Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc

Transfer photos from an iPhone to your PC.

First, connect your iPhone to a PC with a USB cable that can transfer files.

  1. Turn your phone on and unlock it. Your PC can’t find the device if the device is locked.

  2. On your PC, select the Start  button and then select Photos to open the Photos app.

  3. Select Import > From a USB device, then follow the instructions. You can pick the items you want to import and select where to save them. Allow a few moments for detection and transfer.

Make sure the photos you want to import are actually on the device rather than in the cloud. Then, follow the steps for your type of device.

For more info, see Import photos and videos from phone to PC

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You are here: Home / How-to / What to do if you can’t transfer photos from iPhone to Windows PC

Technology doesn’t always work how we want, particularly when using Apple and Windows together. Many users have unexpectedly found they can’t transfer photos from iPhone to PC. If you’re in the same situation, this is the post you need!

Contents

  • Quick Tips 
  • Our Phones are Our Cameras!
  • How you transfer photos from iPhone to a Windows computer
    • Why can’t you copy photos from iPhone to Windows? Check these settings first
    • Transfer iPhone Photos Using Windows 10:
    • Transfer iPhone or iPad Pictures Using Windows 8:
    • Transfer iPhone Photos Using Windows 7:
    • Not Working?
    • How to import photos from iPhone to PC if AutoPlay does not appear
  • Troubleshooting Suggestions
    • Update Your Software
    • Ensure Your iPhone is Unlocked
    • Test the Physical Connections
  • Turn Off iCloud Photo Library
    • How to Turn Off iCloud Photo Library:
    • Alternatively, Download iCloud for Windows to manage your entire iCloud account on your PC
  • Some iPhone Photos Not Visible While Transferring to Windows?
    • Alternatively, try temporarily turning OFF iCloud Photo Library
  • Importing from Newer iPhone Models and Windows 10
    • Transfer iPhone Pictures to a Windows Computer using Windows File Explorer
  • Seeing “device is unreachable” error message when trying to import media from iPhone to Windows?
  • Wrap-Up
  • Reader Tips 

Quick Tips 

Follow these quick tips to help transfer your iPhone’s or iPad’s photos to your Windows computer

  • If you have iCloud Photos turned on, you need to download the original, full-resolution versions of your photos to your iPhone before you import to your PC
    • Select Download and Keep Originals for your iPhone’s Photo App Settings
    • Change Photo app setting for Transfer to Mac or PC to Keep Originals
  • Check that you installed iTunes on the computer. Installing iTunes also installs the drivers needed for your Windows PC (using Windows 7 and above) to recognize your iPhone’s hardware
  • Switch to a different USB port, in particular, try a USB 2.0 port instead of a USB 3.0/ USB-C port
  • If using a USB hub, try instead to plug directly into a USB port on your computer or make sure your USB hub has its own power supply
  • Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or iPod is both ON and UNLOCKED
  • Check that you Trust This Computer you use on your iPhone
  • If the device does not show, restart Windows, launch File Explorer and see if your iPhone or iPad/iPod appears
  • Try connecting the USB cable to another USB port
  • Make sure the USB cable you are using to connect the device to your computer is not loose–if so, push it in further for a tight connection or use another cable
  • Try changing the setting for the Photos App transfer to Mac or PC to Keep Originals
  • Turn on from File > Home Sharing in iTunes
  • Backup iPhone Photos Using iCloud Photo Library
  • How To Download Photos from iCloud to a USB Drive
  • How To Export Photos from iPhone to Windows PC with the Date
  • Switch from Android to Apple: The Ultimate Guide
  • How to Transfer Photos and Videos from iPad /iPhone / iPod to Your Mac or PC
  • Here are the Key Camera and Photo Improvements in iOS 12

Our Phones are Our Cameras!

iPhones are used to take a trillion photos every year. With access to such impressive cameras, it’s common to see our photo libraries grow exponentially.

That’s why it’s important to get the pictures off our iPhone as regularly as possible — freeing up storage and creating a backup of our precious memories.

