How to Transfer Pictures from iPhone to Computer (Windows and Mac)

Are you switching devices, freeing up space, or maybe you want a safe backup? Learning how to transfer pictures from iPhone to computer can have a huge difference.

This guide breaks it all down for you. We'll walk you through different methods on how to transfer images from iPhone to computer (Windows and Mac) even using cable, cloud storage, or wireless options.

Let's get started and make this easy.

Part 1. Why Transfer Photos from iPhone to a Computer?

There are many good reasons to move your photos from your iPhone to a computer. Here are the most common ones:

• To free up space. iPhones can fully run out of storage quickly. This is especially true if you have lots of saved pictures and videos. Moving them to a computer gives you more room.
• To keep a backup. Storing your photos on a computer helps protect them in case your phone gets lost, broken, or stolen.
• For easier organization. It's easier to sort, rename, or group your photos using a computer.
• To share or print photos easily. Once your images are on a computer, it's simpler to share them online or print them out.
• For switching phones or upgrading. If you're getting a new phone, saving your photos on a computer makes it easy to move them later.

Part 2. How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC With a Wire Cable?

Don't want to use cloud storage? Plugging your iPhone into your PC with a cable is a reliable way to move photos. Follow the two methods to complete the process.

Method 1: How Do You Transfer Photos from iPhone to Computer Using File Explorer

One of the quickest ways to transfer pictures from your iPhone to a Windows computer is by using File Explorer. This method doesn't require any extra software, just a USB cable. It works well if you want to quickly copy and paste your images into a folder on your PC.

File Explorer gives you full control over what to transfer. You can move a few pictures or your entire gallery. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Attach your iPhone to a working PC using a USB cable.

Step 2: Unlock the iPhone now and hit Trust.

Step 3: Open File Explorer and hit the Apple iPhone below This PC.

Step 4: Right-click Apple iPhone and select Import pictures and videos.

Step 5: Choose Import all new items now and click Import. This will copy all photos and videos to your Pictures folder.

Now, you can view your transferred photos anytime from your Pictures folder.

Some photo files end in HEIC which some PCs can't open in File Explorer. To avoid issues, set your iPhone to automatically convert HEIF photos to JPEG when transferring:

Step 1: Open iPhone Settings.

Step 2: Tap Photos.

Step 3: Scroll to Transfer to Mac or PC.

Step 4: Select Automatic. This ensures your photos are converted to JPEG, making them easier to view and transfer on your PC.

Method 2: How to Transfer Images from iPhone to Computer With Photos App

Another simple option is to use the built-in Photos app on your Windows computer. You can input photos and videos from your iPhone in just a few clicks. It's great if you want an organized way to import and view your photos right away. With the Photos app, you can also choose which pictures to transfer and where to save them.

See the below steps to transfer photos from iPhone to PC via the Photos App:

Step 1: Plug-in your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable.

Step 2: Tap Trust and enter your passcode if asked.

Step 3: Open iTunes on your PC.

Step 4: Quickly navigate to the PC's Photos app.

Step 5: Click the Import icon (a down arrow in a square).

Step 6: Pick carefully the images you will move and press Continue.

Step 7: Click Import to transfer them.

Step 8: Optionally, tick the box to eliminate pictures from your iPhone after import.

More related articles:

[Top 7 Ways] How to Transfer Videos from iPhone to Computer

How to Change iPhone Photos from HEIC to JPG in 3 Ways

Part 3: How Do You Transfer Photos from iPhone to Computer Wirelessly?

Don't want to deal with cables? You can also move photos from your iPhone to a computer wirelessly. Here are the best transferring options you can try.

Method 1: How Do I Transfer Pictures from iPhone to computer via Bluetooth

The first solution is to share image files through an easy way: bluetooth. This might seem like a quick way to transfer photos, but there are limits. iPhones can't send photos directly to Windows PCs using Bluetooth.

You can only use Bluetooth to share photos between Apple devices and with third-party apps that support it. If you still want to try Bluetooth, make sure you're using the right app or sending it to another Apple device. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Access Settings and turn on Bluetooth on the iPhone.

Step 2: Also, go to Settings and from the Bluetooth & Devices tab, turn on Bluetooth on the PC.

Step 3: Click Start and find All Apps. Seek Phone Link, then pick iPhone as your device.

Step 4: When a QR code appears, scan it and open the link connected to the code.

Step 5: Follow the prompt on your iPhone to download and open the Link to Windows app.

Step 6: Hit Scan QR code and scan the working code appeared in the Phone Link. Tap Continue to start pairing.

Step 7: Click Pair on both your iPhone and PC when prompted.

Step 8: Your PC will show what permissions are needed. Follow the steps to allow notifications, calls, and messages. Your iPhone device is now fully synced with your Windows 11 PC. Move the image files you want to transfer at the moment.

Method 2: How Do I Transfer Pictures from iPhone to Computer Using Sync

Syncing an iPhone with your PC computer is an efficient way to move image files automatically. This method uses iCloud or iTunes to keep your photo library updated across devices.

When sync is turned on, your images can move between your iPhone and computer without needing to manually copy them each time. If you want a hands-free and organized photo transfer process, syncing might be the best option for you.

Note: Make sure you have enough space in iCloud to store your photos.

Step 1: Open iPhone Settings and tap your Apple ID.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap iCloud. You'll see your available storage.

Step 3: Under Apps Using iCloud, tap Photos.

