, etc.
  • Social media: WhatsApp, Messenger, Snapchat, Telegram, etc.
  • Mail: Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook, etc.
  • AirDrop: between iOS and macOS.

Why can't I transfer photos from iPhone to computer?

There are many possible reasons why you cannot import photos from iPhone to Mac/Windows. If you cannot import photos from iPhone, see whether one of the following causes is the culprit.

  • Your computer is not trusted by iPhone.
  • You're not using the original Apple USB cable.
  • Some iPhone photos are stored in iCloud.
  • The operating system is too obsolete.
  • You're importing too many photos at a time.

Conclusion

All the ways introduced above enable you to transfer photos from your iPhone to a computer, and you may pick one according to your operating system. If you want to manage your iPhone or transfer other files to iPhone, Android, or computer, then FonePaw DoTrans and FonePaw iOS Transfer will be your best partner to make the transfer easy, fast, and stable. Both of them are free to get started now. Why not just give it a go?

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