There are plenty of options for doing this: iCloud Photo Library, sharing to social media, iPhone backups, and importing pictures to Mac or PC.

The last option should be easy, but sadly for PC users Apple and Windows don’t always play nicely. In fact, after years of smooth sailing, many users suddenly find they can’t transfer photos from iPhone to PC anymore.

Such a discovery can be understandably frustrating, which is why we’ve outlined everything you need for a solution below.

We’ll start by explaining the correct process for downloading photos from iPhone to Windows. Even if you’ve been doing it with no problem for years, do not skip this step.

It’s important to know the correct process, as doing it another way could cause problems with your devices. 

Let’s start off by making sure we’re on the same page, using the same transfer process.

The steps below outline Apple’s recommended process for downloading pictures from iPhone to PC.

You should make sure this is how you do it, as other methods could damage the system files of your devices.

Why can’t you copy photos from iPhone to Windows? Check these settings first

Transfer iPhone Photos Using Windows 10:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the PC using a USB cable
  2. Unlock your iPhone. 
  3. If prompted, tap to Trust This Computer on the iPhone
  4. On your PC, open the Photos app
  5. Select Import > From a USB Device
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to select and save your photos

Transfer iPhone or iPad Pictures Using Windows 8:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the PC using a USB cable
  2. Unlock your iPhone. 
  3. If prompted, tap to Trust This Computer on the iPhone
  4. On your PC, open the Photos app
  5. Swipe up or right-click and select Import
  6. Select your iPhone from the available devices
  7. Choose which photos you want and choose Import

Transfer iPhone Photos Using Windows 7:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the PC using a USB cable
  2. Unlock your iPhone. 
  3. If prompted, tap to Trust This Computer on the iPhone
  4. If prompted, click Import pictures and videos using Windows
  5. Otherwise, go to My Computer > Right-click your iPhone > Click Import pictures and videos
  6. Click Import

Not Working?

Check that Home Sharing is turned on from File > Home Sharing in iTunes.

  • From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window
  • Choose File > Home Sharing > Turn on Home Sharing 
  • Authorized computer if asked
  • Enter your Apple ID and password to enable Home Sharing 
    Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc

This feature often helps to get your iPhone or another iDevice to show up as a device to browse, just like a hard disk.

Another option is to close all your active programs and then Restart. Keep your iPhone or iPad connected during that Restart.

Then, if it pops-up choose Trust this device on your iPhone if prompted, then start the Photo Gallery on your Windows PC.

How to import photos from iPhone to PC if AutoPlay does not appear

If AutoPlay doesn’t show up after connecting your iDevice, make sure it’s selected in your Control Panel.

  • Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > AutoPlay 
  • Select change default setting for media and devices
  • Tick the box for Use AutoPlay for all media and devices
    Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc
    Turn on use autoplay for all media and devices on Windows PC

Troubleshooting Suggestions

Now we know the correct way to import photos from iPhone to PC.

In case this still isn’t working for you, we’ve put together a series of troubleshooting suggestions to help find a solution.

Be sure to try importing your photos again after each troubleshooting suggestion.

Update Your Software

Make sure you’re running the latest software for each of the following: iOS, Windows, and iTunes.

Otherwise, the problem you’re encountering could be a fault within outdated software. If you’re unsure how to check for an update follow the links below:

  • iOS on iPhone
  • Windows on PC
  • iTunes on PC

If your iPhone storage is full and you can’t download the new update, try using iTunes to update instead.

Doing so downloads the new software to your PC first, requiring less storage on your iPhone.

Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc
A software update may be required to transfer photos successfully

Ensure Your iPhone is Unlocked

For security measures, the iPhone may require permission before allowing any images to be transferred from it.

For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure your device is unlocked and awake throughout the transfer attempts.

Tap your iPhone screen occasionally to keep it awake. Also, be sure to keep an eye on it for any prompts that may appear.