Step 4: Toggle on Sync this iPhone. Your photos and videos will be added to iCloud over Wi-Fi. This may take a while if you have many files.

Step 5: Visit iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 6: Hit the Photos icon. Select the photo(s) you want to transfer.

Step 7: Press the Download icon and choose a folder if prompted. Once downloaded, check your folder to access the photos.

Method 3: How to Transfer Images from iPhone to Computer via Google Photos

Aside from iCloud, you can also employ Google Photos as an effective image transferring technique. Google Photos makes it easy to move pictures from your computer to your iPhone, and it offers free cloud storage. It stores your pictures online so that you can see or save them from any device.

Below, we'll show you how to upload photos from your iPhone and view them on your computer using Google Photos.

Step 1: Open Google Photos and sign in quickly. Click the + option.

Step 2: Hit Upload and choose Photos and Videos to select and upload images from your iPhone.

Step 3: See your PC Google Photos.

Step 4: Go to the Photos section to view and access the images you uploaded.

Part 4. How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac?

Got a Mac? Moving your photos from iPhone to Mac is quick and easy with built-in Apple tools. Here's how to do it.

Method 1: How to Transfer Pictures from iPhone to Mac with the Photos App

The Photos app on your Mac makes it simple to import pictures from your iPhone. With just a working USB cable, you can connect your phone, select the images you want, and move them directly to your Mac's photo library. This is great for transferring large batches of photos and keeping everything organized in one place. Plus, it's built into macOS, so you don't need any extra tools.

Step 1: Attach your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with a USB cable. If you see a message asking to Allow the accessory to connect, click Allow.

Step 2: Find the Photos app on your Mac.

Step 3: If the Import screen doesn't appear, click your device's name in the sidebar.

Step 4: Unlock your iPhone or iPad if needed, and tap Trust when prompted.

Step 5: Choose where to save your photos. Pick an existing album folder or create a new one.

Step 6: Pick the photos you want to import, then click Import Selected or Import All New Photos.

Wait for the import to finish, then safely disconnect your device.

Note: Make sure iCloud Photos is turned off if you're doing a manual import.

Method 2: How Do You Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac Using AirDrop

AirDrop is one of the fastest and easiest ways to move photos from your iPhone to your Mac. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to send files instantly between Apple devices, no cables or extra apps needed.

If your iPhone and Mac are close to each other, AirDrop lets you share photos with just a few taps. It's perfect for quickly moving a few images without syncing or signing in to other services.

Step 1: On your iPhone, open the app where your file or photo is saved (like Photos), and select the item you want to share.

Step 2: See the Share icon, then press AirDrop.

Step 3: Your iPhone will efficiently search for nearby pairable devices. When your Mac appears, tap its name to start the transfer.

Step 4: On your Mac, a pop-up will appear. Click Accept to receive the file.

Step 5: The file will eventually move and save to your Mac's Downloads folder.

Part 5. Photos Not Loading or Corrupted? Fix With A Repair Tool

Sometimes, when you transfer photos from your iPhone to your computer, they don't load properly or appear broken. This can happen for a few reasons:

• The transfer process was interrupted
• The file got damaged due to storage issues
• The photo was already corrupted on your iPhone
• There's an issue with the file format or compatibility

Whatever the cause, corrupted images can be frustrating, especially if they hold important value. The good news? You can repair them easily using a reliable tool like Repairit Photo Repair.

If your iPhone photos are damaged, blurry, pixelated, or won't open, Wondershare Repairit (V6.5) makes it easy to fix them. This AI-powered tool supports many formats like JPEG, PNG, and HEIC, so you can quickly restore your pictures with just a few clicks.

From faded graduation shots to old family memories, Repairit helps you bring them back in high quality. It works on both desktop and online; no tech skills are needed.

What Kinds of iPhone Photo Problems Can Repairit Fix?

• Photos appear blank or pixelated after transferring via cable or cloud.
• Live Photos only partially load (still image transfers but short video won't open).
• Transferred images show "unsupported file" or won't open in Windows Photo Viewer.
• HEIC or JPEG images lost sharpness or show grey blocks after copy.
• Photos copied from damaged iPhone or SD card fail to open.

Why Thousands of Creators and iPhone Users Trust Repairit?

• ⭐Trusted by 1,000,000+ users globally
• 🧠Powered by AI: detects and fixes complex pixel-level corruption
• 🎯Supports 20+ image formats including iPhone-native HEIC, JPG, PNG, TIFF
• 🖥️ Compatible with Windows, macOS, external drives, SD cards, and USBs

Here's the step-by-step process for using Repairit to fix damaged iPhone photos:

Step 1: Run Repairit iPhone Photo Repair and go to More Types Repair. Afterwards, click Photo Repair from the sidebar. Click Add and choose the damaged or corrupted photos from your computer.

Step 2: After uploading, Repairit will show thumbnails and details like file size and resolution. Click Repair to start the photo restoration.

Step 3: Once done, you'll be notified, and you can click Preview to check the results. To finish, click Save for individual images or Save All to export everything. Choose your preferred folder, and your photos will be saved and ready to use.

Conclusion

Transferring images from your iPhone to a PC or Mac doesn't have to be complicated. If you're using a USB cable, cloud syncing, or wireless options like AirDrop or Google Photos, there's a method that fits your setup and preferences. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily move your photos to a Windows PC or Mac without losing quality.