Some users noted that opening the Photos app on their iPhone caused a permissions pop-up to appear which allowed the transfer.

If you do not select Trust, your PC cannot access your phone’s storage including your Photo App’s DCIM folder.

Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc
It’s important to keep an eye on your iPhone for any prompts

If you accidentally selected Don’t Trust, reset your trusted devices 

  • Unplug your phone from your computer
  • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy 
    Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc

Test the Physical Connections

It’s possible that a hardware fault is stopping you from being able to import your photos.

This could be down to the iPhone, PC, or the USB cable connecting them. Try each of the steps below to narrow down any potential causes.

How to Test Physical Connections:

  1. Use a different USB cable
  2. Connect to a different USB port on the PC
  3. Try a different PC, borrow someone else’s if needed
  4. Import photos from a different iPhone, borrow someone else’s if needed

If any of the steps above allowed you to transfer photos successfully, then you will know the fault lies with whatever element was different.

This could mean a hardware repair is needed, and you should take your device to a technician for further assistance.

Turn Off iCloud Photo Library

iCloud Photo Library allows you to store your entire photo library on iCloud, making it accessible on all your Apple devices.

If turned on, iCloud Photo Library will also optimize your iPhone storage by deleting photos from your device and downloading them again whenever you view them — this is visible as a circular loading icon at the bottom right of your images.

If iCloud Photo Library is taking pictures off of your iPhone, it isn’t possible to complete a full transfer.

However, you can view your entire library by signing in to iCloud.com on any computer.

Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc
Log in to iCloud.com to view and download any photos stored in the cloud

From here, it’s possible to select and download whatever photos you need.

If you don’t wish to store your photos in the cloud, follow the steps below to ensure iCloud Photo Library is switched off for your device.

How to Turn Off iCloud Photo Library:

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Photos
  2. Turn off iCloud Photo Library 
    Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc
  3. When prompted, choose Download Photos & Videos

Alternatively, Download iCloud for Windows to manage your entire iCloud account on your PC

iCloud Photo Library is a great feature that removes the need to back up photos on your PC.

For most people, however, it does require a small paid subscription for additional iCloud storage.

Follow these steps to get iCloud Photos on Your Windows PC

  • Enable iCloud Photo Library on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
    • Settings > Apple ID Profile > iCloud  > Photos
    • Turn on iCloud Photo Library
    • Choose Download and Keep Originals 
  • Download iCloud for Windows
  • Open iCloud for Windows
  • Next to Photos, click Options
  • Select iCloud Photos
  • Click Done, then click Apply

Some iPhone Photos Not Visible While Transferring to Windows?

Some of the photos not visible when trying to transfer to Windows. This issue can sometimes happen when you have selected to Optimize iPhone storage for the Photos.

When you select that option, the originals are stored in the iCloud.

The optimized images sometimes do not show up in the file structure when transferring it to a Windows PC.

Follow along to check using the steps below

  1. Tap on Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud > Photos 
    Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc
  2. If Optimise iPhone Storage is selected, that means that the originals are being stored in the iCloud
  3. Select the option Download and Keep Originals – this ensures all photos are actually stored on your phone, meaning they appear when connected to a PC via USB
  4. You can revert back to optimize once you have transferred the photos to save space on your iPhone.

Alternatively, try temporarily turning OFF iCloud Photo Library

  • Some readers report that when they have iCloud Photo Library enabled, they are not able to transfer photos to their Windows PC via USB Import
  • Go to Settings > Photos > and toggle off iCloud Photos 
  • Choose Download Photos & Videos from the list of options. You may need to free up internal space before you can successfully do this!
    Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc

Importing from Newer iPhone Models and Windows 10

On newer iPhones, sometimes importing via the  Windows 10 Photos App causes issues.

Not exactly sure why. One way to bypass the problem is not to use the Photos application of windows 10 and instead try doing it manually through Windows File Explorer

Transfer iPhone Pictures to a Windows Computer using Windows File Explorer

  1. Plug your device into your computer
  2. Launch Windows Explorer from the start menu
  3. Click the arrow next to This PC
  4. Tap on your device’s name
  5. Open Internal Storage
  6. Choose DCIM
  7. Open any folder
  8. Select an image or hold the Control Key to select multiple images
  9. Tap Copy to at the top of the window
  10. Select Choose Location and locate a folder to save pictures to
  11. Tap Copy to save those images to that location

Select your pictures, copy and paste them into a new folder in Pictures.

You can also right-click on the iPhone in File Explorer and try the Import Pictures and Videos Option to see if that works for you.

Seeing “device is unreachable” error message when trying to import media from iPhone to Windows?

If you are trying to import photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod onto your Windows PC,  but keep getting the error message that your device is unreachable, try changing the setting on how your iDevice transfers your photos and other media.

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Photo App
  3. Scroll all the way down until you see the section Transfer to Mac or PC
  4. Change this setting to Keep Originals
    Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc
    if you see the error that your device is unreachable, try changing your settings for how your iDevice transfers photos to your computer

Wrap-Up

For additional questions around importing Photos to PC, check out this Microsoft article.

If you still can’t transfer photos from iPhone to PC, please get in touch through the comments, and we’ll do what we can to get you sorted.

But hopefully, the steps we outlined above worked their wonders and helped you out already.

Reader Tips 

  • Do the following: 1) disconnect your iPhone from your computer 2) change the Photo App setting for transfer to Mac or PC from Automatic to Keep Originals 3) in your camera settings change formats to Most Compatible
  • Change the Lock Screen to Never and the Photo App setting to ‘Keep Originals.’ That did the trick!
  • The easiest way is to connect your phone and let iTunes sync with your computer. Then right-click on the phone in the File Explorer and choose Import Pictures and Videos. This should walk you through the process of transferring It even asks if you want the pictures removed from the phone and/or how you want your photos labeled
  • Go to your Windows PC’s Control Panel and selected Devices and Printers. My iPhone came up as an Apple Mobile Device USB Driver instead of an Apple iPhone. When I right-clicked on that, I selected Troubleshoot from the options. A message popped up saying that the Apple Mobile Device USB driver is an older device and might not work with USB 3.0, plug the device into an available USB 2.0 port. I tried that and suddenly everything worked!
  • Transfer photos by copying/dragging them from the folders onto my Pictures Folder or even to the Photo App (or whatever photo folder you have) on my laptop. I use iCloud or iTunes for my photos
  • Okay, I gave up and just installed Microsoft’s OneDrive app on my iPhone and enabled the photo upload feature. It works like a charm! I assume you could do this for any cloud storage plan–or even Google Photos/Amazon Photos
  • I had this same problem. And it was fairly simple to solve. When you plug your iPhone into your computer, you must turn ON your phone and unlock it! When you connect to the Windows PC for the very first time or after a software update, you see a message asking you to trust the computer. Answer ‘Trust’. You should then be able to open the DCIM folder and see and save all your pictures
  • When you connect your iPhone to a Windows PC the first time, it installs a driver for your iPhone automatically. Once installed, you should see a small dialog box pop up on your desktop. Tap on it and choose what to do with this device. Select Import photos and videos. If you don’t see a pop-up window, open the Photo app on Windows > All apps and launch it there. Once open, select the photos and tap Continue. Set the path for your photos to save to, then import the pictures

Why cant i import photos from iphone to pc

Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.

Why won't my iPhone photos import to my computer?

This usually means that you are only storing a smaller preview of your images on the iPhone. The images are actually stored on the iCloud. For this reason, when you are trying to transfer data, photos won't import from iPhone to PC. Under iCloud, go to Photos and disable this option.

Why won't all my pictures import to my computer?

To transfer files over Wi-Fi, your computer and the smartphone or other device containing the photos must both be connected to the network. If either is not on Wi-Fi, your PC won't be able to browse your photos. Check the settings on both devices, making sure that each is logged into the same network.